Which health check is best for a man?

A test containing cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, HbA1c, ALAT, as well as creatinine and eGFR covers the most important risk factors. From age 50, PSA should be included.

When should I start testing PSA?

PSA is relevant from around age 50, or from 45 if a close relative had prostate cancer. An elevated value should always be followed up by a doctor.

Should I measure testosterone?

It is relevant for marked fatigue, decreased muscle mass, or reduced sex drive. The test is taken in the morning, as the level is highest then and drops during the day.

How often should I have a health check?

Once a year is reasonable for most adults. If you have known risk factors such as high blood pressure or high blood lipids, more frequent checks may be justified.

Can exercise affect my test results?

Yes. Intense exercise in the days before the test can raise liver values and muscle markers, and cycling can temporarily raise PSA. Rest for a couple of days before sampling.

Do I need a referral?

No, not from your healthcare provider. The referral required by the laboratory is created automatically when you order the test.

Health check for men – which tests?

For men, blood lipids (cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), blood sugar (HbA1c), and liver and kidney values are the most relevant markers in a health check, as cardiovascular disease debuts earlier in men than in women. From the age of 40, testosterone is relevant for fatigue and decreased energy, and from the age of 50, PSA is relevant for prostate health. A comprehensive health check covers all of these.

Heart and vessels – start early

Men suffer heart attacks on average about ten years earlier than women. Blood lipids are the single most important modifiable risk factor along with blood pressure and smoking, and they cause no symptoms until the damage is done. Measuring LDL in your 30s or 40s and then following the value is one of the most valuable things a health check can do.

If you have a family history – a parent or sibling with a heart attack before age 60 – it is extra important to check blood lipids early and regularly.

Blood sugar, liver and kidneys

HbA1c shows average blood sugar over two to three months and catches pre-stages of type 2 diabetes. ALAT and other liver tests are affected by alcohol, obesity, and fatty liver, which is common and usually completely asymptomatic. Creatinine and eGFR show kidney function, which is negatively affected by high blood pressure and diabetes.

Testosterone and PSA

Testosterone drops slowly with age. Symptoms such as marked fatigue, decreased muscle mass, reduced sex drive, and low mood can be due to low levels, but are more often due to lack of sleep, stress, or obesity. The test is taken in the morning when the level is highest.

PSA is used to detect prostate cancer early and is relevant from around age 50, or earlier with family history. An elevated PSA does not necessarily mean cancer – it can be due to benign enlargement, inflammation, or recent cycling or sexual intercourse – but should always be followed up.

20–39 years: blood status, blood lipids, HbA1c, liver and kidney values, Vitamin D.
40–49 years: same as above, plus testosterone if symptomatic.
50 years and up: comprehensive health check including PSA, preferably annually.

How to choose a test

Men often seek medical care late, and that is precisely why preventive checks are valuable: most risk factors are visible in the blood long before they cause symptoms. Choose a package that covers heart, blood sugar, liver, and kidneys, and add PSA from age 50. The test guide asks questions about age, family history, and symptoms and suggests a package.

Frequently asked questions

Which health check is best for a man?: A test containing cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, HbA1c, ALAT, as well as creatinine and eGFR covers the most important risk factors. From age 50, PSA should be included.
When should I start testing PSA?: PSA is relevant from around age 50, or from 45 if a close relative had prostate cancer. An elevated value should always be followed up by a doctor.
Should I measure testosterone?: It is relevant for marked fatigue, decreased muscle mass, or reduced sex drive. The test is taken in the morning, as the level is highest then and drops during the day.
How often should I have a health check?: Once a year is reasonable for most adults. If you have known risk factors such as high blood pressure or high blood lipids, more frequent checks may be justified.
Can exercise affect my test results?: Yes. Intense exercise in the days before the test can raise liver values and muscle markers, and cycling can temporarily raise PSA. Rest for a couple of days before sampling.
Do I need a referral?: No, not from your healthcare provider. The referral required by the laboratory is created automatically when you order the test.

Unsure which test suits you? Start the test guide – a few questions about age, sex and goals give a suggestion with three tests.

Read on

Källor

Höga blodfetter – 1177 Vårdguiden
Blodprov: PSA – 1177 Vårdguiden
Brist på testosteron – 1177 Vårdguiden

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Last updated: 2026-09-09