Free Androgen Index (FAI) near me in Chennai
Understanding Free Androgen Index (FAI) in Chennai
What is Free Androgen Index (FAI) in Chennai?
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.
What does Free Androgen Index (FAI) measure?
Contains 3 testsThe 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.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
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
Testosterone Total
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Androgen Index (FAI) in Chennai
Q. What is the Free Androgen Index (FAI) test?
Q. Why would my doctor recommend the Free Androgen Index (FAI) test?
Q. How should I prepare for the test?
Q. Is fasting required before the test?
Q. How often should this test be done?
Q. Can I schedule the Free Androgen Index (FAI) test online in Chennai near me?
Q. Is a home sample collection facility available for the Free Androgen Index (FAI) test in Chennai with Tata 1mg Labs?
Q. How can I schedule the Free Androgen Index (FAI) test with Tata 1mg Labs in Chennai?
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References
- Free Androgen Index [Internet]. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 21 Oct. 2024]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=free_androgen_index
- Al Kindi MK, Al Essry FS, Al Essry FS, Mula-Abed WA. Validity of serum testosterone, free androgen index, and calculated free testosterone in women with suspected hyperandrogenism. Oman Med J. 2012 Nov;27(6):471-4. [Accessed 21 Oct. 2024]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3515039/
- Rahmatnezhad L, Moghaddam-Banaem L, Behrouzi Lak T, Shiva A, Rasuli J. Free androgen index (FAI)'s relations with oxidative stress and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome. Sci Rep. 2023 Mar 29;13(1):5118. [Accessed 21 Oct. 2024]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10060256/
- 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
- Hammond GL. Diverse roles for sex hormone-binding globulin in reproduction. Biol Reprod. 2011 Sep;85(3):431-41. [Accessed 21 Oct. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4480437/
- Vesper H, Pirkle J. Total Testosterone-Laboratory Procedure Manual. CDC; [Accessed 21 Oct. 2024]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/nhanes_11_12/tst_g_met.pdf
- Rivas AM, Mulkey Z, Lado-Abeal J, Yarbrough S. Diagnosing and managing low serum testosterone. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2014 Oct;27(4):321-4. [Accessed 21 Aug. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4255853/
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