The most important labs for men at every age

Staying on top of your health isn’t just about hitting the gym, eating well, or getting the necessary vaccines. It also means knowing what’s happening inside your body, which is why scheduling an annual wellness check is essential.

In addition to screening for things like hypertension, skin cancer, and obesity via a physical exam, blood tests are one of the simplest and most effective ways to catch early warning signs, monitor your risk factors, and guide preventive care.

But the most important tests for men aren’t always the same as for women, and they change as you age. What’s essential for 20-year-old dudes might look very different from the priority blood tests for 50-year-old males.

We’ve broken down recommended blood tests by age, what they check for, and key health priorities to focus on, so you can easily hop to the most relevant recommendations for your life stage.

Your 20s might feel like your healthiest years, but this is the time to establish a baseline and catch hidden issues before they snowball. A few simple blood tests can help set you up for long-term wellness.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC is one of the most common and useful blood tests because it gives a snapshot of your overall health. It measures several key components of your blood, including red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infection), hemoglobin and hematocrit (which reflect oxygen-carrying capacity), and platelets (which help with clotting).

For men, a CBC can uncover problems like anemia, hidden infections, immune system disorders, or even certain cancers before symptoms appear.

Because it’s inexpensive and widely available, it’s often the first test ordered to evaluate fatigue, weakness, or other vague symptoms, and it can serve as an early warning sign for larger health issues.

Typical values:

• Hemoglobin: 13.5-17.5 g/dL

• Hematocrit: 41-53%

• White blood cells: 4,500-11,000/µL

Lipid Panel

Even in your 20s, cholesterol can start creeping up. Even if you have generally healthy habits, this is also a good time to identify potential genetic influences on your cholesterol levels.

A lipid panel provides a baseline for heart health and long-term cardiovascular disease risk, such as risk for atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes, by measuring circulating fats in your blood. When certain blood fats are too high or too low, this is called dyslipidemia.

Optimal values for men:

• Total cholesterol: <200 mg/dL

• LDL (“bad”) cholesterol: <100 mg/dL

• HDL (“good”) cholesterol: ≥40 mg/dL

• Triglycerides: <150 mg/dL

Fasting Blood Glucose

Glucose is your body’s main source of energy, but when levels stay elevated, it can damage blood vessels and organs over time.

A fasting blood glucose test measures how well your body regulates sugar when you haven’t eaten, making it one of the best early indicators of prediabetes or diabetes.

Even young men can develop insulin resistance, often linked to weight gain, poor diet, or low activity. Catching it early allows for lifestyle changes that can prevent long-term complications like heart disease, kidney damage, or nerve issues.

• Normal range: 70–99 mg/dL

• Prediabetes starts at 100–125 mg/dL

STI Screening

If you’re intimately active, regular STI screening is key since infections like HIV and syphilis often show no early symptoms.

Common STI screenings done with blood tests include:

• HIV, usually via antigen/antibody test (blood test).

• Syphilis, screened with blood tests like RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) or VDRL.

• Hepatitis B and C, blood tests check for viral antigens and antibodies.

• Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2), blood test for antibodies (though diagnosis is often based on symptoms).

Tests for other STIs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human papilloma virus (HPV) are generally done via urine or saliva swab test.

Results from an STI test are reported as negative/nonreactive (normal) or positive/reactive (meaning that the test needs follow-up).

Testosterone (if Symptoms Are Present)

Routine testing isn’t needed for every young man, but if you’re experiencing fatigue, low libido, or difficulty building muscle, it may be useful.

Normal total testosterone is approximately 300–1,000 ng/dL for guys in this age range.

Lifestyle and stress begin to play a bigger role in long-term health among adults ages 26-39. These screening tests help catch early metabolic shifts and keep your energy, hormones, and organs in check.

It’s recommended to continue these blood tests in this age group:

• Complete blood count (CBC). It’s still important to track infections, anemia, and overall blood health.

• Lipid panel. Cholesterol and triglycerides can rise during these years, especially with weight gain or less exercise.

