Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times

Free Testosterone vs Total Testosterone Levels

Therefore, measuring free testosterone levels can provide a better indicator of testosterone availability and function. Testing for testosterone levels is a nuanced process that requires careful consideration of various factors, including test timing, method, and interpretation of results. Accurate measurement of both total and free testosterone is crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions related to testosterone imbalance. Understanding these tests and what age can you take testosterone ftm the results mean is a key step in managing and addressing issues of hormonal health.

Doctor-prescribed medication can lower higher than normal levels of testosterone. Some testosterone boosters have also been reported to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer [17]. That’s why we are very careful to look at the ingredient list of every product we review. Aimed at raising T concentration, testosterone therapy is recommended for all men with a testosterone deficiency, with the only exception being men who experience this decrease due to aging. The overall concentration of testosterone in the blood of both males and females decreases with age. Testosterone is an androgenic hormone produced in both males and females by their respective gonads and adrenal glands.

This test measures the amount of unattached, or “free,” testosterone in your blood. So if you just focus on your free testosterone numbers, you’re discounting the vast majority of the testosterone in your body. An increase in the Human Growth Hormone (HGH) concentration directly causes an increase in testosterone secretion [16]. Testosterone deficiency has been detected in 10% – 40% of adult males globally, with age being the most reliable indicator. Hone-affiliated medical practices are independently owned and operated by licensed physicians who provide services using the Hone telehealth platform. For more information about the relationship between Hone and the medical practices, click here.

At AlphaMD, we specialize in providing comprehensive telehealth services, including TRT therapy. Our online consultations and direct medication delivery ensure that you receive personalized care conveniently and efficiently. Take charge of your health today by understanding and managing your free testosterone levels. That means trying to raise your testosterone is a layered game of increasing your free T and lowering your SHBG. Of course, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) also raises your total T levels, and helps reverse the effects of hypogonadism. The growing interest around male birth control pills came with good news for men suffering from extremely high testosterone levels. The effects of a pill containing dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU) were investigated and found to reduce both testosterone concentration and suppress serum LH production in the study’s subjects [19].

The intricate relationship between lifestyle choices and testosterone levels is a critical aspect of managing hormonal health. Various factors, ranging from diet and exercise to stress management and sleep, can significantly influence testosterone levels. This section delves into how lifestyle modifications can naturally balance testosterone levels, highlighting the power of daily habits in enhancing hormonal health.

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 other test is called the free testosterone test, and it measures the concentration of only free testosterone. In some cases, imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI may be employed, particularly if a pituitary tumor or testicular abnormality is suspected. These can complement hormonal testing to provide a comprehensive picture of an individual’s health.

Hone’s hormone assessment paints a full picture of what’s going on with your free testosterone and total testosterone. The test also measures several biomarkers, including SHBG, estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and of course, both free and total T. Having too little free testosterone can lead to symptoms of low T like fatigue, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and depression (3). Total T is the total amount of testosterone, measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood, in your body. On the other hand, free testosterone is the type of testosterone your body uses; it’s vital to your health. “You don’t need to wait until something feels ‘off’ to check in with a doctor,” says Houman.

Testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate, which can stimulate the growth of prostate cells. Excessive DHT production has been implicated in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH can cause urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, and weak urine flow.

Free testosterone levels should ideally make up between 1 to 2% of testosterone in your body. You can have normal levels of total testosterone, but low levels of free testosterone says Dahl. Total testosterone is attached to proteins such as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) or albumin and is transported around your body from place to place. Understanding and measuring % Free Testosterone can help healthcare providers develop more targeted treatment plans, leading to better outcomes for patients dealing with hormone-related issues. It’s worth noting that % Free Testosterone has a complex interplay with other hormones, such as estradiol, which can affect overall hormonal balance. In the field of sports medicine, % Free Testosterone is relevant for monitoring athletes and detecting potential abuse of anabolic steroids.