What is Free Testosterone?

If you perform a blood test to measure testosterone levels, you will likely find two main indicators: free testosterone and total testosterone levels. So, what is free testosterone? What is total testosterone? And what is the difference between them? Read on to find out.

What is Free Testosterone?

Testosterone is primarily produced in the testes in men and plays a crucial role in growth, development, fertility, muscle and bone mass maintenance, mood regulation, and sexual desire. But what is free testosterone? And what is total testosterone? Is there a difference between them? there is a critical difference between total and free testosterone, which is explained below:

• Free Testosterone

Free testosterone is the biologically active form that is not bound to any proteins and is ready for absorption by various tissues. It accounts for 2-3% of the total testosterone in males and 1-2% in females. 

Measuring and accurately interpreting its levels is crucial as it helps understand a person's hormonal health, and abnormal levels are associated with various health issues.

• Total Testosterone

Total testosterone provides an overview of the overall testosterone production in the body. It includes:

1. Bound Testosterone: This is testosterone that is bound to proteins like sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or albumin, making it not readily usable by the body.
2. Free Testosterone: This is the unbound hormone.

Factors Influencing Free Testosterone Levels

Free testosterone levels are influenced by various biological and lifestyle factors. Levels naturally decline with age, starting in the early thirties for men and around menopause for women. Additional factors include:

• Genetic Conditions: Some genetic conditions can affect hormone production and metabolism, causing levels to rise or fall.
• Diet: Diets high in processed foods and low in nutrients negatively impact free testosterone levels, while diets rich in proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals support its production.
• Health Conditions: Conditions like hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism directly affect testosterone production and metabolism. Obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance also lower its levels.
• Medications: Some medications, such as opioids and glucocorticoids, affect free testosterone levels.

How are Free Testosterone Levels Measured?

Free testosterone levels can be measured directly in the blood, but this test is difficult and not widely available. Therefore, it is usually calculated by measuring total testosterone, albumin, and SHBG levels using a specific formula.

What is a normal free testosterone level?

Normal free testosterone levels vary slightly between laboratories. Below are the normal levels for free and total testosterone, SHBG, and albumin for men and women:

What Do Abnormal Levels Indicate?

Abnormal levels may indicate:

• In Men

Significantly low levels can indicate androgen deficiency, especially if the person experiences fatigue, low libido, and muscle weakness.

• In Women

High levels may indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while low levels can reduce libido and energy.

Tips to Boost Free Testosterone Levels

If you want to boost free testosterone levels, follow these tips:

• Exercise regularly.
• Follow a balanced diet rich in vitamin D, zinc, and healthy fats.
• Get sufficient sleep (7-9 hours per night).
• Reduce stress by practicing yoga and meditation.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, as they can hinder testosterone production.
• Measure your free testosterone levels if you suspect an imbalance, as your doctor can recommend appropriate treatments if levels are low.

Blazma offers free and total testosterone analysis, which may require fasting, so consult your doctor before taking these tests.