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Best health tests after 40

The standard annual physical checks about 19 biomarkers. A comprehensive baseline covers 40–100+. Here are the tests that actually matter — organized by what you're trying to learn.

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CreusLife Editorial Team
Certified strength & conditioning specialist (CSCS) · Health optimization researcher · 12 years in performance nutrition
Last updated: May 2026 · Affiliate disclosure
ℹ️ Informational only — not medical advice. Some links are affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.

Why the standard panel isn't enough

Most annual physicals test total cholesterol, basic glucose, and a CBC. These miss the markers that actually predict risk and drive optimization: ApoB, fasting insulin, hsCRP, homocysteine, vitamin D, omega-3 index, and hormone levels. The gap between what a standard physical tests and what comprehensive optimization testing covers is significant.

Priority 1 — Metabolic markers (everyone after 40)

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ApoB
The best single predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk. Counts total atherogenic particle count — far better than LDL-C alone. Optimal: under 80 mg/dL. Request specifically — not in most standard panels.
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Fasting insulin
Earliest marker of insulin resistance — rises years before glucose does. Optimal: under 7 µIU/mL. Standard labs flag "normal" up to 25 µIU/mL.
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HbA1c
90-day average glucose. Optimal: under 5.3%. "Normal" per most labs is under 5.7% — the gap between these ranges is where early metabolic dysfunction lives.
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hsCRP
Systemic inflammation. Optimal: under 0.5 mg/L. Above 3 mg/L warrants investigation for chronic infection, autoimmune activity, or lifestyle drivers.

Priority 2 — Nutrients and micronutrients

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Vitamin D (25-OH)
Deficiency affects roughly 40% of US adults. Optimal: 40–60 ng/mL. Below 30 ng/mL warrants supplementation. Test before supplementing.
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Omega-3 index
EPA+DHA as a percentage of red blood cell fatty acids. Target: above 8%. Most people test under 4%.
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Ferritin
Iron storage. Too low: fatigue, hair loss, cognitive dysfunction. Too high: oxidative stress. Optimal: 50–150 ng/mL for most adults.
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Homocysteine
Elevated levels associated with cardiovascular and cognitive risk. Optimal: under 7 µmol/L. Often correctable with methylated B vitamins.

Priority 3 — Hormones

Men: Total testosterone, free T, SHBG, DHEA-S, LH, FSH, estradiol, cortisol (AM), thyroid panel.

Women: Estradiol, progesterone, FSH, LH, AMH, testosterone (total + free), SHBG, DHEA-S, thyroid panel (TSH + Free T3 + Free T4 + anti-TPO).

See: Full guide for women →

Where to get these tests

Function Health vs InsideTracker — both offer comprehensive panels covering most of the above in a single order. Function Health includes 100+ markers annually; InsideTracker's Ultimate covers 43 with deeper action guidance and biological age scoring.

Budget option: SiPhox Health or Superpower for a meaningful panel at lower cost.

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Genetics + labs

Start with genetics, then validate with bloodwork

Blood tests show what is happening now. Genetic testing helps reveal what you may be predisposed toward. SelfDecode fits well before or alongside a baseline panel because it combines DNA, labs, lifestyle inputs, and personalized recommendations.

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