At–home blood tests are big business, with experts predicting the global market for mail–order services could be worth $8.5 billion by 2030.
While a doctor should always be the first point of contact for any health concern, many people are turning to at–home testing due to the enhanced convenience, speed and privacy, enabling them to detect medical problems early.
An at–home test can be a first step to managing a problem, especially for issues that may feel embarrassing, such as sexual health issues.
The method is easy enough. Clients simply order a test kit online, take a blood sample, usually with a simple finger prick, then mail the sample to a lab for assessment.
Whether exploring hormonal health or vitamin levels, the system is usually quick and simple, with results returned within a few days or weeks. According to a UK survey, 9 out of 10 people changed their lifestyle and habits after taking an at–home blood test.
Dr Neruka Jayanthinathan, a GP and men’s health expert at Numan – which has helped more than 600,000 patients with issues ranging from obesity to testosterone deficiency – says the service can be uniquely helpful.
“Blood testing provides a clear window into what’s happening inside the body – often before symptoms appear,” says Dr Jayanthinathan.
“Regular testing can help people to genuinely understand their health profile, identify risks earlier, track changes over time, and make more informed decisions about lifestyle or treatment."
The range of tests can be bewildering, but here are six helpful tests for men to consider.
Testosterone
What is it?
“Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and it plays a crucial role in physical strength, mood, cognition and sexual function,” explains Dr Jayanthinathan.
According to Dr Doug Savage of the Leger Clinic – a well–respected UK testosterone clinic founded in 1987 – testosterone is vital for all areas of a man’s wellbeing. “Testosterone, like other hormones, maintains a wide range of functions,” he says.
“It influences your sex drive, contributes to muscle maintenance, helps regulate body fat, and supports mental focus and motivation. It's also essential for strong bones and producing red blood cells.”
What symptoms should men look out for?
“When testosterone levels start to dip, it's often the combination of changes to energy, mood, strength or libido that people notice first,” says Dr Savage.
“Low testosterone can affect men in many ways, and the changes often develop gradually enough that they're easy to overlook.
"Symptoms affect men sexually, physically and psychologically, including reduced muscle mass or strength, low energy, increased body fat, low mood or irritability, sleep disturbances and low libido.”
It is important to note that low testosterone is often the byproduct of poor general health. “Low testosterone is more common than many men realise, particularly with increasing age and in the presence of factors such as obesity, poor sleep or long–term health conditions,” says Dr Jayanthinathan.
“While many men with low testosterone may not experience any symptoms, men with very low testosterone and symptoms are known to face a significantly higher risk of adverse health outcomes – including twice the risk of premature death – if the condition is left untreated.”
How can I be tested for it?
“Diagnosis of low testosterone is based on both symptoms and blood tests,” says Dr Jayanthinathan. “This typically involves two morning blood tests, taken at least two weeks apart, confirming consistently low testosterone levels.
"Identifying the issue early allows for targeted lifestyle changes or clinically appropriate treatment such as testosterone replacement therapy to help restore energy, sexual function and overall wellbeing.”
The kind of testosterone test you choose – and the timing of it – really matters. “Testosterone levels tend to rise overnight and peak in the early mornings,” says Dr Savage.
“The body's natural rhythm largely guides this pattern. While you sleep, especially during REM, the brain prompts the testes to boost testosterone production, which is why levels are usually highest first thing in the morning.
"When choosing a test it is important to choose one that includes at a minimum: free testosterone, total testosterone and SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin – a liver–produced protein that binds tightly to sex hormones like testosterone, transporting them through the blood).” This range helps you to get a fuller picture of your general hormonal health.
Vitamin D
What is it?
Vitamin D is known as the 'sunshine vitamin' because your body produces it when your skin is exposed to UVB rays from sunlight, which converts 7–dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D.
It helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. “Vitamin D is needed for strong bones, muscles and energy levels,” explains Dr Jayanthinathan.
According to Dr Natasha Fernando, medical director at Medichecks – the UK’s first direct–to–consumer blood-testing service – the effects of Vitamin D are wide–ranging.
“Vitamin D behaves more like a hormone and is essential for bone health, muscle function, immune response and even mood,” she says. “Many people in the UK, especially those spending much time indoors, have insufficient levels.”
What symptoms should men look out for?
“Low levels of Vitamin D can cause reduced strength and stamina and are most common in men who do not get enough sun exposure, have darker skin and poor diets,” says Dr Jayanthinathan.
“The risk increases in winter, and in older men. Men with low vitamin D may notice fatigue, muscle weakness, joint aches and low mood, although many people are unaware they are deficient without testing.”
How can I be tested for it?
Dr Fernando says: “The most accurate way to assess vitamin D status is by measuring 25–hydroxyvitamin D in the blood, which can help identify a deficiency that might be contributing to low energy and muscle aches.”
The good news, according to Dr Jayanthinathan, is that supplementation – alongside sensible sun exposure and dietary support – is an effective way to restore levels and support long–term bone, muscle and metabolic health.
Cholesterol
What is it?
Most of us have heard of cholesterol in a negative sense, but what exactly is it? “Cholesterol is the essential fat which is needed for cell membranes and hormone production,” explains Dr Jayanthinathan.