Additional or expanded blood tests, listed below, are usually suggested now as well.

Fasting Blood Glucose & Hemoglobin A1c

Unlike fasting glucose, which gives you a snapshot of blood sugar in the moment, hemoglobin A1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past few months.

This makes it especially valuable for detecting prediabetes and type 2 diabetes earlier, even if your fasting glucose looks normal.

For men in their 30s and beyond, when metabolic changes, weight gain, or family history may start to play a bigger role, an A1c test can uncover hidden risks and guide preventive steps before serious complications develop.

• Normal A1c: Below 5.7%

• Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4%

• Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

A CMP goes beyond the basics to give a broad look at how well your body’s major systems are functioning. It includes liver enzymes (ALT and AST) that can reveal early signs of liver damage from alcohol, medications, or fatty liver disease, which are issues that often develop silently.

Creatinine and other kidney markers help assess how well your kidneys filter waste, while electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) show whether your fluid balance and muscle/nerve function are on track.

The panel also checks blood proteins that reflect nutrition and overall health. Since the liver and kidneys quietly handle vital work every day, the CMP is a powerful tool for spotting stress or dysfunction before it leads to serious complications.

Typical values:

• ALT: 7–56 U/L

• AST: 10-40 U/L

• Creatinine: 0.74-1.35 mg/dL

Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T4)

The thyroid is a small gland in your neck, but it plays a huge role in regulating your metabolism, energy, mood, and even heart function. Thyroid function tests typically include TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and sometimes free T4 (thyroxine). Thyroid screening isn’t routinely recommended for everyone, but it can be helpful when symptoms or other factors raise the possibility of a thyroid issue.

A high TSH with low T4 suggests hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), which can cause fatigue, weight gain, and depression. A low TSH with high T4 points toward hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), which may trigger anxiety, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and sleep issues.

Because symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for stress or aging, blood tests are the only reliable way to confirm thyroid problems early and prevent long-term complications.

• Normal TSH: 0.4–4.0 mIU/L

• Free T4: 0.8–1.8 ng/dL

Testosterone (if Symptomatic)

If fatigue, low libido, or muscle loss are issues, testing is warranted.

Normal total testosterone for guys in this age range remains 300-1,000 ng/dL.

So, what tests should a man have at 40? As men hit this milestone, there’s an increased risk of chronic disease. These labs help monitor heart health, hormone balance, and cancer risks.

The following tests should continue at this stage of life:

• Complete blood count (CBC). Continues to monitor anemia and general health.

• Lipid panel. Heart disease risk accelerates during these years, making screening for high cholesterol and triglycerides essential.

• Fasting blood glucose & A1c. Glucose and A1c remain key for diabetes prevention.

• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). Monitors liver and kidney health, especially important if on medications or with high blood pressure.

• Thyroid function tests. These can catch midlife thyroid shifts that impact energy and metabolism.

There are also some additional screenings generally recommended for guys in this age bracket.

Colorectal Cancer Screening (Start at Age 45)

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and it often develops silently without symptoms in the early stages.

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a simple at-home stool test that looks for hidden (occult) blood, which can be an early warning sign of cancer or precancerous polyps.

Starting at age 45, average-risk men should begin regular screening, since early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes. A negative result means no blood was detected, but repeat testing as recommended by your doctor is key for ongoing prevention.

• Normal result: Negative

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) (Case-by-Case)

The prostate naturally produces PSA, a protein that can be measured in the blood. Elevated levels may signal prostate cancer, but they can also rise from noncancerous conditions like an enlarged prostate or infection.

This is why prostate cancer screening isn’t a one-size-fits-all test. It’s best discussed with your provider, especially if you’re over 50, have a family history of prostate cancer, or are African American (since risk is higher).

Interpreting PSA requires nuance: while <4.0 ng/mL is often considered normal, lower levels are better, and trends over time can be more meaningful than a single result.

