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Screens for anemia, infection, and blood-cell disorders. A cheap, high-value baseline.

Baseline for kidney, liver, blood sugar, and electrolytes.

LDL is the strongest modifiable predictor of heart attack and stroke. Estrogen therapy can shift lipid profile — worth tracking.

Detects diabetes years before symptoms; A1c reflects 3 months of blood sugar.

Thyroid disease is common and easily missed without testing.

Deficiency is very common in northern latitudes and easily corrected.

Absorption drops with age; deficiency causes fatigue and nerve problems.

Low iron is very common in people who menstruate and causes fatigue, hair loss, and brain fog.

Curable with 8–12 weeks of pills — but silent for decades if untreated.

HPV-driven cervical cancer is almost fully preventable with screening. Testosterone can cause atrophic changes that need a note on the requisition so the lab interprets the sample correctly.

Melanoma is highly curable when caught early.

HPV-related anal cancer risk is higher for people living with HIV and for people who have receptive anal sex. Under-screened in most primary care.

Many STIs are silent. Throat and rectal swabs catch infections a urine test misses — ask specifically if you have oral or anal sex.

Daily or on-demand PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV. DoxyPEP (a doxycycline dose after sex) cuts syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea for many people.

An affirming provider makes every other item on this list easier. Directories: WPATH (US), Rainbow Health Ontario, Trans Care BC.

Hypertension is silent and the #1 preventable cause of stroke.

Reduces flu, hospitalization, and heart attack risk after infection.

Updated boosters restore protection against current variants and cut the risk of hospitalization, long COVID, and post-infection cardiovascular events.

Tetanus is rare but often fatal without vaccination.

Recommended for gay, bi, and other MSM, trans and non-binary people who have sex with men, sex workers, and their partners.

Prevents cervical, throat, and anal cancers — relevant regardless of gender.

Gum disease is linked to heart disease and diabetes complications.

Catches glaucoma, diabetic changes, and vision loss early.

LGBTQ2S+ and trans people face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality — driven by minority stress, not identity. Affirming care makes a measurable difference.