“But high levels of 'bad' LDL (low–density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels can build up in arteries and restrict blood flow, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
"Many men develop raised cholesterol earlier in life than women – particularly in the presence of risk factors such as excess weight, smoking, poor diet or inactivity.”
What symptoms should men look out for?
“High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms, which is why regular blood testing is so important,” insists Dr Jayanthinathan. That is why it is often dubbed a ‘silent killer’.
But watch out for warning signs of advanced, untreated high cholesterol, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or leg pain.
“High cholesterol itself doesn’t cause symptoms, but persistently elevated levels are a major risk factor for heart and vascular diseases over time,” says Dr Fernando.
How can I be tested for it?
“A simple blood test that measures both cholesterol and LDL levels can identify if your levels are elevated and help to assess overall cardiovascular risk,” says Dr Jayanthinathan.
Dr Fernando says: “A cholesterol test looks at total cholesterol, LDL, HDL (high–density lipoprotein – the ‘good’ cholesterol which absorbs cholesterol in the blood) and triglycerides (types of fat in your blood that your body uses for energy) to assess cardiovascular risk rather than just a single number.”
“Treatment for high cholesterol focuses on making lifestyle changes and improving diet,” continues Dr Jayanthinathan. “People are advised to do regular exercise, manage their weight and, if applicable, quit smoking. With the right management, men can greatly reduce their cardiovascular risk.”
Iron
What is it?
Iron deficiency in men is rare, but studies suggest endurance athletes, such as marathon runners and long–distance cyclists, are particularly at risk. “Iron is essential for carrying oxygen in the blood, energy, physical performance and general wellbeing,” says Dr Jayanthinathan.
No wonder athletes are at higher risk, and may notice the effects more than others. “Iron is crucial for oxygen transport and energy production,” says Dr Fernando. “When iron is low, your red blood cells can’t carry oxygen efficiently, leading to fatigue, weakness and reduced performance.”
What symptoms should men look out for?
“Low iron causes fatigue, reduced stamina, attention problems, dizziness and pale skin,” says Dr Jayanthinathan. “Iron deficiencies are less common in men, but can occur due to poor diet or absorption issues. Men of all ages can be affected.”
How can I be tested for it?
“Low iron is diagnosed by blood tests assessing iron stores and oxygen–carrying capacity,” says Dr Jayanthinathan. Dr Fernando adds: “We often assess iron alongside ferritin (a protein that stores iron in the body) and full blood count markers to get both current levels and store estimates.”
Addressing the underlying cause of low iron is usually the best solution. “Treatment normally involves dietary changes and iron supplementation, which can restore iron levels and improve day–to–day health,” says Dr Jayanthinathan.
Thyroid
What is it?
Issues relating to the thyroid – a butterfly–shaped gland located in the neck that controls metabolism and growth – are far more common among women than men. But men should be aware of symptoms.
“The thyroid is a small gland with an outsized role in health,” explains Dr Jayanthinathan. “It regulates metabolism and influences energy levels, weight, heart health and brain function. When it isn’t working properly, the effects can be felt across the entire body.”
What symptoms should men look out for?
“An underactive thyroid, or ‘hypothyroidism’, occurs when the gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone,” explains Dr Jayanthinathan.
“Around one in fifty men will have this condition, with symptoms often including persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, low mood, brain fog, reduced libido and muscle weakness. It can be mistakenly attributed to stress or ageing. Hair thinning can also be a symptom.”
According to Dr Fernando, the thyroid gland also regulates heart rate, body temperature and weight. “Many people with subtle thyroid imbalance feel unusually tired, gain weight or feel colder, yet may not recognise it as a thyroid issue,” she says.
How can I be tested for it?
“Thyroid function is assessed through blood tests measuring thyroid–stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 (thyroxine),” explains Dr Jayanthinathan. Dr Fernando suggests a test that also includes FT3 (free triiodothyronine), alongside the other two markers, so you get a clear picture of your thyroid health.
“The condition is highly treatable,” insists Dr Jayanthinathan. “Thyroid hormone replacement therapy – most commonly via levothyroxine – alongside lifestyle changes can restore the hormone balance. This can lead to marked improvements in energy, metabolism, cardiovascular health, mental clarity and overall quality of life.”
Albumin
What is it?
Not many men have heard of albumin, but it is an important marker of kidney and liver health. “Albumin is a protein made by the liver which regulates fluid balance, transports nutrients and supports overall health,” says Dr Jayanthinathan. “Low albumin levels affect energy, recovery after exercise and physical strength.”
Albumin is the main protein in blood plasma. “It maintains fluid balance and carries hormones, nutrients and medications around the body,” says Dr Fernando.
What symptoms should men look out for?
"Albumin deficiency can be a symptom of other underlying health problems,” explains Dr Jayanthinathan. “This could be liver or kidney disease, chronic inflammation or inadequate protein intake, and may present with fatigue, swollen legs, weakness or slower recovery from illness or exercise.”
How can I be tested for it?
A test measures the level of albumin in your blood to evaluate your liver and kidney function.
“Albumin isn’t usually tested alone in our at–home packs; it’s included as part of broader panels that assess liver, kidney or overall metabolic health,” explains Dr Fernando.
“To treat low albumin levels, doctors focus on addressing the underlying cause and improving nutrient intake, especially protein,” says Dr Jayanthinathan. “When albumin levels are returned to normal, men will see improvements in energy, strength and recovery.”
