What is a Free & Total Testosterone Test?
The Free & Total Testosterone test measures the blood level of Testosterone, Free & Total.
Why is a Free & Total Testosterone Test important?
Testosterone is vital for muscle health, memory, energy levels, and sexual function. In men, testosterone levels drop with age. Some evidence suggests that 20% of men have significantly lower testosterone levels after age 60. From 1-4% of testosterone is considered Free at any given time. Measuring both the Total and the % Free Testosterone will make sure that there is enough testosterone at the tissue level for use by the body in addition to having enough overall.
What are symptoms of abnormal Testosterone Test levels?
Low testosterone levels can lead to lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction, low energy, low muscle mass and memory loss. Excessively high levels can lead to aggression.
Comprehensive Testosterone Test also including SHGB.
If a person's SHBG levels are abnormal, then a testosterone blood test may not accurately represent the amount of testosterone which is available to be taken into the body's tissues.
This test is typically ordered when a person is experiencing signs of abnormal testosterone levels which do not seem to be reflected by their testosterone blood test results.