Blood test interpretation

Learn how to read and understand your blood work results, from hormone panels to metabolic markers. Knowing what your numbers mean empowers you to make informed decisions about your health, TRT protocols, and overall optimization.

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The essentials for blood test interpretation — then explore the latest posts below.

Function Health testosterone results: What abnormal labs mean and what to do next

Function Health testosterone results: What abnormal labs mean and what to do next

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Feb 09, 2026 · 13 min read

Function Health testosterone results can be a useful starting point, but “out of range” does not automatically mean you need TRT, and normal numbers do not automatically mean your hormones are fine. This guide shows men how to confirm low testosterone, interpret free testosterone, and choose the safest next steps with a clinician. By Plain ...

Blueprint stack review: What Bryan Johnson’s simplified longevity stack can and can’t do for men

Blueprint stack review: What Bryan Johnson’s simplified longevity stack can and can’t do for men

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Jan 30, 2026 · 12 min read

Bryan Johnson’s commercial “Blueprint Stack” promises a simplified route into a longevity-focused routine. This blueprint stack review breaks down what’s actually in the stack as described, what the research says about the major components for men, and how to use a “stack” approach without drifting into expensive guesswork. “If a ‘stack’ helps you consistently hit ...

The hidden link between inflammation and heart disease: Why cholesterol is only half the story

The hidden link between inflammation and heart disease: Why cholesterol is only half the story

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Jan 28, 2026 · 11 min read

Chronic arterial inflammation can turn LDL-based plaque dangerous by driving cytokine signaling (IL‑1β, IL‑6) that recruits macrophages and releases metalloproteinases to thin the fibrous cap until it ruptures, which helps explain why nearly 50% of heart attacks occur in men with “normal” cholesterol. A standard lipid panel won’t capture that risk, so this article breaks ...

What is the best supplement for inflammation? The 8 options with the strongest evidence

What is the best supplement for inflammation? The 8 options with the strongest evidence

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Jan 21, 2026 · 13 min read

There is no single best supplement for inflammation for every man, but a small group has the strongest human evidence for lowering inflammatory signals or improving inflammation driven symptoms. This guide breaks down the best supplements for inflammation, what they do in the body, and how to choose based on your goals and lab results. ...

Athlete biomarker testing for longevity: The lab numbers that keep men performing longer

Athlete biomarker testing for longevity: The lab numbers that keep men performing longer

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Jan 19, 2026 · 12 min read

For longevity-focused men who train, repeating key labs—especially HbA1c (a ~3‑month average of blood sugar) and ApoB (the number of atherogenic particles that can enter artery walls)—can reveal early metabolic drift and cardiovascular risk before performance drops or disease shows up. Pair those with iron, inflammation, and hormone/recovery markers to build a “healthspan dashboard” that ...

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