Many men put off seeing a doctor unless something feels wrong. But conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers often develop quietly, without noticeable symptoms, making routine checkups and recommended screenings an important part of staying healthy.
To help separate fact from fiction, we spoke with Dr. Matthew McCulloch, MD, clinical lead at Labcorp, about some of the most common questions men have about preventive health, screening, and overall well-being. His advice is simple: Knowing your health numbers, understanding your risk factors, and staying on top of routine care can make a meaningful difference over time.
What health numbers should men know and track?
“Think of your health like the dashboard of a car,” says Dr. McCulloch. “You don't need to watch every number, but there are a few that tell you a lot about where your health is headed.”
The key numbers he encourages men to know include:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels (including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides)
- Blood sugar levels
- Weight and waist circumference
For those who want a broader view of their health, the Labcorp OnDemand Expanded Men's Health Test brings together multiple biomarkers related to metabolism, hormones, cardiovascular health, thyroid function, and prostate health to provide a more complete picture of overall wellness.
What's most important isn't a single result, he notes. It's the trend over time. “Tracking your results can help you and your healthcare provider spot changes early and take action when needed.”
How can I tell if I'm at risk for diabetes?
The challenge with prediabetes is that most people don't feel any different. In many cases, there are no symptoms at all.
You may have a higher risk if you:
- Are 45 or older
- Carry extra weight, especially around your waist
- Have a parent or sibling with Type 2 diabetes
- Are physically inactive
- Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
A simple blood test can help provide the insight you need to better understand your health baseline and any changes to it over time.
A hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Results may help identify blood sugar levels that are consistent with prediabetes or diabetes, but testing is just one part of understanding your overall health. A healthcare provider can review your results alongside your health history and other factors to determine next steps.
"The important thing to remember is that prediabetes is a warning sign, not a life sentence," says Dr. McCulloch. "When you know where you stand, you have an opportunity to make changes that may help lower your risk."
How does family history affect my heart health?
Family history can provide valuable clues about your future health risks. If close family members developed heart disease at a younger age, your own risk may be higher.
One example is lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), a cholesterol-related particle that is largely determined by genetics. Many experts now recommend that adults, particularly those with a family history of heart disease, consider getting it checked at least once as part of a cardiovascular risk assessment.
However, family history is only part of the picture. "You can't change your genes," says Dr. McCulloch, "but you can manage many other risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, smoking, and physical activity."
In addition to helping you understand inherited risk factors such as Lp(a), comprehensive testing can help uncover other factors that may affect heart health. The Labcorp OnDemand Comprehensive Heart Health Test evaluates multiple biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease risk, and may provide additional information to support conversations with a healthcare provider about heart health and prevention.
What should I ask if a test result falls outside the normal range?
First, don't panic. An abnormal result doesn't always mean something is wrong.
Consider asking your healthcare provider:
- What does this result mean for me?
- Is this result surprising or expected?
- Could something have affected the result?
- Should I be retested, and if so, when?
"Questions turn information into a plan," Dr. McCulloch says. "The more you understand your results, the more confident you can feel about next steps."
Does testosterone naturally decline with age?
Yes, testosterone levels typically decrease gradually as men get older, but it's often not as dramatic as people think.
Low testosterone can be associated with symptoms such as:
- Low energy
- Reduced sex drive
- Changes in mood
- Loss of muscle mass
However, these symptoms can also be linked to stress, poor sleep, weight gain, depression, and other health conditions. That's why it's important not to jump to conclusions based on symptoms alone.
For men experiencing symptoms such as low energy, reduced sex drive, or changes in muscle mass, testosterone testing may provide additional information when evaluating symptoms. Measuring both free and total testosterone, along with related biomarkers such as sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin, may offer deeper insights into hormone levels and support informed conversations with a healthcare provider.
"If something feels different, talk with your healthcare provider," says Dr. McCulloch. "Testing can provide additional information to help guide next steps."
When should men start thinking about prostate health?
Earlier than many people realize. Thinking about prostate health doesn't necessarily mean getting screened right away, but it does mean having a conversation with your healthcare provider about your personal risk factors.
Men may want to discuss screening sooner if they:
- Have a family history of prostate cancer
- Black men, as they face a higher risk of developing prostate cancer
- Have a strong family history of certain cancers, including breast or ovarian cancer
"My advice is to know your family history and start the conversation," says Dr. McCulloch. "Together, you and your provider can decide what's right for you."
What is the biggest misconception men have about preventive health?
Many men believe that if they feel fine, they must be healthy. Unfortunately, that's not always true.
Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, and some cancers often develop without noticeable symptoms. Regular checkups and recommended screenings can help identify issues before they become more serious.
"I'd like men to think of preventive care as routine maintenance," says Dr. McCulloch. "You don't wait until something breaks before paying attention."
What should men know about their mental health?
Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. Yet many men are less likely to seek support when they're struggling.
Depression and anxiety don't always look the way people expect. Signs can include:
- Irritability or anger
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Changes in sleep habits
- Losing interest in activities you normally enjoy
"There can be pressure to keep problems to yourself," says Dr. McCulloch. "But asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health is health, and it deserves attention."
Whether it's talking with a healthcare provider, a trusted friend, or a family member, starting the conversation is often the first step toward feeling better.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
Taking charge of your health starts today
Preventive health isn't about waiting for something to go wrong. It's about understanding your risks, keeping track of key health indicators, and making informed decisions before problems develop.
Scheduling an annual checkup, learning your family health history, checking your blood sugar, and talking openly about your mental health are all small steps that can have a lasting impact. If you're not sure where to begin, consider starting a conversation with your healthcare provider about your health goals and any concerns you may have. You can also explore health tests through Labcorp OnDemand to learn more about key aspects of your health and help guide your next steps. Your health is one of the most important investments you'll ever make, and there's no better time to start than now.
