Top 5 Blood Tests Everyone Over 40 Should Get (and Why)

Turning forty marks a time when subtle health changes become more important to monitor. Even if you feel energetic, underlying imbalances can quietly increase disease risk. Regular blood tests allow you to catch problems early, adjust your lifestyle, and get personalised care. Below are five important tests that people over 40 should discuss with their doctor. Each section explains what the test measures, why it matters, and how often to consider it.

1. Lipid Panel (Cholesterol and Triglycerides)

A lipid panel measures your total cholesterol, low‑density lipoprotein (LDL), high‑density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides. High LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides can clog arteries, while HDL (“good” cholesterol) helps clear excess fat from your blood.

Why it matters after 40: Heart disease and stroke remain leading causes of death for men and women. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends lipid screening for men aged 35 and older and women aged 45 and older if they have cardiovascular risk factors. Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity and family history. High cholesterol often has no symptoms; the only way to know your levels is to test.

How often to test: Most healthy adults should have cholesterol checked every four to six years. People with risk factors may need more frequent testing. Abnormal results should be confirmed with a repeat blood draw to ensure accuracy.

Optimising your results: If your cholesterol is elevated, lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) are the first line of defence. A healthcare provider may also suggest targeted therapies or supplements. LIVV Natural’s doctors often recommend a comprehensive blood panel that looks at cholesterol alongside inflammation and hormone markers so you get a complete picture.

2. HbA1c (Average Blood Sugar Test)

The A1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin with sugar attached, providing an average blood-glucose level over the past two to three months. It’s the standard test for diagnosing and monitoring prediabetes and diabetes.

Why it matters after 40: The CDC recommends a baseline A1c screening at age 45, or younger if you’re overweight and have risk factors like family history, inactivity or gestational diabetes. Elevated A1c levels are linked to heart disease, stroke and nerve damage. Because type 2 diabetes often develops without obvious symptoms, early detection is key.

How often to test: If results are normal and you have no risk factors, testing every three years may suffice. People with prediabetes should test yearly, while those with diabetes may need tests every three to six months to track control.

Optimising your results: If you receive a high reading, focus on weight management, regular exercise, fibre‑rich meals, and stress reduction. After making lifestyle changes, retest to evaluate progress and discuss results with a healthcare professional.

3. Hormone Panel (Sex Hormones & Thyroid)

Hormones act as chemical messengers, influencing mood, metabolism, sex drive and overall vitality. By age forty, men experience a gradual decline in testosterone of about one percent each year. Women may enter perimenopause, when estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate. Thyroid hormones (like TSH, free T4 and free T3) also regulate energy, weight and heart rate; imbalances can cause fatigue, weight gain, anxiety or depression.

Why it matters after 40: Low testosterone can lead to low energy, muscle loss, and decreased libido, while thyroid disorders are especially common in women and can affect fertility and mood. Checking hormones helps detect issues such as hypothyroidism, menopause, and adrenal stress before they severely impact quality of life.

How often to test: Men and women with symptoms (fatigue, sleep issues, mood swings, weight changes or decreased libido) should test hormones at least once. Because hormone levels vary throughout the day, your doctor may request multiple samples or morning blood draws for accuracy. For men on therapies like hormone optimisation programs, regular monitoring ensures balanced results.

Optimising your results: If tests show low testosterone or imbalanced thyroid hormones, natural treatments like diet adjustments, stress management and targeted supplements are often used first. At LIVV Natural, doctors employ bioidentical hormone therapy and peptide therapies to restore balance while evaluating inflammation and nutrient status. A doctor consultation can tailor these approaches to your needs.

4. Vitamin D Level

Vitamin D supports bone health, immune function and mood. Because it’s produced mainly through sunlight exposure, deficiency is common in people who spend most of their time indoors or live at high latitudes.

Why it matters after 40: Bone density declines naturally with age. Vitamin D levels of 20 ng/mL or higher are generally adequate for bone health, while levels below 20 ng/mL indicate deficiency. Some experts argue for higher optimal ranges (30–60 ng/mL), but there is debate. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone fragility, muscle weakness and increased risk of falls.

