Testosterone Total & Free
Understanding Testosterone Total & Free
What is Testosterone Total & Free?
A Testosterone Total & Free test measures the total and free forms of testosterone, a primary male sex hormone, in the blood. Testosterone is present in both men and women, but the levels are significantly higher in men. It helps detect conditions like infertility, erectile dysfunction, early or delayed puberty in males, and menstrual irregularities or hormonal issues in females. This test may also be used to track hormone levels in individuals receiving testosterone replacement therapy.
Testosterone is responsible for a range of essential functions, and its levels can significantly impact an individual's health and well-being. A Testosterone Total & Free test is a vital component of hormonal health assessment and is crucial in understanding the hormonal balance within the human body, particularly in males.
Testosterone is produced primarily by the testes in males and ovaries in females. It plays a key role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair and deepening of the voice. It contributes to muscle development and bone density, influences mood and energy, and is necessary for a healthy libido and optimal reproductive function. While it is chiefly a male sex hormone, testosterone is also produced in women in small amounts and affects the overall growth and development of muscles and reproductive tissues. Some of it is converted to estrogen, the primary female sex hormone.
Deranged testosterone levels can cause changes in health and physical appearance. A Testosterone Total & Free test helps assess male infertility and identify hormonal imbalances, particularly in men experiencing symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, mood disturbances, and muscle weakness. This test is also valuable for monitoring the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy in individuals with low testosterone levels. In women, the Testosterone Total & Free test detects conditions such as menstrual irregularities and hormonal issues like increased facial hair.
Usually, no special preparation is required for a Testosterone Total & Free test. You may eat and drink as per your daily routine. However, it should be noted that testosterone levels are highest during the early morning and lowest in the evening, and it increases with exercise and decreases with age.
Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help the doctor make informed decisions regarding treatment options, ultimately enhancing the quality of life and well-being.
What is Testosterone Total & Free used for?
A Testosterone Total & Free test is done:
- In cases of male infertility, to provide insights into potential contributing factors and guide treatment.
- In men who experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as low libido, fatigue, mood disturbances, and muscle weakness.
- In females with male traits such as excessive body hair (hirsutism) or irregular or absent periods.
- To monitor treatment response in individuals with abnormal testosterone levels or those undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
- In individuals taking medicines that may affect their testosterone levels.
What does Testosterone Total & Free measure?
Contains 2 testsA Testosterone Total & Free test measures the total amount of testosterone in your body, including the testosterone that is bound to proteins: albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and the testosterone that is free and not bound to proteins.
Testosterone Total
A Testosterone Total test measures the level of testosterone hormone in the blood. Testosterone is a steroid hormone primarily produced in the testes in men, although it is also present in smaller quantities in the adrenal glands. In women, it is made in small amounts by the ovaries. It is predominantly associated with male physiology and significantly influences physiological functions in both men and women.
The pituitary gland produces luteinizing hormone (LH), which regulates testosterone production. As testosterone levels rise, LH production decreases, slowing down testosterone production. Conversely, when testosterone levels fall, LH production increases, stimulating testosterone production.
Most of the testosterone circulating in the blood gets attached to two proteins, albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and some of it remains unattached, called free testosterone. Free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone are also known as bioavailable testosterone, as they are readily available for the body to use for proper functioning.
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Testosterone Free
A Testosterone Free test measures the level of unattached or free testosterone in the blood. It is called free testosterone or free T because it is not attached to other molecules, especially proteins. The body actively uses free testosterone as signaling molecules that regulate metabolism and other cellular functions.
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Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Testosterone Total & Free
Frequently Asked Questions about Testosterone Total & Free
Q. When can a doctor advise a Testosterone Total & Free test?
Q. Will taking supplements help to raise testosterone levels?
Q. What additional tests can be advised along with a Testosterone Total & Free test?
Q. How often should a Testosterone Total & Free test be done?
Q. What factors can affect total and free testosterone levels?
Q. Is a Testosterone Total & Free test used in both men and women?
Q. How do I raise my testosterone levels naturally?
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References
- Total Testosterone [Internet]. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=testosterone_total
- Free Testosterone [Internet]. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=testosterone_total
- Nassar GN, Leslie SW. Physiology, Testosterone [Internet]. Treasure Island, Florida: StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526128/
- Long N, Nguyen L, Stevermer J. PURLS: It's time to reconsider early-morning testosterone tests. J Fam Pract. 2015 Jul;64(7):418-9. [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4501456/
- Low Testosterone [Internet]. Urology Care Foundation. [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone
- Vesper H, Pirkle J. Total Testosterone-Laboratory Procedure Manual. CDC; [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. 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 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4255853/
- Davis SR, Wahlin-Jacobsen S. Testosterone in women--the clinical significance. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2015 Dec;3(12):980-92. [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26358173/
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