Healthy Male Essentials — 22 Markers

A liver enzyme that helps convert proteins into energy. ALT is found primarily in the liver, making it a highly specific marker for liver damage. Elevated levels may indicate hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or medication-related liver injury.

An enzyme found in the liver, heart, and muscles. While less liver-specific than ALT, elevated AST can indicate liver damage, heart attack, or muscle injury. The AST/ALT ratio helps distinguish between different liver conditions.

The most abundant mineral in the body, essential for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting. Blood calcium is tightly regulated by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. Abnormal levels can indicate parathyroid disorders.

A waste product from normal muscle metabolism, filtered by the kidneys. Blood creatinine levels reflect kidney filtration capacity. Elevated levels may indicate impaired kidney function, dehydration, or excessive muscle breakdown.

An estimated measure of how well your kidneys filter waste from the blood. It's calculated from creatinine levels, age, sex, and race. eGFR is the primary marker used to stage chronic kidney disease.

The active form of thyroid hormone responsible for regulating metabolism, energy, and body temperature. Free T3 is converted from T4 in tissues and is three to four times more potent than T4.

The unbound, active form of the main thyroid hormone T4. Free T4 directly reflects thyroid gland output and is used alongside TSH to diagnose and monitor thyroid disorders.

Measures blood glucose levels after fasting, indicating how well the body regulates blood sugar.

Often called 'good' cholesterol, HDL carries cholesterol away from arteries back to the liver for removal. Higher HDL levels are protective against heart disease. Exercise, healthy fats, and moderate alcohol intake can raise HDL.

Often called 'bad' cholesterol, LDL deposits cholesterol in artery walls, contributing to plaque buildup and atherosclerosis. LDL is the primary target for cardiovascular risk reduction through diet, exercise, and medication.

A mineral essential for bone formation, energy metabolism (ATP), and acid-base balance. Phosphate levels are inversely related to calcium and regulated by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D.

A protein produced by prostate cells. Elevated PSA can indicate prostate cancer, but also benign prostate enlargement, prostatitis, or recent ejaculation. PSA velocity (rate of change) and PSA density add diagnostic value.

The primary male sex hormone, also important in women at lower levels. Testosterone regulates muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, libido, and mood. Levels decline naturally with age in both sexes.

The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood, including HDL, LDL, and VLDL. While useful as an overview, the breakdown between HDL and LDL is more clinically meaningful for assessing cardiovascular risk.

The most common type of fat in the body, stored for energy. Elevated triglycerides — often from excess sugar, alcohol, or calories — increase cardiovascular risk and can cause pancreatitis at very high levels.

The primary screening test for thyroid function. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland to regulate thyroid hormone production. High TSH indicates an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), while low TSH suggests an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

A waste product from protein breakdown, processed by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Elevated urea levels can indicate kidney dysfunction, dehydration, high-protein diet, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

A waste product from the breakdown of purines (found in certain foods and body cells). High levels can form crystals in joints (gout) or kidneys (kidney stones). Also associated with cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

The best indicator of overall vitamin D status. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Deficiency is extremely common, especially in northern latitudes, and linked to increased disease risk.