Health Profile, Men

The Health Profile for Men gives a clear picture of day-to-day health and long-term risk. These blood and urine tests cover blood counts, electrolytes, kidney and liver function, cholesterol, glucose control, thyroid status, key nutrients, and men’s health markers (testosterone and PSA when appropriate).

Use this page to build a right-sized panel for annual checkups, new training blocks, or when you want a solid baseline. Start with a core panel (CBC, CMP/electrolytes, lipids, A1c or fasting glucose), then add thyroid, iron studies, vitamin D, B12/folate, magnesium, hs-CRP, and men-focused tests (testosterone ± free testosterone/SHBG, PSA through shared decision-making). Labs guide prevention and follow-up, but they do not replace a physical exam, imaging, or urgent care when symptoms are serious.

Signs, Situations & Related Needs

• Wellness & prevention: annual checkup, first comprehensive baseline

• Energy & vitality: fatigue, low stamina, mood changes, decreased libido

• Cardiometabolic risk: family history of heart disease/diabetes, high blood pressure, central weight gain

• Bone & muscle: frequent strains, cramps, or concern for low vitamin D

• Medication monitoring: therapies that affect kidneys, liver, lipids, thyroid, or hormones

• Prostate & urinary: urinary symptoms or age-appropriate PSA discussions with your clinician

• Red flags (seek urgent care): chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, or stroke-like symptoms

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

• Identify cardiometabolic risks early (cholesterol patterns, glucose/A1c)

• Provide organ function context (kidney, liver, electrolytes) for safe care and training decisions

• Clarify hormone and nutrient factors that affect energy, mood, libido, and performance

• Establish a baseline so trends over time are easier to interpret

What testing cannot do

• Diagnose conditions without a clinician’s review

• Predict heart attacks, strokes, or cancer with certainty

• Replace guideline screenings (e.g., colon cancer) or vaccinations

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

• CBC (Complete Blood Count): red/white cells and platelets; screens for anemia or infection. Hydration and training can shift hemoglobin/hematocrit.

• CMP / Electrolytes: sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2 (bicarbonate), kidney (BUN/creatinine/eGFR), liver enzymes (AST/ALT/ALP), proteins, glucose.

• Lipid Panel (± ApoB, Lp[a]): total, LDL, HDL, triglycerides; ApoB refines risk; Lp(a) is inherited and stable.

• Glucose Control (Fasting Glucose, A1c ± Insulin): current and 3-month glucose averages.

• Thyroid (TSH ± Free T4/T3): metabolism and energy; biotin supplements can interfere—hold if advised.

• Iron Studies (Ferritin, Iron, TIBC/Transferrin, % Saturation): evaluates low iron and potential iron overloadpatterns in the right context.

• Vitamin D (25-OH), B12 & Folate: bone, muscle, red-cell, and nerve support.

• hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein): low-grade inflammation; trend values over time.

• Testosterone (Total ± Free) & SHBG: morning levels assess androgen status; free testosterone adds context when SHBG is altered (age, weight, thyroid, meds).

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen): screening is individualized; decide with your clinician (shared decision-making).

• Urinalysis / Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine (as indicated): hydration, kidney, and metabolic risk context.

• Optional add-ons (case-by-case): Uric acid (gout risk context), magnesium (cramps), CK on rest days (training strain).

Quick Build Guide

How the Testing Process Works

1. Choose your starter set: core panel (CBC, CMP, lipids, A1c or fasting glucose).

2. Add men-focused tests: testosterone (morning draw), PSA (after shared decision-making), plus thyroid, iron studies, vitamin D, B12/folate, hs-CRP.

3. Prepare for accuracy: follow fasting instructions; consider a rest/easy day; review supplement holds (e.g., biotin).

4. Get your draw: visit a nearby patient service center; most results post within a few days.

5. Review & plan: discuss results with your clinician; set goals and a follow-up cadence.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

• Use your baseline: “normal” ranges are broad; compare to prior results and how you feel.

• Trends matter: repeat testing clarifies persistent vs. timing-related changes.

• Testosterone context: draw in the morning; consider free T/SHBG if total T and symptoms don’t align.

• PSA context: abnormal or rising values need clinician review and may prompt repeat testing or further evaluation.
  Always interpret labs with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

• Quick check: CMP + Lipids + A1c (or fasting glucose)

• Broader men’s wellness: CBC + CMP + Lipids + A1c + TSH + Vitamin D + Iron Studies

• Hormone-focused: Total Testosterone (AM) ± Free T/SHBG + TSH

• Prostate-focused: PSA after shared decision-making based on age and risk

• Kidney risk: Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine (especially with diabetes, hypertension, or high training loads)

FAQs

Do I need to fast?
Often yes for lipids and fasting glucose. Follow your order instructions.

When should I test testosterone?
In the morning, when levels are typically highest. Consider free T if SHBG may be altered.

Should all men get a PSA test?
PSA screening is individualized. Discuss age, risk, and preferences with your clinician.

Can supplements affect results?
Yes. Biotin can affect thyroid assays; high-dose vitamins and iron can shift levels. Check your order for any holds.

How often should I repeat these labs?
Many men repeat annually. Your clinician may adjust timing based on risk, symptoms, or prior results.

Is this a substitute for a physical?
No. Labs support care but don’t replace a medical exam or guideline screenings.

Related Categories & Key Tests

• General Health Panels Hub

• General Health Tests • Baseline Biomarkers • Blood Chemistry Tests • Cardiometabolic Health • Prostate & PSA Testing • Men’s Hormone Tests • Fitness & Performance

• Key Tests: CBC • CMP/Electrolytes • Lipid Panel (± ApoB, Lp[a]) • A1c/Fasting Glucose (± Insulin) • TSH (± Free T4/T3) • Ferritin/Iron/TIBC/Transferrin • Vitamin D (25-OH) • Vitamin B12 • Folate • hs-CRP • Total & Free Testosterone / SHBG • PSA • Urinalysis • Urine Albumin-Creatinine

References

• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force — Prostate cancer screening; cardiovascular and diabetes screening recommendations.
• American Urological Association — Early detection of prostate cancer guideline (shared decision-making).
• Endocrine Society — Testosterone testing and interpretation guidance.
• American Heart Association — Cardiometabolic risk assessment.
• American Diabetes Association — Standards of Care in Diabetes (screening and monitoring).
• National Kidney Foundation — Albumin-to-creatinine ratio and kidney risk guidance.
• National Lipid Association — ApoB and Lp(a) risk considerations.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Health Profile, Men menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Select a core panel, add men-focused tests (testosterone ± free T/SHBG; PSA via shared decision-making), and include thyroid, iron, vitamin D, B12/folate, hs-CRP, and kidney checks as needed. Follow any fasting/supplement instructions and review results with your clinician to create a personalized plan.