Biomarkers Gen Z Can't Ignore: Your Health Check Starter Pack

Gen Z & Biomarkers: The Health Check You Didn't Know You Needed

If you're in your 20s and think full-body checkups are just for your parents, pause. The truth is, your body starts dropping hints way before you feel anything is wrong. And those hints? They show up in your biomarkers.

Now, I get it. Blood work sounds boring or even scary, but it’s honestly one of the most powerful tools you’ve got to stay ahead of stress, burnout, chronic illness, or hormone chaos. And honestly, between sleepless nights, TikTok doomscrolls, energy drinks, and irregular eating habits, Gen Z isn’t exactly living peak wellness all the time.

So here’s your quick, no-BS breakdown of which biomarkers you should care about and why checking them now might save you serious trouble later.

1. Vitamin D: The Sunshine Deficiency Is Real

Why It Matters:
Over 40% of people under 30 are vitamin D deficient. This nutrient helps regulate your mood, immune system, and bone strength. Low levels are linked to depression, fatigue, and poor immunity.

Why Gen Z’s at Risk:
We’re indoors a lot. Online classes, remote work, bingeing shows, gaming, whatever your thing is, chances are your skin isn’t catching enough rays.

Get It Checked If:
You’re tired all the time, feel down during the winter months, or get sick easily.

2. Cortisol: Your Stress Signature

Why It Matters:
Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone. When it’s too high or weirdly low, it messes with sleep, energy, metabolism, and even your skin.

Why Gen Z’s at Risk:
Constant pressure to hustle, comparison culture, and digital overstimulation keep us in fight or flight 24/7.

My Take:
I got mine checked after months of brutal insomnia and anxiety spirals. Turns out my cortisol was through the roof. My body was literally in survival mode. I switched to morning walks, reduced caffeine, and started meditating. It was a game changer.

3. Ferritin/Iron: Not Just a Female Thing

Why It Matters:
Iron is essential for energy and brain function. Ferritin is a marker that shows how much iron you’ve stored up.

Why Gen Z’s at Risk:
Vegan or vegetarian diets are popular and totally valid, but they can easily lead to low iron. Periods, intense workouts, and even stress can also tank your levels.

Watch for Signs:
If you're always cold, dizzy, pale, or out of breath walking upstairs, get it tested.

4. HbA1c: Your Blood Sugar Snapshot

Why It Matters:
HbA1c shows your average blood sugar levels over the last 3 months. It's used to detect prediabetes or blood sugar issues.

Why Gen Z’s at Risk:
We snack more, sleep less, and eat more processed foods. Blood sugar crashes mean mood swings, fatigue, and higher long-term risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Real Talk:
You can have a normal BMI and still have bad blood sugar control. It’s not about size. It’s about what’s happening inside.

5. TSH: Your Thyroid's Messenger

Why It Matters:
TSH controls your metabolism, energy, and mood. Both hyper and hypothyroidism are more common than you think.

Why Gen Z’s at Risk:
Anxiety, weight changes, dry skin, and fatigue are all signs. But often they get written off as just stress.

When to Check It:
If you feel like your body’s out of sync despite doing everything right.

6. Lipid Panel: Not Just for Boomers

Why It Matters:
This measures cholesterol and triglycerides. High LDL or low HDL can lead to heart disease. Even young adults can have it.

Why Gen Z’s at Risk:
Fast food, Uber Eats, sitting all day, and vaping can mess with your numbers.

A Wake-Up Moment:
A friend of mine, 24, thought he was totally healthy. Found out he had high cholesterol from a routine test. Zero symptoms. Now he’s swapped late-night snacks for oats and fiber.

7. CRP: Inflammation Checkpoint

Why It Matters:
CRP shows if there’s inflammation in your body. High levels are linked to autoimmune diseases, gut issues, and chronic illness risk.

Why Gen Z’s at Risk:
Poor sleep, constant stress, overtraining, or food sensitivities can cause silent inflammation.

Red Flag:
If you’re bloated, sore, or foggy more days than not, CRP can help point to why.

8. Hormonal Panel

Why It Matters:
Hormonal imbalances mess with your mental health, sex drive, weight, skin, and cycles.

Why Gen Z’s at Risk:
Birth control, toxins in our environment, and chronic stress all throw hormones off balance.

For People With Periods:
Irregular cycles, cystic acne, mood swings, or PCOS symptoms? This is essential.

For People Without Periods:
Fatigue, low libido, or random weight shifts? Still worth getting tested.

9. B12: Energy in a Bottle

Why It Matters:
B12 helps with energy production, brain function, and nerve health.

Why Gen Z’s at Risk:
Lots of us skip red meat, and antacids can block absorption. B12 deficiency symptoms sneak up with things like brain fog or tingling hands.

Easy Fix:
Supplements or monthly B12 shots work great.

10. Magnesium: The Chill Mineral

Why It Matters:
Magnesium helps with muscles, sleep, stress, and digestion. Low levels are super common and can cause cramps, tension, and headaches.

Why Gen Z’s at Risk:
Coffee, stress, and processed food drain magnesium fast.

Quick Tip:
If you struggle to sleep or stay calm, magnesium glycinate before bed is a small change that can go a long way.

Why This Matters Now, Not Later

I used to think of blood tests as something I’d deal with when I was older. But here’s what I’ve learned. Prevention isn’t about fear. It’s about freedom. Knowing your body gives you the power to fix stuff before it gets serious.

The sooner you start tuning in, the easier it is to feel good long-term. Whether you’re building a business, training for a half-marathon, or just trying to vibe peacefully through your 20s.

You don’t need to test everything at once. Pick a few based on how you're feeling. Find a doctor who actually listens to you. Track your health based on what really matters to you.

Your blood has receipts. It's time to read them.

Stay empowered and body-aware with more Gen Z health insights at Woke Waves Magazine.

#GenZHealth #BiomarkersExplained #PreventativeWellness #BloodTestsMatter #WokeWavesWellness

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