Which blood tests, heart checks, hormone tests and fertility assessments should men consider after turning 40? A practical guide to understanding your health and choosing the right tests.
Turning 40 does not mean your health suddenly changes overnight. But it is a useful time to review your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, family history and lifestyle. You might also have questions about energy, testosterone, sexual health or fertility. The right health check can help you understand where you stand and what to do next.
What health checks should a man over 40 have?
A useful health check for men over 40 usually starts with blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes risk, weight and family history. Blood tests may include a lipid profile, HbA1c and kidney function when appropriate. Testosterone testing is most useful when symptoms suggest a hormonal problem, while semen analysis is relevant if you are planning a family or have fertility concerns.
At MDC, the Marylebone Health Screening Profile provides a broad blood-based assessment, with additional specialist testing available according to your needs.
10 questions men over 40 ask about their health
Tap a question to reveal the answer. These are the questions worth asking before choosing a health check.
The essential health checks for men over 40
A sensible approach focuses first on common, important health risks rather than ordering every possible biomarker.
| Health area | What to consider | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Heart and circulation | Blood pressure, cholesterol, cardiovascular risk | Helps identify modifiable risk factors. |
| Diabetes | HbA1c or glucose when indicated | Can identify diabetes or prediabetes. |
| Kidney health | Creatinine, eGFR and urine testing where indicated | Useful with hypertension, diabetes or kidney risk. |
| Blood health | Full blood count if clinically appropriate | Helps investigate anaemia and other abnormalities. |
| Hormones | Morning testosterone when symptoms suggest deficiency | Supports assessment of low libido or other relevant symptoms. |
| Fertility | Semen analysis if planning a pregnancy | Assesses key sperm parameters. |
| Prostate | Individual discussion about PSA and urinary symptoms | Balances possible benefits and limitations of testing. |
1. A comprehensive health profile: what can one blood test tell you?
Marylebone Health Screening Profile
If you want a broad overview of your health rather than one isolated result, the Marylebone Health Screening Profile is a useful starting point.
The current profile includes:
- Full blood count and inflammation markers.
- Glucose and HbA1c.
- Cholesterol and lipid measurements.
- Kidney function and electrolytes.
- Iron and ferritin.
- Thyroid function.
- Vitamin D, B12 and folate.
- Additional markers including PSA and LH.
Important: this is a comprehensive blood profile, not a test of every organ or every disease. It does not include semen analysis, a dedicated testosterone/TRT panel or a complete physical heart examination.
Published turnaround: 1–2 working days. Confirm current test contents and price before booking.
Explore the Marylebone Health Screening Profile →2. Should men over 40 check their heart health?
Yes. Cardiovascular risk is one of the most important areas to review in midlife, even when you feel well.
High blood pressure and raised cholesterol can exist without noticeable symptoms. Smoking, diabetes, family history, physical activity and weight also matter.
MDC offers a Comprehensive Cardiac Profile covering cholesterol, Lipoprotein(a), HbA1c, glucose, kidney function and other laboratory markers.
What makes the MDC Cardiac Profile different?
It brings together a broad range of cardiovascular, metabolic and general health blood markers. The current published price is £299.
However, a blood profile does not diagnose coronary artery disease or replace a clinical cardiovascular assessment. Some included tests, such as troponin and D-dimer, are not routine screening tests for healthy people and require appropriate clinical interpretation.
View MDC’s Cardiac Profile →3. Should you check testosterone after turning 40?
Testosterone can change with age, but age alone is not a reason to diagnose testosterone deficiency or start testosterone replacement therapy.
Testing may be appropriate if you have symptoms such as:
- Persistently reduced sexual desire.
- Fewer spontaneous or morning erections.
- Unexplained loss of muscle mass or strength.
- Other symptoms suggesting a hormonal problem.
Fatigue, poor sleep and low mood can have many causes, so testosterone should not be assumed to be the explanation.
Testosterone assessment usually begins with an appropriately timed morning blood sample. If a low result is found, repeat testing and additional hormone measurements may be needed.
Already taking TRT?
If you are receiving testosterone replacement therapy, monitoring is different from screening for testosterone deficiency.
Follow-up may include testosterone, full blood count and haematocrit, PSA where appropriate, and assessment of cardiovascular risk. Timing depends on the TRT formulation.
