Men’s health checklist

When it comes to health, many men tend to take a “deal with it later” approach. But the truth is, staying well isn’t just about reacting when something goes wrong; it’s about being proactive. And with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate issues and heart disease often developing without obvious symptoms, it pays to stay ahead.

So, what should you actually be checking and when?

Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond, this practical men’s health checklist is designed to help you take stock of your wellbeing. From physical and mental health to lifestyle and risk factors, we’ll guide you through what to keep an eye on and how to take action, including when to book a full men's health check to get a clearer picture.

Step 1: Get to know your body’s silent signals

Some health issues don’t make much noise, until it’s too late. That’s why one of the most important things you can do is pay attention to subtle, long-term changes in how you feel.

Look out for:

• Fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest

• Frequent urination, especially at night

• Changes in libido or sexual performance

• Unexpected weight gain or loss

• Persistent pain, headaches or muscle aches

• Unusual bruising or bleeding

• Changes in bowel habits

• Breathlessness with minimal exertion

• Mood swings or low motivation

• Trouble sleeping or unrefreshing sleep

If you’re ticking off more than a couple of these and they’ve been lingering for a while it’s worth getting checked out. Even if they seem minor, these symptoms can point to underlying issues like diabetes, hormonal imbalance or cardiovascular strain.

Step 2: Know what to screen for at each stage of life

Your health priorities evolve as you get older. While you don’t need to run every test available, there are some key areas worth screening regularly, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of disease, a sedentary lifestyle or a high-stress job.

Here’s a quick age-based guide:

In your 30s:

• Blood pressure

• Cholesterol profile

• Liver and kidney function

• BMI and waist circumference

• Mental health and stress levels

• Skin changes including moles or rashes

In your 40s:

• All of the above, plus:

• Blood glucose (type 2 diabetes risk)

• Prostate health (PSA blood test)

• Hormonal health (testosterone)

• ECG (electrocardiogram for heart rhythm)

• Bowel screening if there is a family history of colorectal cancer

In your 50s and 60s:

• Full cardiovascular screening

• Prostate exam and PSA testing

• Bone density (osteoporosis risk)

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (from age 65)

• Vision and hearing checks

• Memory and cognitive function screening

Proactive screening helps you spot health issues early, often before symptoms develop, so you can take steps to manage them before they become more serious.

Step 3: Prioritise heart and metabolic health

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for men in the UK. Often, there are no clear warning signs until something major occurs, like a heart attack or stroke.

That’s why it’s essential to:

• Know your blood pressure, even if you feel fine

• Understand your cholesterol ratio (HDL, LDL and triglycerides)

• Track your fasting blood glucose and HbA1c (diabetes markers)

• Be aware of your resting heart rate and rhythm

• Keep an eye on your weight, waist circumference and body fat percentage

These factors form the foundation of your long-term health and they’re all easily checked with a full men's health check.

Step 4: Don’t overlook prostate and hormonal health

Prostate problems are incredibly common, especially from age 50 onwards, but they don’t always start with dramatic symptoms. Early signs might include a weaker urine stream, frequent urination at night or difficulty starting and stopping passing urine.

Meanwhile, testosterone levels tend to decline naturally with age, but low levels can also be linked to:

• Low mood or irritability

• Fatigue

• Reduced muscle mass

• Brain fog

• Decreased libido or sexual performance issues

A simple PSA blood test can give you a snapshot of your prostate health, while hormone panels can check for testosterone and other markers of male wellbeing.

Step 5: Take mental health seriously

Men are statistically less likely to talk about mental health and more likely to suffer in silence. But stress, anxiety and depression don’t just affect your mood. Over time, they can impact sleep, immunity, weight, heart health and even memory.

Check in with yourself:

• Are you feeling more irritable than usual?

• Struggling to concentrate?

• Avoiding social contact?

• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy?

Talking to someone, whether it’s a friend, therapist or GP, can make a huge difference. And if your health check includes a mental wellbeing questionnaire, it can help highlight areas that might need support.

Step 6: Consider lifestyle and preventative care

Your habits have a major impact on your long-term health. Even small tweaks can offer big gains, but only if you’re honest about your current lifestyle.

Think about:

• Are you getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week?

• Do you smoke, or drink more than 14 units of alcohol weekly?

• How’s your diet? Are you eating enough fibre, fruit and veg?

• Do you sleep 7 to 8 hours most nights?

• Are you under chronic stress?

Sometimes, it’s hard to self-assess. That’s where check-ups help as they not only test your physical health but give you clear, objective insights into where you can make improvements.

Step 7: Schedule a full men’s health check

If it’s been a while since your last check-up, or you’ve never had one, now is always a good time. A full men's health check offers a detailed look at your current health status, including:

• Heart health and circulation

• Blood pressure and cholesterol

• Diabetes and kidney function

• Prostate and hormone screening

• Liver health

• Inflammation markers

• BMI and body fat analysis

• Mental wellbeing screening

At Bluecrest Wellness, you’ll receive lab-accurate results, a personalised Results Report and access to a 24/7 GP helpline, all without the wait.

Bluecrest makes men’s health simple

With convenient nationwide testing locations, clear results and flexible appointments, Bluecrest makes it easy to take control of your health.

You’ll receive:

• A comprehensive panel tailored to men’s health

• A full Results Report with GP-reviewed feedback

• 12 months’ access to a 24/7 GP helpline

• Guidance on next steps if anything needs follow-up

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. A full men's health check could give you the answers and reassurance you need. Your future self will thank you.

BOOK A FULL MEN'S HEALTH CHECK TODAY

Need help? Call free on

0800 652 2183 to speak to one of our team.