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Free Androgen Index (FAI)

Free Androgen Index (FAI) near me in Chennai

Also referred as
Androgen Index
For men & women
Earliest reports in
48 hours
Contains
3 tests
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The Free Androgen Index (FAI) panel is used to identify excessive androgen activity and thus useful in the evaluation of mild disorders of androgen metabolism. It is also used to diagnose other hormonal disorders in men and women. It measures key hormones such as Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and Testosterone Total. It also measures Free Androgen Index, a ratio of testosterone to SHBG  which helps in identifying excessive androgen activity in the body. This test is available with Tata 1Mg labs at an affordable price in Chennai.

The free androgen index (FAI) is a useful clinical tool for evaluating androgen status in women, particularly in diagnosing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hirsutism. In men, FAI is useful for assessing androgen levels, particularly in diagnosing conditions like hypogonadism and monitoring testosterone therapy.

Consider getting tested when there are symptoms such as decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, muscle weakness, acne breakouts, hair loss or excessive hair growth, weight gain/loss, changes in the menstrual cycle etc. Additionally it is used to monitor the effectiveness of any ongoing treatment such as hormonal replacement therapy or medications to regulate androgen levels. No special preparation is required for the Free Androgen Index (FAI). Eat and drink as per your daily routine.

 

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Blood
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Understanding Free Androgen Index (FAI)

The Free Androgen Index (FAI) (FAI) test helps evaluate androgen hormone levels in the body. Androgens, such as testosterone plays an important role in male and female reproductive health influencing libido, fertility, secondary sexual characteristics (hair growth, muscle mass, voice hoarseness etc.), menstrual cycles and ovarian function. 

This test measures testosterone in the blood and compares the total amount of testosterone to SHBG in the body. It is recommended as a baseline investigation for suspected hyperandrogenism (androgen excess) in women. Also, it is done when there are signs and symptoms of abnormal androgen levels, which differ in men and women. 

No special preparation is required for this test. Inform your doctor about all the medications or supplements that you may be taking as these may affect the test results potentially requiring adjustments or temporary discontinuation. Also, inform your doctor if you're pregnant as it can influence the testosterone levels as part of normal physiology. Moreover, narrate your complete medical history to the doctor to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings.

Lab Test results may vary based on the age, gender and overall health. The interpretation of test results requires professional expertise. Do not self-medicate at home and consult the doctor to understand the test results correctly. 

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What does Free Androgen Index (FAI) measure?

Contains 3 tests

The Free Androgen Index (FAI) test measures several key components to assess androgen status in the body. It evaluates total testosterone, which reflects the overall amount of testosterone present in the blood, including both free and bound forms. It measures Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds to testosterone and regulates its bioavailability. Additionally, it also measures Free Androgen Index, a calculated ratio derived from the levels of total testosterone and SHBG, indicating the amount of free testosterone available for biological activity. The Free Androgen Index (FAI) is a useful clinical tool for evaluating androgen status in women, particularly in diagnosing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hirsutism, by providing insight into the balance between total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). In men, the Free Androgen Index (FAI) is useful for assessing androgen levels, particularly in diagnosing conditions like hypogonadism and monitoring testosterone therapy.

Understanding these measurements is crucial for diagnosing and treating hormonal disorders, ultimately enhancing quality of life and reproductive function.

The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin test measures the level of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) protein in the blood and is most often used to help evaluate you for testosterone deficiency or excess. SHBG is produced by the liver and it helps in the transport and regulation of sex hormones, primarily testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estrogen. 

When the SHBG protein binds to sex hormones, your tissues can't use those hormones. Your tissues can only use sex hormones that are "free," which means they aren't attached to proteins, such as SHBG. Changes in SHBG levels can affect the amount of hormone used by the body’s tissues. 

In men, SHBG binds to sex hormones like testosterone and regulates their levels in the blood. When SHBG levels are higher , less free testosterone is available for the body to use. However, when SHBG levels are lower, more free testosterone is available. This balance is important for maintaining overall health and hormonal function in men. 

