The Best Blood Tests for Men Over 40

For many men, turning 40 feels like business as usual. You might still feel strong, energetic, and relatively healthy. But beneath the surface, subtle shifts in hormones, metabolism, and cardiovascular function are already underway. The good news? A targeted set of blood tests can catch these changes early — long before they become serious health problems.

At Yearly, we believe that proactive blood testing is the cornerstone of preventive health. Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, regular biomarker tracking allows men over 40 to make data-driven decisions about their wellbeing. Here are the most important blood tests every man in this age group should consider.

1. Full Lipid Panel

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for Australian men, and risk begins climbing significantly after 40. A standard lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, and triglycerides. However, for a more complete picture, consider requesting an ApoB (apolipoprotein B) test as well. Research published in The Lancet has shown that ApoB is a superior predictor of cardiovascular risk compared to LDL alone, as it captures the total number of atherogenic particles circulating in the blood (Sniderman et al., 2019).

Optimal LDL levels for longevity-focused individuals are generally below 2.6 mmol/L, while ApoB should ideally sit below 0.9 g/L. If your numbers are elevated, lifestyle modifications and medical intervention can make a significant difference when started early.

2. HbA1c and Fasting Glucose

Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest-growing chronic conditions in Australia, and men over 40 are at heightened risk. HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) provides a three-month average of blood sugar levels, making it far more informative than a single fasting glucose reading. An HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes — a reversible condition if caught early. Fasting insulin is another valuable addition, as it can detect insulin resistance years before glucose levels begin to rise (Tabák et al., 2012).

3. Testosterone (Total and Free)

Testosterone levels in men decline by approximately 1–2% per year after the age of 30. By the time you reach 40, the cumulative effect can manifest as fatigue, reduced muscle mass, mood changes, and diminished libido. A total testosterone test alone is insufficient — you also need free testosterone measured, as this is the biologically active form. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) should be included to understand how much testosterone is actually available to your tissues (Travison et al., 2007).

While "normal" reference ranges for total testosterone span broadly from 8 to 30 nmol/L, optimal function is generally associated with levels above 15 nmol/L. If your results fall in the lower range, a conversation with your doctor about lifestyle optimisation or further investigation is warranted.

4. Thyroid Function (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)

Thyroid dysfunction is often overlooked in men but can contribute to weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, and depression. A comprehensive thyroid panel — including TSH, free T3, and free T4 — provides a clearer picture than TSH alone. Subclinical hypothyroidism, where TSH is mildly elevated but free hormones appear normal, is more common than many realise and can significantly impact quality of life.

5. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Your liver is responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and nutrient processing. Liver function tests measure enzymes such as ALT, AST, and GGT. Elevated GGT in particular has been linked to increased cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome (Kunutsor et al., 2015). For men who consume alcohol regularly or carry excess abdominal weight, these markers are especially important to monitor.

6. Vitamin D

Despite Australia’s sunny reputation, vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly prevalent, particularly among men who work indoors. Vitamin D plays crucial roles in bone health, immune function, and testosterone production. Levels below 50 nmol/L are considered deficient, while optimal ranges for health and performance sit between 75 and 150 nmol/L.

7. Iron Studies

Iron overload (haemochromatosis) is one of the most common genetic conditions in Australia, affecting approximately 1 in 200 people of Northern European descent. A full iron studies panel — including serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin saturation — can detect both deficiency and excess. Elevated ferritin, in particular, is associated with increased inflammation and organ damage if left unmanaged (Adams et al., 2005).

8. PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

While PSA screening remains a topic of debate, it is worth discussing with your GP once you turn 40 — especially if you have a family history of prostate cancer. Establishing a baseline PSA level allows for more meaningful tracking over time. A rapidly rising PSA is often more clinically significant than a single elevated reading.

How Yearly Can Help

At Yearly, we make it simple to track all of these biomarkers over time. Upload your blood test results as a PDF, and our AI-powered platform will extract your data, highlight areas of concern, and show you how your levels trend from year to year. With biological age insights and personalised recommendations, you can take control of your health trajectory well before problems arise.

Turning 40 doesn’t have to mean declining health. With the right blood tests and a commitment to regular monitoring, it can be the decade you take charge of your longevity.

References

1. Sniderman, A.D., et al. (2019). "Apolipoprotein B Particles and Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review." JAMA Cardiology, 4(12), 1287–1295.
2. Tabák, A.G., et al. (2012). "Prediabetes: A High-Risk State for Diabetes Development." The Lancet, 379(9833), 2279–2290.
3. Travison, T.G., et al. (2007). "A Population-Level Decline in Serum Testosterone Levels in American Men." The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 92(1), 196–202.
4. Kunutsor, S.K., et al. (2015). "Gamma-Glutamyltransferase and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease." Atherosclerosis, 242(1), 186–194.
5. Adams, P.C., et al. (2005). "Hemochromatosis and Iron-Overload Screening in a Racially Diverse Population." New England Journal of Medicine, 352(17), 1769–1778.