Dear Editor,
Men are less likely to go see a doctor than women and often miss important opportunities to proactively manage their health. In fact, according to a national survey by Cleveland Clinic, only three out of five men get annual physicals – meaning many are missing out on valuable tests for maintaining physical and mental well-being.
Laboratory blood tests are often part of an annual physical, but many lab tests are available without a doctor’s order, allowing individuals to keep track of important health markers between medical visits. While routine lab tests can provide useful insights, they should complement—not replace—regular checkups and professional medical advice.
Below are few common areas of concern, and the possible lab tests men can order to take a proactive approach to their health:
Heart and Cancer Screening
Heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death among men, but many of the early signs can be caught through routine labs. Nearly 1 in 2 men have high blood pressure and more than 38% have high cholesterol, both major risk factors for serious heart conditions. Identifying high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and blood sugar abnormalities early through lab testing can make a significant difference in long-term health. Lab tests such as a lipid panel or blood glucose test through Sonora Quest’s My Lab ReQuest™ can give you a clearer picture of your heart health and make it easier to catch symptoms that often go unnoticed.
Cancer screenings are just as important, especially because one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. A simple PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test can detect early signs before they even appear. This can go a long way in preventing diagnosis in the later stages of prostate cancer. Early detection is often more effective and less invasive. A complete health panel is another option for a more comprehensive look at overall health that includes tests for blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney and liver function, and PSA Screen.
Hormone Levels and Mental Health
After 40, men experience a slow decline in testosterone levels. Although the decline is typically only 1-2%, hormonal imbalances such as low testosterone can affect several parts of the body – from energy and mood to muscle mass and libido. Like any other hormone, the body functions best when testosterone is within a specific range. A total testosterone panel gives important insights to identify whether an imbalance is occurring.
A hormonal imbalance is also one of many factors that could contribute to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. While blood tests cannot diagnose mental health disorders, a hormone screening could uncover underlying imbalances in hormones that play a key role in regulating mood, stress responses, and overall mental well-being. Evaluating the results with your health care provider can help you better understand the results and create an appropriate treatment or lifestyle plan.
Fertility and Reproductive Health
Men’s reproductive health is often overlooked, even though low sperm count, and low testosterone, can contribute to difficulties conceiving. In fact, one in three infertility cases are caused by male partners.
A men’s fertility test can identify sperm quality and concentration – critical factors for successful conception. The at-home male fertility test, offered through My Lab ReQuest™, is shipped directly to the patient. This test is a private and easy way to check sperm quality at home with no lab visit or mail-in needed. A detailed summary of results, personalized recommendations, and helpful resources will be available in the fertility test’s app and can be shared with a physician or kept private for personal reference.
The at-home male fertility test should be used for those who have struggled to conceive for more than a year, or have known health issues such as diabetes, hormone imbalances, or autoimmune diseases.
Regular lab testing is an effective tool for preventive health care for men of all ages. Lab tests can help monitor men’s health trends over time, can help catch health risks before they arise, and can be used to create treatment plans with your physician.
Sonny Varadan, CIO at Sonora Quest Laboratories