Explore Testosterone and TRT Blood Tests at MDC →Planning children? Testosterone treatment can suppress sperm production. Discuss fertility intentions with your treating clinician before starting TRT.
4. Does male fertility change after 40?
Men can father children after 40, but sperm quality and reproductive outcomes can change with age. Individual circumstances matter more than age alone.
If you and your partner are trying to conceive, a semen analysis can provide useful information about sperm health.
What does a semen analysis check?
- Sperm concentration and count.
- Progressive and total motility.
- Sperm morphology.
- Semen volume and other laboratory parameters.
MDC offers private semen analysis at its Baker Street clinic. The current published standard test price is £179.
A semen analysis is not a guarantee of fertility or infertility. Further investigation may be appropriate depending on the results.
View Sperm Analysis and Fertility Testing →Which health check should you choose?
“I’m 42 and feel healthy.”
Begin with cardiovascular risk, blood pressure, lifestyle and relevant screening. A broad health profile may provide additional laboratory information.
Explore general health screening →“I’m 46 and worried about my heart.”
Review blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes risk, family history and symptoms. Discuss whether more detailed cardiovascular testing is appropriate.
Explore cardiac blood testing →“I’m 48 and my sex drive has dropped.”
Consider sleep, medication, general health and hormonal causes. Testosterone testing may be useful if the symptoms fit.
Explore testosterone testing →“I’m 43 and planning a baby.”
A semen analysis may be more relevant than a general blood profile for assessing sperm parameters.
Explore semen analysis →Can you get a free NHS Health Check after 40?
In England, eligible adults aged 40 to 74 are generally invited for a free NHS Health Check every five years.
This focuses on cardiovascular and metabolic risk, including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes risk and lifestyle factors.
Eligibility depends on your medical history. People already diagnosed with certain conditions usually follow separate monitoring arrangements.
A private MDC blood profile is an additional option, not a replacement for NHS care, vaccinations, cancer screening or symptom-led medical assessment.
What about prostate and cancer checks?
Some men over 40 begin to worry about prostate cancer, especially if a close relative has been diagnosed.
The PSA blood test can be helpful in certain circumstances, but it has limitations. Raised PSA does not automatically mean cancer, and a normal result cannot exclude it.
PSA testing should be discussed in the context of age, family history, symptoms, individual risk and informed choice.
The Marylebone Health Screening Profile includes PSA, but patients should understand the potential benefits and limitations before testing.
Also review your eligibility for NHS bowel cancer screening and other age-appropriate screening programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best health check for men over 40?
The best starting point is an assessment of cardiovascular and metabolic risk, followed by tests based on symptoms, family history and personal goals. MDC’s Marylebone Health Screening Profile offers broad blood testing.
Should I have a full body blood test every year?
Not necessarily. Testing frequency should depend on your medical history, risk factors, symptoms and previous results. More tests do not automatically mean better healthcare.
Can a health check find problems before symptoms appear?
Some checks can identify risk factors such as raised cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes before obvious symptoms. No screening programme can detect every condition.
Is testosterone included in the MDC general health profile?
The current Marylebone Health Screening Profile lists LH but not testosterone. A dedicated testosterone or TRT blood profile is separate. View TRT blood tests .
Does the health profile include sperm analysis?
No. Semen analysis is a separate laboratory test and can be useful when investigating male fertility. View sperm analysis .
Does the cardiac blood profile tell me if my arteries are blocked?
No. Blood tests help assess certain risk factors and markers. Identifying coronary artery disease may require medical examination and further investigations.
Do I need to fast before a health check?
Preparation depends on the tests. For example, MDC’s current Cardiac Profile instructions specify fasting for 8–10 hours. Follow the preparation instructions for the exact profile you book.
Where can I book a private men’s health check in London?
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre is located at 73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD. You can explore its health screening, cardiac, testosterone and fertility services through the links on this page.
Private health checks for men in Central London
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
Telephone: 020 7724 0540
Our Baker Street location is convenient for patients travelling from Marylebone, the Harley Street area and across London.
Over 40? Make your next health check count.
You do not need every test available. You need the right information about your heart health, metabolism, hormones and fertility.
Start with the area that matters most to you, and use the results to decide whether further assessment is needed.
Medical references and further reading
This article is for general information and does not replace individual medical advice. Screening decisions should consider symptoms, personal risk and clinical guidance. Prices and test contents may change.
