Free Testosterone vs Total Testosterone Levels

Understanding total testosterone vs free testosterone

Meanwhile, some studies have found associations between low testosterone levels and symptoms like reduced cognitive function, brain fog, decreased motivation, and mood changes, according to Bailey. “A decline in testosterone can impact libido and sexual performance, which may strain intimate relationships and reduce quality of life,” he says. Research suggests that low testosterone levels may be more common among young men today compared to previous decades. Multiple large-scale studies have shown that average testosterone levels in men, including adolescents and young adults, have been on the decline over the past few decades, according to Houman.

If you are suffering from the symptoms of low testosterone, most of the time your doctor will only test for your total testosterone. In most cases, a test for total testosterone is enough for a doctor to make a diagnosis of low testosterone (Low-T). That’s also why it’s best to get your T levels tested through your doctor instead of just going out and getting one on your own. A physician can help you dive into your individual circumstances and help you get the right treatment for your body. The information provided regarding testosterone testing, free T levels, and supplements for low testosterone can be overwhelming. The most commonly asked questions about testosterone levels and their answers can be found below.

In general, testosterone levels are highest during adolescence and early adulthood, and then gradually decline with age. This decline usually begins in the late 20s or early 30s and continues throughout a man’s life. If you know your total testosterone reading from a previous blood test input the results to the left above to see if your testosterone levels are normal. Free testosterone can directly reach a site and attach to the cells without getting the help of any transport protein. On the contrary, bound testosterone needs the assistance of transport proteins like SHBG to reach the target site and enter the cells to perform its function. That is why a high concentration of SHBG in the blood may lead to low free testosterone levels in the blood.

Free testosterone levels are an important aspect of male health and overall well-being. It is crucial to understand what a healthy range of free testosterone levels should be in order to assess and address any underlying health concerns. Low levels of free testosterone can contribute to a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, and even mood swings. On the other hand, excessively high levels of free testosterone can also have negative effects on the body. Finding the right balance is key, and understanding what free testosterone levels should be can help both men and their healthcare providers make informed decisions about their health. Testosterone imbalance, encompassing both low and high levels, can arise from a myriad of causes, ranging from natural physiological changes to lifestyle factors and medical conditions.

Testosterone levels naturally peak in early adulthood and start to decline gradually around the age of 30. This decline, often referred to as andropause or male menopause, can lead to a decrease in muscle mass, bone density, libido, and changes in mood and cognitive function. While this decline is a normal part of aging, for some individuals, it can lead to significantly lower than normal levels, necessitating medical intervention.

A search function depression and testosterone (https://um.com.co/) filters simplify the exploration of extensive data, allowing you to focus on what needs attention. It’s only a small part of your total testosterone, but it’s important, too. Although primarily prescribed as a diuretic to treat hypertension, spironolactone acts as an anti-androgen. The drug also increases the concentration of SHBG in the blood, providing a binding substrate to testosterone and effectively reducing the free T concentration [18].

Explore neatly organized reports on a timeline, highlighting crucial details like dates, critical results, and lab/panel names. Each report opens up to reveal in-depth descriptions and additional recommendations for each biomarker. The history of previous results is just a click away, and you can download a comprehensive report for deeper insights. Color-coded and user-friendly, it’s designed for easy reading, understanding, and navigation. For those who prefer assistance, we offer a “Data entry service” to help you input your data.

A smaller amount of the hormone is also lightly bound to a protein called albumin. Free T is the type of T your body uses, and knowing your free testosterone levels is an important marker of good health. If your free testosterone levels are too low, testosterone replacement therapy may be needed.

The amount of testosterone in your blood is measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). It can help doctors identify the causes of various conditions such as erectile dysfunction, hair loss, and osteoporosis [3]. Unlike bound testosterone, free T is readily available to act on cells in target tissues.