What Lab Tests Should Every Man Over 35 Be Getting?
Author: Dr. Kolin Durrant, Integrative Care Director, Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
Men over the age of 35 begin to experience significant physiological changes that influence hormone levels, metabolic function, cardiovascular health, stress response, and overall physical wellbeing. This is a pivotal time for health assessment. Subtle imbalances, if left unchecked, can progress into more serious issues that affect energy, sexual health, mood, and longevity. Holistic healthcare focuses on prevention, data-informed evaluation, and whole-person medicine, making regular lab testing essential for men navigating midlife transitions.
At Saffron and Sage, integrative physicals are designed to uncover the early signals of imbalance. These evaluations provide a complete view of hormonal status, inflammation, nutrient levels, stress markers, gut health, and cardiovascular risk. The objective is to assess what the body is communicating, allowing us to intervene early and support optimal function before symptoms become chronic.
Why Lab Testing Matters More After Age 35
As men age, testosterone gradually declines, metabolic rate slows, systemic inflammation tends to increase, and cardiovascular risks rise. According to the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, testosterone levels fall approximately one percent each year after age 30. This shift affects muscle mass, sexual function, energy levels, and emotional stability (Longitudinal Changes in Testosterone Levels).
Chronic stress, another major factor, often leads to dysregulated cortisol, contributing to poor sleep, abdominal weight gain, low libido, and anxiety. Metabolic markers such as fasting glucose and triglycerides commonly rise during this stage, creating further strain on long-term health.
Holistic practitioners use lab data to identify these changes early. This enables us to design targeted lifestyle and therapeutic strategies that build long-term strength and resilience.
The Core Lab Tests Men Over 35 Should Prioritize
The following lab tests are foundational in building an accurate picture of a man’s health. These assessments support prevention, early intervention, and personalized treatment planning.
1. Comprehensive Hormone Panel
Hormonal balance is essential for libido, physical energy, sleep, metabolism, and mood. Even minor changes in hormone levels can produce noticeable effects on daily function.
Recommended markers:
Total and free testosterone
SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin)
DHEA-S
Estradiol
Cortisol
TSH, free T3, and free T4
Hormonal evaluation provides insight into symptoms such as fatigue, muscle loss, low libido, mood changes, and sexual dysfunction. These findings are used to inform integrative treatment plans that support endocrine stability and restore vitality.
2. Cardiovascular Health Panel
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men. Early identification of cardiovascular risk is critical. A thorough panel includes:
Lipid profile (HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
ApoB
hs-CRP (high sensitivity C-reactive protein)
Lipoprotein(a)
Studies published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reveal that cardiovascular disease significantly increases the likelihood of erectile dysfunction. Evaluating cardiovascular health not only protects heart function but also preserves sexual wellbeing (Cardiovascular Disease and Erectile Dysfunction).
3. Metabolic and Glucose Testing
Metabolic shifts are common after age 35. Blood sugar dysregulation and insulin resistance often develop silently over time.
Recommended markers:
Fasting glucose
HbA1c
Fasting insulin
Electrolyte balance
Liver and kidney function panels
The Centers for Disease Control report that more than one in three adults has prediabetes, with most unaware. Early detection enables proactive changes through functional nutrition and holistic care (Prediabetes — CDC).
4. Thyroid Function Assessment
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, temperature, cognitive clarity, energy, and weight. Age-related thyroid dysfunction may present subtly.
Key markers:
TSH
Free T3 and free T4
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies
Mild thyroid issues can produce fatigue, cold sensitivity, weight gain, and low libido. Integrative assessment allows early support through targeted nutrient therapy and endocrine balancing treatments.
5. Inflammatory and Immune Markers
Chronic inflammation contributes to cardiovascular disease, fatigue, autoimmune disorders, and mood instability. Testing includes:
hs-CRP
ESR
Ferritin
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a common deficiency among men. Cleveland Clinic reports that more than 40 percent of American adults are deficient, impairing testosterone production, immune resilience, and mental health (Vitamin D Deficiency — Cleveland Clinic).
