Blood tests for your stage of life
What usually makes sense by age, sex, activity and stage of life, and why. Each page has the research behind it, a short video and a free guide.
18 to 29
Your first numbers: cholesterol, blood sugar, vitamin D and iron.
See the tests and why
Women 30 to 39
Iron, thyroid, cholesterol and vitamin D: the numbers that matter in your 30s.
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Men 30 to 39
Cholesterol, blood sugar and vitamin D, with testosterone only if you have symptoms.
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Women 40 to 59
Cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid and iron, around the time of the menopause.
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Men 40 to 59
Cholesterol, blood sugar and kidneys, the numbers the NHS Health Check looks at.
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Women 60 and over
Cholesterol, thyroid, B12 and kidneys: the numbers that change with age.
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Men 60 and over
Cholesterol, blood sugar, kidneys and B12: the numbers that change with age.
See the tests and why
Endurance
Running, cycling, swimming and triathlon: iron, vitamin D and recovery.
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Strength and gym
Weightlifting and gym training: muscle, liver, kidneys and heart.
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Contact sports
Rugby, football and martial arts: muscle, recovery, vitamin D and iron.
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Desk work
Long hours at a desk: cholesterol, blood sugar and vitamin D.
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Shift work
Nights and rotating shifts: blood sugar, cholesterol and vitamin D.
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Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause: heart, blood sugar, thyroid, iron and bones.
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Planning a baby
Before you try: rubella, iron and the supplements that need no test.
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Athletes
Amateur or professional: iron, vitamin D and recovery.
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