Men Over 40 Panel

HbA1c provides a long-term view of blood sugar control, unlike fasting glucose which reflects a single point in time. It is essential for diabetes diagnosis and management. Consult your healthcare provider.

PSA is currently the most widely used blood marker for early detection of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the Netherlands, and early detection significantly improves treatment options. However, an elevated PSA does not automatically mean cancer. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is common in men over 50, is the most frequent cause of mildly elevated PSA. Prostate inflammation (prostatitis) can also raise the value considerably. Even temporary factors such as cycling, ejaculation shortly before the test, or a digital rectal exam can influence PSA. The value of PSA lies particularly in its trend over time. A gradually rising PSA across multiple measurements (PSA velocity) can be more clinically relevant than a single elevated value. If a result is notable, a doctor will usually recommend further investigation, such as an MRI or biopsy.

ALT is one of the most commonly used markers to detect liver stress or damage early. The liver has a large regenerative capacity and often only produces symptoms when damage is already advanced. ALT can be elevated before you notice anything. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronically mildly elevated ALT in Western countries. An estimated 25% of adults have some degree of fatty liver, often without knowing it. ALT monitoring can reveal this early, allowing lifestyle adjustments to prevent further damage. With alcohol use, the ALT/AST ratio provides additional information. An AST/ALT ratio above 2 is consistent with alcohol-related liver damage, while in fatty liver disease, ALT is typically higher than AST. Medications such as paracetamol (at high doses), statins, and certain antibiotics can also elevate ALT.

The thyroid affects virtually every organ in your body. The hormones it produces (T3 and T4) regulate your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, energy level, and even your mood. When thyroid function is disrupted, the effects can be wide-ranging. Hypothyroidism (underactive) is the most common thyroid condition, affecting an estimated 5% of adults, with a clear predominance in women. It is often caused by the autoimmune condition Hashimoto's disease. Symptoms develop gradually and are therefore often recognised late. Hyperthyroidism (overactive) is less frequent but can be more serious. Graves' disease is the most common cause. Untreated, it can lead to heart rhythm disorders and bone loss. For women trying to conceive, the TSH value is particularly relevant, as suboptimal thyroid function can affect fertility and pose risks during pregnancy. A TSH below 2.5 mU/L is often used as a target in this context.

Elevated triglycerides may contribute to atherosclerosis and are a component of metabolic syndrome. They are often elevated alongside insulin resistance. Consult your healthcare provider.

Chronic kidney damage often progresses silently and rarely causes symptoms in early stages. Your kidneys can lose up to 50% of their function before you notice anything. Creatinine and eGFR are the standard markers for early detection. In diabetes and high blood pressure — the two leading causes of chronic kidney damage — periodic creatinine monitoring is part of clinical guidelines. Kidney function monitoring is also recommended during long-term use of NSAIDs (painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac), ACE inhibitors, or certain antibiotics. An elevated creatinine does not always indicate kidney damage. In people with high muscle mass (strength athletes) or high protein intake, the value can naturally be higher. Conversely, low creatinine in the elderly or in people with little muscle mass can mask reduced kidney function — eGFR is more reliable in those cases.

Free T4 may help your healthcare provider determine whether your thyroid gland is producing adequate hormone levels. Some experts consider it one of the most informative markers for detecting both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions early.

LDL cholesterol is the best-established modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Every 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL reduces the risk of a cardiovascular event by approximately 20–25%. This effect is independent of how the reduction is achieved — through diet, exercise, or medication. In familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) — a hereditary condition affecting approximately 1 in 250 people — LDL is elevated from a young age, significantly increasing the risk of early cardiovascular disease. Early detection and treatment are crucial.

SHBG levels may help explain symptoms related to hormone imbalances even when total hormone levels appear normal. Understanding SHBG can provide a more complete picture of hormonal health. Consult your healthcare provider to interpret results.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the Netherlands. Elevated cholesterol — particularly LDL — is one of the best-established risk factors. The process of atherosclerosis progresses gradually over decades and causes no symptoms for a long time, until a heart attack or stroke occurs. The cholesterol level does not stand alone. Cardiovascular risk is determined by the interplay of cholesterol, blood pressure, age, smoking, diabetes, and family history. A cholesterol of 6.0 mmol/L in an otherwise healthy 30-year-old has a different meaning than the same value in a 60-year-old smoker with diabetes. Early detection and treatment of elevated cholesterol — through lifestyle and medication if needed — can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Adequate vitamin D levels are essential for strong bones, a well-functioning immune system, and overall well-being. Low levels may be associated with an increased risk of bone disorders, mood changes, and weakened immunity. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

Free testosterone drives muscle development, energy levels, mood, and sexual function. Even when total testosterone appears normal, low free testosterone could suggest functional deficiency. Discussing your results with a healthcare provider may help identify whether further evaluation is warranted.

Testosterone plays a fundamental role in many bodily functions for both sexes. Imbalances could potentially affect energy, mood, body composition, and reproductive health. Your healthcare provider can help evaluate your levels in the context of your overall health.

Even mildly elevated hs-CRP may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk. It provides important information beyond traditional cholesterol testing for heart disease risk assessment. Consult your healthcare provider.

HDL has an active protective function: it removes excess cholesterol from vessel walls and transports it to the liver. This process is called reverse cholesterol transport and counteracts atherosclerosis. Low HDL is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, even when LDL is normal. Low HDL is often seen with metabolic risk factors: overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. It is therefore a marker of overall metabolic health.