6. Micronutrient Evaluation
Nutrient status affects every system in the body, from mitochondrial energy production to hormonal pathways and mental clarity. Common deficiencies increase with age due to digestive changes, medication use, and poor dietary intake.
Recommended assessments:
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Folate
Magnesium
Zinc
Omega-3 fatty acids
These markers guide nutritional therapy and inform whole-body treatment plans.
7. Gut Health and Microbiome Analysis
The digestive system plays a central role in hormone metabolism, immunity, mental health, and inflammation. After age 35, many men experience changes in gut function that are linked to poor diet, stress, and environmental exposures.
Markers assessed include:
Bacterial balance
Yeast or fungal overgrowth
Digestive function and enzyme output
Inflammatory indicators
Microbiome testing helps identify root causes of symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, brain fog, or low mood.
8. Cortisol and Stress Panels
Long-term stress impacts physical, sexual, and emotional health. Cortisol imbalances are tied to weight gain, poor sleep, erectile dysfunction, and low energy. Testing reveals patterns such as:
Adrenal fatigue or overdrive
Disrupted circadian rhythm
Impaired recovery or burnout
These findings guide nervous system therapies such as breathwork, acupuncture, massage therapy, and lifestyle changes to support resilience.
9. PSA Testing for Prostate Health
Prostate health becomes a priority in midlife. While PSA levels should not be assessed in isolation, they provide valuable information when combined with physical exams and holistic intake.
10. Sexual Health and Performance Testing
Sexual wellbeing is one of the most sensitive indicators of overall health. Testing should include:
Testosterone and SHBG
Prolactin
Thyroid and inflammatory markers
Holistic care integrates these findings with lifestyle, emotional stress, and circulatory health to restore sexual vitality and address root imbalances.
The Role of Integrative Physicals in Men’s Health
Integrative physicals provide a complete evaluation of hormones, metabolic function, cardiovascular risk, immune status, digestive health, stress levels, and sexual wellbeing. These evaluations go beyond conventional annual exams and offer:
A detailed functional medicine consultation
Full-spectrum blood and biomarker testing
Hormone and adrenal evaluation
Physical exam and symptom review
Dietary and lifestyle assessment
Personalized wellness plan
Referrals to acupuncture, massage, breathwork, naturopathy, and other holistic therapies
This model supports prevention, vitality, and long-term health optimization.
Annual and Semiannual Lab Tests for Men Over 35
The following markers should be evaluated regularly for early detection and optimal health outcomes:
Complete hormone panel
Cardiovascular and lipid profile
Metabolic panel
Glucose, insulin, and HbA1c
Thyroid function and antibodies
Inflammation markers (hs-CRP, ESR, ferritin)
Vitamin D and other micronutrients
Cortisol and adrenal rhythm
Gut microbiome profile
PSA for prostate evaluation
These markers form the foundation of preventive men’s health and guide evidence-based therapy plans.
Prioritize Early Detection and Long-Term Resilience
For men over 35, routine testing can reveal the earliest signs of imbalance and guide tailored interventions. When addressed proactively, these shifts can be corrected before they evolve into chronic conditions. Hormonal changes, metabolic strain, nutrient depletion, and stress-related dysfunction are all reversible when treated early with holistic, personalized care.
Saffron and Sage offers a comprehensive approach that integrates diagnostics with natural therapies to promote resilience, strength, and sustained wellbeing.
Take a Proactive Step in Your Health With Saffron & Sage
If you are a man over 35 seeking a more complete view of your health, schedule your integrative physical with our team today. We assess your hormones, cardiovascular system, metabolism, stress response, and digestive health to help you feel strong, clear, and vital at every stage of life.
Call us at 619-933-2340 to learn more or schedule your integrative physical today.