After thirty, the male body starts to change in ways many men don’t notice until it’s too late. Testosterone gradually declines by about 1% per year after age 30, metabolism slows, and recovery worsens. Smart prevention and supplementation - grounded in solid science - can slow these changes.
Most physicians test only basic parameters that reveal only severe deficiencies. For smarter prevention, it’s crucial to track subtle shifts that can affect energy metabolism and recovery.
8 key markers worth your attention
1) HbA1c + insulin - for early detection of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months. Even “prediabetic” values accelerate aging and raise cardiovascular risk.
Optimal: below 5.4% (≤ 36 mmol/mol)
Strategy: test every 3-6 months; consider continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during high‑stress periods.
Interventions: intermittent fasting, dietary adjustments, stress management.
You can track HbA1c through our Heart Health Premium or Weight Management test panels.
2) ApoB/ApoA1 ratio - a true indicator of heart risk
Unlike standard cholesterol, this ratio provides a more accurate prediction. ApoB reflects the number of atherogenic particles; ApoA1 protects blood vessels. The American Heart Association recommends ApoB/ApoA1 as one of the most reliable predictors of cardiovascular risk [1].
Optimization: Mediterranean diet, omega‑3s, cardio, stress reduction.
ApoB is included in our Heart Health Premium panel for a more precise cardiovascular risk assessment.
3) hs‑CRP - index of systemic inflammation
Chronic low‑grade inflammation (“inflammaging”) contributes to cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and accelerated aging.
Optimal: < 1.0 mg/L
Worsened by: lack of sleep, frequent travel, alcohol, chronic stress
To reduce: omega‑3s, curcumin with piperine, meditation.
You’ll find hs-CRP in our Blood Premium, Blood Energy & Fatigue, and Blood Weight Management test packages.
4) Vitamin D - the performance hormone
Vitamin D influences immunity, mood, testosterone, strength, and sleep.
Ideal: 75-125 nmol/L (30-50 ng/mL), aiming toward the upper end in winter
Benefits of an optimal level: better mood, more resilient immunity, steadier hormones.
Vitamin D testing is part of our Blood Premium, Blood Vitamins & Minerals Premium, and Blood Bone & Joint Health panels.
5) Ferritin - optimizing iron stores
Ferritin reflects the body’s iron reserves.
- Low values → fatigue, weakness
- High values → oxidative stress, inflammation
- Optimal: 100–200 μg/L
Ferritin is included in our Blood Premium, Blood Weight Management, and Blood Energy & Fatigue test panels.
6) Thyroid panel - TSH, T3, T4, rT3
Energy levels and cognitive performance aren’t determined by TSH alone. A complete panel (TSH, free T3, free T4, rT3) can uncover hidden issues.
Our Blood Vitamins & Minerals panel provides comprehensive thyroid testing.
Optimization: adequate selenium and zinc, stress reduction.
7) Hormonal profile - testosterone, SHBG, estradiol
After thirty, testosterone declines by roughly 1-2% per year. This affects strength, energy, motivation, and metabolism. The Endocrine Society recommends regular monitoring and optimization of testosterone in aging men [2].
Optimal:
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Total testosterone: 550-850 ng/dL
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Free testosterone: 15-25 pg/mL
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SHBG: 20-50 nmol/L
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Estradiol: 20-30 pg/mL
Natural optimization: resistance training, quality sleep, vitamin D, and zinc.
All key male hormones are included in our Blood Men’s Hormones panel.
8) Advanced lipid profile - particle number and size
Standard LDL measurement isn’t enough. What matters is the number of LDL particles (LDL‑P) and their size. The American Heart Association emphasizes advanced lipid testing for a more precise cardiovascular risk estimate [1].
Advanced lipid markers are included in our Blood Heart Health Premium, Blood Premium, and Blood Weight Management panels.
Key indicators:
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LDL‑P below 1000 nmol/L
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minimize small, dense LDL
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Triglyceride/HDL ratio below 2.0
Interventions: reduce sugar, intermittent fasting, cardio, niacin.
Sources:
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001285
https://www.endocrine.org/clinical-practice-guidelines/testosterone-therapy
https://hbr.org/2024/10/why-workplace-well-being-programs-dont-achieve-better-outcomes
