What men can learn about their health from lab results
A blood test is one of the most fundamental, yet also most informative, medical examinations. It provides a comprehensive overview of key processes in the body – from immune status and oxygen transport to possible inflammation.
Especially in men's health, blood tests are a valuable tool: they can provide initial indications of testosterone deficiency , chronic inflammation, iron deficiency, infections, or hormonal imbalances. Whether for preventative care , in case of symptoms such as fatigue, or as a basic diagnostic test before treatment, blood tests should be performed regularly.
What is a blood test?
A blood test analyzes the solid components of the blood, primarily red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It helps to detect diseases early, assess health status, and monitor treatments.
There are two forms:
Complete blood count
A complete blood count is the basic check-up. It includes the following values:
- Erythrocytes: Red blood cells, responsible for oxygen transport
- Hemoglobin (Hb): Red blood pigment, indicates oxygen-binding capacity
- Hematocrit: proportion of solid components in the total blood volume
- Leukocytes: White blood cells, an important part of the immune system
- Platelets: Blood platelets, important for blood clotting
An abnormal Hb level can, for example, indicate iron deficiency or an indirect sign of hormonal changes, because testosterone influences blood formation.
Complete blood count
A complete blood count (CBC) supplements a basic blood count by differentiating the white blood cells (leukocytes). It is used when the following are suspected:
- Inflammation
- Autoimmune diseases
- immunodeficiency
- Parasitic infections
- Allergies
The following will also be investigated:
Lymphocytes: important in viral infections and chronic inflammation
Monocytes: for tissue repair and chronic infections
Granulocytes: first line of defense against bacterial pathogens
Especially in cases of fatigue, chronic exhaustion, or digestive problems, a complete blood count can provide important clues to underlying processes.
When is a blood test useful for men?
Men benefit in several ways from regular blood tests, both preventively and for classifying diffuse symptoms.
Indications for a blood test in men:
- Exhaustion, difficulty concentrating
- Loss of libido or erection problems
- Suspected hormonal imbalance
- Frequent infections or chronic fatigue
- Monitoring of medication intake
- Check-up before sports or hormone therapy
- Health check-up from age 35
Of particular relevance: Testosterone influences the production of red blood cells. A testosterone level that is too low can therefore indirectly manifest in blood tests, for example through reduced hemoglobin or hematocrit.
What does a blood test reveal about hormone levels and metabolism?
Although blood tests do not provide direct hormone levels, certain patterns can indicate hormonal imbalances:
- A low hemoglobin level can indicate a testosterone deficiency or iron deficiency.
- An elevated white blood cell count can indicate chronic stress or inflammation.
- A high hematocrit level in men can indicate an oversupply of testosterone (e.g., during testosterone therapy ).
- A change in the lymphocyte/granulocyte balance can indicate chronic infections or immune stress.
For targeted hormone diagnostics, the blood count should be supplemented with specific markers, e.g. testosterone , SHBG , free testosterone , DHEA , cortisol or LH .
What are normal reference values for a complete blood count?
Reference values may vary slightly depending on the laboratory. The following information applies to adult men:
Erythrocytes: 4.7 - 6.1 million/µl
Hemoglobin (Hb): 13.5 – 17.5 g/dl
Hematocrit: 40 - 52%
Leukocytes: 4,000 - 10,000 /µl
Platelets: 150,000 - 400,000 /µl
Upward or downward deviations should always be evaluated in the overall context.
How often should men have a blood test?
For healthy men, an annual check-up is recommended from the age of 35. In cases of symptoms, chronic stress , competitive sports, or planned therapy (e.g., testosterone replacement , dietary changes, weight loss), more frequent check-ups are advisable, approximately every six months.
Additional recommendations:
- Before starting any iron or vitamin B12 supplementation
- In case of unexplained fatigue or loss of libido
- After periods of intensive training or diet programs
- In cases of family history (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders)
What should men pay attention to?
A blood test is a snapshot in time; regular monitoring is crucial. Only in this way can trends be identified that might indicate, for example, gradual inflammation, metabolic changes, or hormonal imbalances.
The patient should be fasting before the blood test. Ideally, the measurement should be taken in the morning, as hormonal fluctuations occur throughout the day. Anyone taking medication or supplements should discuss this with their doctor beforehand.
Conclusion: Blood tests as the basis for men's diagnostics
A blood test is an underestimated but enormously valuable tool in men's health. It provides early indications of possible diseases, allows for the monitoring of therapies, and gives information about physical resilience, immune status, and metabolic activity.
Men who regularly know their blood test results can make more conscious choices about their health, whether through diet, exercise, hormone therapy, or preventative medical treatment. Especially when combined with targeted hormone and metabolic analysis, blood tests form the basis for genuine health optimization.
Tip: Which values are particularly important for men and how do you interpret them correctly? In our men's health podcast, Dr. Helena Orfanos-Boeckel provides well-founded answers and practical insights from laboratory medicine. Listen now.
