Understanding the Free Testosterone Range

Free Testosterone, Direct Male Lab Results explained

Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, can manifest in various ways. Symptoms may include decreased energy levels, reduced muscle mass, diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, mood swings, and feelings of depression. As we navigate through life, several factors come into play that can influence testosterone levels, shaping our overall hormonal balance.

Anything from blood, urine, saliva, or stool can be uploaded, understood, and tracked with your Healthmatters account. While we work with many popular labs, we welcome reports from lots of other places too. In addition, certain conditions are known to affect free testosterone like hyperthyroidism and some types of kidney disease. Your free T levels are tanked mostly by obesity and high amounts of SHBG, Dr. Welliver explains. Those SHBG levels are affected by everything from weight loss and weight gain to thyroid issues, infections, and simple aging. Your doctor might order it if you have symptoms of low or high testosterone. Free testosterone isn’t bound to anything, so it’s free to get into cells and get to work.

When levels of free testosterone are low, it can be more difficult to achieve and sustain an erection, leading to issues with sexual performance. When natural means fail to increase your low testosterone levels, then it is best to try other treatments like testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). These tests are simple blood tests where blood is drawn from your vein and stored in a tube that is sent to the laboratory for testing. Testosterone tests are performed in the morning because you have the highest testosterone levels at that time. If you are experiencing such symptoms, then it is important to get your testosterone levels checked and talk to your doctor to identify what is causing these issues. Therefore, the sooner you get its treatment, the better it is for your health and life. Treatment strategies for testosterone imbalances, as we discussed, range from hormone replacement therapies to lifestyle modifications.

% Free Testosterone is a vital biomarker used to evaluate hormonal health, particularly in men, but also in women. This “free” testosterone is biologically active, meaning it is available to interact with cells and exert effects on the body, such as influencing muscle growth, fat distribution, mood, and sexual function. The study found that testosterone levels naturally decline with age, with an average decrease of approximately 1-2% per year. In older adulthood, expected testosterone levels generally range from 200 to 900 ng/dL. This age-related decline in testosterone can have various effects on individuals, including changes in muscle mass, bone density, and sexual function.

Recognizing these causes is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of low or high testosterone levels. It underscores the importance of a holistic approach to health, considering not just medical treatments but also lifestyle modifications to manage and maintain optimal testosterone levels. As we proceed to explore the symptoms d aspartic acid and testosterone effects of testosterone imbalance, the interconnected nature of this hormone with various aspects of health becomes even more evident. The balance between free and total testosterone is crucial for several reasons. For example, a person can have normal total testosterone levels but still experience symptoms of testosterone deficiency if their free testosterone levels are low. This scenario can occur in cases where there is an increase in SHBG, which binds more testosterone, reducing the amount of free, active hormone. Low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) can have significant health implications.

Although present in much lower levels than estrogen and progesterone, testosterone’s balance is crucial for the normal functioning of the female reproductive system. Testosterone, often hailed as the primary male sex hormone, is a powerful and multifaceted chemical messenger that plays a pivotal role in both male and female physiology. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation if you have concerns about elevated free testosterone levels. They can provide personalized guidance and recommend appropriate interventions if necessary. Yet free T actually comprises about 2 percent of your total testosterone, explains Dr. Welliver. The majority of your testosterone is bound tightly to proteins called sex hormone-binding globulins (SHBG), which sequester the free T and take it out of action so it can’t have any end effect.

The free testosterone can help give more information when total testosterone is low. If, after testing either your total testosterone and/or your free testosterone, it is determined that your testosterone levels are below normal, you may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy. A low total testosterone level suggests an androgen deficiency (i.e., low levels of this male sex hormone). There are also some circumstances in which there will be a normal total testosterone level but a low free testosterone level, which is why it can be helpful to have both levels checked. Testing free T specifically is important, as total testosterone levels may seem normal, but the excessive binding of the hormone may result in a free T deficiency.

The following table illustrates the range of normal “free” testosterone for men and women by age. The molecules of free testosterone can be immediately used by your body because they can simply enter the cells unimpeded by being unattached to SHBG or albumin. That’s why high T-levels in women are considered to be more dangerous than the equivalent condition in men. Spironolactone is one of the most effective medications for women with high T.

In conclusion, high free testosterone levels can have significant health risks for both men and women. These risks include cardiovascular problems, prostate enlargement in men, and disruptions to reproductive and menstrual health in women. It is important to maintain testosterone levels within a healthy range to avoid these complications.