Men's Health Profile

Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone, predominantly produced in the testes and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands. It promotes the development of male sexual characteristics, muscle and bone growth, as well as the formation of red blood cells. In women, testosterone also plays a role in energy, mood, and libido.

Too low levels can lead to fatigue, lack of drive, reduced libido, and muscle loss in men. High levels are less common but can occur with hormone-producing tumors or through the intake of steroids.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that the body needs for many important functions. It is a building block of cell membranes, a precursor for hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, and for the formation of bile acids. A portion is absorbed through food, but the majority is produced in the liver.

Too high cholesterol levels can lead to deposits in the vessel walls and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, a balanced level is important, as cholesterol is also indispensable for health.

HDL cholesterol

HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it transports excess cholesterol from the vessels to the liver. There, it is broken down or recycled, reducing deposits in the arteries. Thus, HDL helps to keep the vessels healthy and free from calcifications.

High HDL levels are considered beneficial as they are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, low levels increase the risk of arteriosclerosis and heart attack.

LDL cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is referred to as "bad cholesterol" because it transports cholesterol from the liver to the body's cells. Excess LDL can deposit in the vessel walls and form so-called plaques. These deposits narrow the vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

High LDL levels are an important risk factor for arteriosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. Low levels, on the other hand, are considered beneficial for vascular health.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are the main form of fats in the body and are primarily stored in fat cells. They are formed when excess energy from food is converted into fat. Some triglycerides circulate in the blood and serve as an energy source.

Elevated triglyceride levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially when LDL is high and HDL is low at the same time. Very high levels can also trigger inflammation of the pancreas.

25-OH-Vitamin-D3

25-OH vitamin D is the storage form of vitamin D that the body produces in the liver from vitamin D formed with sunlight or food. Vitamin D supports calcium absorption, ensures healthy bones and teeth, and plays an important role for muscles, nerves, and the immune system.

The 25-OH vitamin D test is the best method to check vitamin D status. Low levels can indicate too little sunlight, an unbalanced diet, or diseases and are associated with bone diseases such as osteoporosis or rickets. Excessive levels usually result from too high supplement doses and can strain the kidneys and liver.

Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex that controls metabolism and the body's stress response. It regulates blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and influences the immune system. Cortisol typically follows a daily rhythm, with the highest levels in the morning and the lowest at night.

Permanently elevated cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and a weakened immune system. Too low levels indicate adrenal insufficiency and can be associated with fatigue, low blood pressure, and weakness.

Cystatin C

Cystatin C is a protein that is produced in all body cells and is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Since the production of Cystatin C in the body is relatively constant, the value is well-suited for assessing kidney function.

In contrast to creatinine, Cystatin C rises early when kidney performance declines. Therefore, it is considered a sensitive marker for timely detection of early kidney weakness.

Gamma-GT (G-GT)

GGT is an enzyme that is primarily found in the liver and bile ducts. It is released into the blood when these organs are damaged or stressed. Therefore, GGT is an important marker for liver health.

Elevated levels may indicate alcohol abuse, liver inflammation, bile obstruction, or certain medications. Normal levels usually indicate intact liver function.

GPT (ALT, ALAT)

GPT, also called ALT, is an enzyme that occurs almost exclusively in the liver. When liver cells are damaged, it enters the blood and the level rises.

An elevated GPT level is therefore a sensitive indicator of liver diseases such as hepatitis or fatty liver. Normal values indicate a healthy liver.

Long-term blood sugar (HbA1c)

HbA1c is a long-term blood sugar value that indicates the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. It forms when sugar attaches to the red blood pigment hemoglobin. Since red blood cells live for about three months, the HbA1c value provides a good overview of long-term blood sugar control.

A high HbA1c value suggests poorly controlled or previously undetected diabetes. Normal values indicate stable and good blood sugar control.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate and enters the blood in small amounts. The PSA test is primarily used for the early detection and monitoring of prostate diseases.

Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer but also occur with benign prostate enlargement or inflammation. Therefore, a single elevated value does not automatically mean cancer and must always be assessed in conjunction with further examinations.

TSH

TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) is produced in the pituitary gland and controls the activity of the thyroid gland. It stimulates the thyroid to produce the hormones T3 and T4, which influence metabolism and many body functions.

High TSH levels usually indicate an underactive thyroid, as the body tries to boost hormone production. Low TSH levels, on the other hand, suggest an overactive thyroid.