Cardiovascular Risk Markers (apoB, hs-CRP, Lipoprotein(a))

Standard cholesterol tests don’t always tell the full story of heart disease risk. Advanced markers can provide a clearer picture:

• Apolipoprotein B (apoB). Measures the number of cholesterol-carrying particles that can penetrate artery walls—an elevated apoB means higher risk even if LDL looks normal. Optimal: <90 mg/dL.

• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Detects low-grade inflammation linked to heart attack and stroke risk. Low risk: <1.0 mg/L.

• Lipoprotein(a). A genetic cholesterol particle that increases heart disease risk regardless of other lab values.

For men with a strong family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or metabolic issues, these advanced labs can reveal hidden risks and guide earlier, more aggressive prevention.

At this stage, it’s about staying ahead of chronic disease, nutrient deficiencies, and cancer screening. Regular monitoring and preventive care make the biggest difference here.

It’s important to continue the following screenings among older men:

• Complete blood count (CBC). Anemia becomes more common with age, often due to nutrient deficiencies or chronic disease.

• Lipid panel. These tests continue to guide heart disease risk management.

• Fasting blood glucose & hemoglobin A1c. Knowing how your body regulates glucose remains essential for diabetes and insulin sensitivity monitoring.

• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). Helps track kidney and liver function, especially important if you take daily medications.

• Thyroid function tests. Hypothyroidism is more common in older men and can affect weight, energy, and mood.

• Advanced cardiovascular tests (apoB, hs-CRP, Lipoprotein(a)). These provide extra insight into risk for heart attack and stroke.

• Colorectal cancer screening. Continue regular screening, which may include colonoscopy, as advised.

• PSA (prostate-specific antigen). Should be an individualized decision with your provider.

There are also some additional blood tests that are recommended as you enter this age range.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for making red blood cells, supporting nerve function, and keeping your brain sharp. Low levels are associated with cognitive decline. Routine screening for vitamin B12 is generally not recommended for everyone, but testing may be appropriate for individuals with certain risk factors or clinical concerns.

As men get older, absorption of B12 decreases due to lower stomach acid or conditions like gastritis, and deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, tingling in the hands and feet, and even memory problems. A blood test can quickly reveal low levels before symptoms become severe.

While the lab “normal” range is broad (200–900 pg/mL), many experts consider levels above 400 pg/mL more optimal for preventing subtle neurological issues.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps regulate calcium absorption, bone strength, muscle function, and immune health. Low vitamin D levels are common, especially in men over 50, since natural production from sunlight decreases with age and metabolic changes. Routine vitamin D screening isn’t currently recommended for everyone, but it may be worthwhile when symptoms or risk factors suggest a possible deficiency.

Deficiency can raise the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, low testosterone, and even chronic illnesses like heart disease. A simple blood test measures 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the best indicator of your body’s vitamin D status.

While 30 to 50 ng/mL is considered optimal, many men fall short without appropriate supplementation or consistent sun exposure.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can slowly damage the liver over decades without causing obvious symptoms.

Many men born between 1945 and 1965 were exposed before widespread blood screening and safer medical practices were in place, which is why the CDC recommends at least a one-time test for all adults, and especially for older men.

The blood test checks for hepatitis C antibodies (to see if you’ve ever been exposed) and, if positive, an RNA test confirms whether the virus is active.

Detecting hepatitis C early is critical, because today’s antiviral treatments can cure more than 95% of cases and prevent long-term complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer

• Normal result: Negative (no antibodies or virus detected)

• If positive: Follow-up testing and treatment may be recommended

Men’s health screening guidelines by age, including these blood tests, offer a strong framework. Still, no two men share the exact same health risks. The most effective blood test strategy is one that’s personalized to your history, lifestyle, and family background.

• Personal and family history should guide the frequency and type of tests you get.

• Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, alcohol, and other habits can shift your testing needs.

• Ongoing conversations with your healthcare provider ensure labs are tailored to your stage of life.

Take charge of your health by talking with your primary care provider about which tests are right for you, because the best prevention plan is the one designed just for you.

Related:

• BMI vs body composition: Why your weight doesn’t tell your full wellness story
• Is low testosterone genetic?

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This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org