In women, SHBG plays an integral role in regulating the levels of bioavailable male sex hormones (androgens) and estrogens circulating throughout the body. SHBG has a higher affinity for the androgens testosterone and DHT, and so with the low SHBG, women may have signs and symptoms related to androgen excess.

 

Know more about Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

The Testosterone Total test measures the level of testosterone hormone available in the blood. This includes two forms of testosterone: free testosterone and bound testosterone. Bound testosterone is attached to proteins, mainly to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. It cannot enter the body's cells or directly affect tissues and organs. Instead, it acts as a store of testosterone in the blood and can be released when the body needs it. Free testosterone is not attached to any proteins and is the active form. It can easily transport to various tissues, and affects key functions like sex drive, muscle growth, bone strength, and energy levels.

Know more about Testosterone Total

Free Androgen Index

FAQs related to Free Androgen Index (FAI) in Chennai

The Free Androgen Index (FAI) test is a blood test that measures levels of total testosterone, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and Free Androgen Index (ratio of Total testosterone and SHBG) to assess androgen status and hormonal balance in the body.
Your doctor may recommend the FAI test to evaluate symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, such as infertility, menstrual irregularities, or signs of androgen excess, like excessive hair growth in women.
Generally, no special preparation is needed for the FAI test. However, it’s advisable to discuss any medications or supplements you are taking with your doctor, as they may influence the test results.
No, fasting is not required before the Free Androgen Index (FAI) test. You can schedule it at your convenience without avoiding food or water beforehand.
The frequency of testing depends on individual circumstances and your doctor’s recommendations, especially if you are being monitored for specific hormonal conditions.
Yes. In Chennai, you can schedule the Free Androgen Index (FAI) test near you with Tata 1mg Labs. The test is easy to book, cost-effective, and available with a comprehensive report.
Yes, home sample collection for the Free Androgen Index (FAI) test is readily available in Chennai. Tata 1mg Labs allows you to choose a date and time that suits your schedule for sample collection.
If you want to schedule the Free Androgen Index (FAI) test with Tata 1mg Labs in Chennai, the procedure is fairly easy and hassle-free. Follow these steps to book a test: 1). Visit the Lab Tests section on the Tata 1mg website. 2). Add the test you want in the cart. 3). Pick a time and date slot according to your convenience; however, do consider the necessary prerequisites while scheduling a test. 4). You will receive a notification with all the details once the test is scheduled.
Tata 1mg Labs allows you to book tests at an affordable price in Chennai. The Free Androgen Index (FAI) test can be booked at a pocket-friendly budget of Rs. 2749.
At Tata 1mg Labs, we understand the importance of timely results. We strive to provide fast turnaround times for test results, allowing you to get the information you need promptly. On average, we take 48 hours to provide the reports of the Free Androgen Index (FAI) test in Chennai.
Content created by
Written by:
Dr. Lipika Khurana
PGDHHM, BDS
Reviewed by:
Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)
MD Lab Medicine, MBBS
Want to know moreRead our editorial policy
Last Updated16th Oct 2025

Free Androgen Index (FAI) test price for other cities

Price inMumbaiRs. 3059
Price inBangaloreRs. 3139
Price inKolkataRs. 2699
Price inGurgaonRs. 2699
Price inNew DelhiRs. 2699

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References

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    Laurent MR, Hammond GL, Blokland M, Jardí F, Antonio L, Dubois V, Khalil R, Sterk SS, Gielen E, Decallonne B, Carmeliet G, Kaufman JM, Fiers T, Huhtaniemi IT, Vanderschueren D, Claessens F. Sex hormone-binding globulin regulation of androgen bioactivity in vivo: validation of the free hormone hypothesis. Sci Rep. 2016 Oct 17;6:35539. Accessed 02 Apr. 2024]. Available from: [Accessed 21 Oct. 2024]. Available from: Sex hormone-binding globulin regulation of androgen bioactivity in vivo: validation of the free hormone hypothesis - PMC
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Contains 3 tests
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
Testosterone Total
Free Androgen Index