How often to test: People at high risk (limited sun exposure, darker skin, obesity or malabsorption conditions) might test yearly. Otherwise, you can check every few years. If supplementing, retest to avoid excessive levels.

Optimising your results: If deficient, your doctor may prescribe supplementation. However, don’t mega‑dose without supervision; too much vitamin D can cause toxicity. A doctor can also evaluate connected nutrients like calcium and magnesium. Vitamin D is one piece of a broader wellness plan that includes hormone balance and nutrient optimisation.

5. Inflammatory Markers (High‑Sensitivity C‑Reactive Protein)

Inflammation underlies many chronic diseases. C‑reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver and rises when your body is responding to infection or tissue damage. High‑sensitivity CRP (hs‑CRP) testing can detect low‑level inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease and autoimmune conditions.

Why it matters after 40: Chronic inflammation has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer and cognitive decline. Checking hs‑CRP helps identify hidden inflammation that may not show obvious symptoms. In clinical settings, this test is often part of a cardiovascular risk assessment.

How often to test: Talk to your doctor if you have risk factors like obesity, smoking, chronic stress or existing inflammatory disorders. Testing once every few years as part of a comprehensive panel may suffice. If your CRP levels are high, your doctor will look for causes (infection, metabolic issues, autoimmune problems) and guide you accordingly.

Optimising your results: Lifestyle changes—like anti‑inflammatory nutrition, adequate sleep and regular exercise—can lower CRP. Some people explore complementary therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy or NAD IV therapy to reduce inflammation and support cellular repair.

Beyond the Big Five: Other Valuable Tests After 40

A comprehensive blood panel typically includes additional markers such as:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) to evaluate red and white blood cells, indicating infection or anemia.
• Metabolic panel assessing liver and kidney function, electrolytes and glucose control.
• Thyroid antibodies to detect autoimmune thyroid disease, which can cause hormone imbalances.
• Micronutrient levels like vitamin B12, magnesium and iron for energy and immune support. At‑home vitamin D and omega‑3 tests are useful for single markers, but a lab panel can measure dozens of nutrients at once for a complete picture.

At LIVV Natural, we encourage patients to discuss their health goals and concerns with a doctor. Our comprehensive lab panels combine these tests for a holistic view of your body’s systems. A single blood draw can provide insights into cholesterol, blood sugar, hormones, vitamin D, inflammation, liver health and more. With this information, you can pursue personalised treatments like hormone therapy, peptide therapy or targeted IV nutrients under professional supervision.

When Should You Choose At‑Home vs. In‑Clinic Testing?

At‑home kits can be convenient for preliminary checks, like basic hormone tests or a single vitamin level. They let you collect a finger‑prick or saliva sample on your schedule and may help you spot trends quickly. However, at‑home tests often measure only one or two markers; they lack the depth of a full lab panel. A finger‑prick lipid test, for instance, won’t provide the same clarity as a venous blood panel analysed in a certified lab. Also, user error (improper sample handling) can skew results.

In‑clinic testing remains the gold standard. A phlebotomist collects blood properly, a lab analyses it with high‑precision instruments, and a physician interprets results within the context of your health history. For broad health optimisation, professional panels are critical. A balanced approach might include occasional at‑home kits for convenience (for example, an at‑home hormone test kit reviewed by a doctor) paired with periodic comprehensive lab work.

Take Charge of Your Health After 40

Blood tests offer a window into your body’s hidden processes. Screening your cholesterol, blood sugar, hormones, vitamin D and inflammation gives you leverage to prevent disease and optimise wellness. If you’re ready to take control of your health:

• Schedule a comprehensive lab panel to get baseline values across multiple systems.
• Use targeted at‑home kits to monitor simple markers between appointments.
• Discuss results with a healthcare provider to create a personalised plan—whether that involves dietary changes, stress management, hormone optimisation, peptide therapy or other modalities.
• Re‑test regularly, especially if you make lifestyle changes or begin therapies.

At LIVV Natural, we specialise in helping clients understand their lab results and craft tailored protocols. Our doctor consultations provide guidance on interpreting tests and implementing therapies. By integrating data‑driven diagnostics with holistic care, you can feel empowered to enjoy life’s next decades with energy, clarity and resilience.