What Do Your Annual Blood Test Results Mean?

Written by: Chinonso Ahanonu
July 30, 2025

Your annual physical often includes a blood test, a powerful snapshot of your health. But once you get those results, do you really know what they mean? Understanding your annual blood test is key to proactive health management. It’s not just about knowing if you’re “normal”; it’s about gaining insights into your body’s vital functions and catching potential issues early.

Major Lab Values: What Do They Tell You?

Blood tests measure various components in your blood, providing clues about your organ function, nutritional status, and overall health. Here are some of the most common panels and what their values indicate:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A Complete Blood Count or CBC is a broad panel that assesses different components of your blood. It’s a fundamental test that can reveal infections, anemia, and certain blood cancers.¹
Red Blood Cells (RBC), Hemoglobin (Hgb), and Hematocrit (Hct): These measure the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood. Low levels can indicate anemia, leading to fatigue and weakness. High levels might suggest dehydration or other conditions.¹
White Blood Cells (WBC): These are your immune system’s soldiers. Elevated levels often signal an infection or inflammation, while low levels can indicate a weakened immune system. The CBC also breaks down different types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils), offering more specific insights into what might be going on.¹
Platelets: These tiny cells are crucial for blood clotting. Too few can lead to excessive bleeding, while too many might increase the risk of clots.¹

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

The Basic Metabolic Panel or BMP, provides information about your body’s metabolism, kidney function, and electrolyte balance.²

Glucose (Blood Sugar): This is a primary indicator for diabetes and prediabetes. High levels suggest your body isn’t effectively managing sugar, potentially due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production.²
Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate): These minerals are vital for nerve and muscle function, hydration, and maintaining your body’s pH balance. Imbalances can indicate dehydration, kidney issues, or other conditions.²
Kidney Function Tests (BUN and Creatinine): Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine are waste products filtered by your kidneys. Elevated levels can signal kidney impairment.²

Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Test)

This panel assesses your risk for heart disease by measuring different types of fats in your blood.³

Total Cholesterol: The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood.
LDL (“Bad”) Cholesterol: High levels contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
HDL (“Good”) Cholesterol: Higher levels are protective, helping remove excess cholesterol from your arteries.
Triglycerides: Another type of fat in your blood. High levels, especially combined with high LDL or low HDL, also increase heart disease risk.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Liver Function tests measure enzymes and proteins in your blood that are related to liver health. Abnormal levels can indicate liver damage or disease. Common markers include ALT, AST, Alkaline Phosphatase, and Bilirubin.⁴

Gender-Specific Lab Values to Watch

While many lab values are important for everyone, certain indicators can hold particular significance for men and women, guiding more tailored health conversations with your doctor.

For Men: Prostate Health and Beyond

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): This is a key blood test primarily used to screen for prostate cancer. While an elevated PSA can indicate prostate cancer, it can also be raised due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or inflammation. Discussing your PSA levels with your doctor is crucial, as they’ll consider your age, ethnicity, and family history to determine if further investigation is needed. Regular monitoring allows for early detection and timely intervention if cancer is present.⁵
Testosterone Levels: While not always part of a standard annual panel, testosterone can be checked if you experience symptoms like low libido, fatigue, muscle weakness, or mood changes. Low testosterone can affect energy, mood, bone density, and sexual function. Conversely, very high levels can also signal underlying issues. Understanding your levels can help address symptoms and optimize overall well-being.⁶

For Women: Hormonal Balance and Bone Health

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): While relevant for everyone, women are statistically more prone to thyroid disorders, especially as they age. TSH is the primary marker for assessing thyroid function. High TSH indicates an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), leading to fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Low TSH suggests an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), causing anxiety, weight loss, and rapid heartbeat. Regular TSH checks are crucial for maintaining metabolic balance.⁷
Vitamin D: While important for everyone, vitamin D deficiency is particularly prevalent in women and has significant implications for bone health and beyond. Adequate vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, preventing osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones), which is more common in women, especially post-menopause. Low vitamin D can also impact mood, immune function, and overall energy. Regular monitoring can help ensure optimal levels for bone density and overall vitality.^3,8

Taking Action for Better Health

Getting your blood test results can feel overwhelming, but they are powerful tools for managing your health proactively. Remember, abnormal results don’t automatically mean you have a serious illness; they’re indicators for further discussion and potential action with your healthcare provider.