% Free Testosterone Lab Results explained

What Are Normal Free Testosterone Levels By Age?

This age-related variation underscores the importance of using age-appropriate reference ranges when evaluating results. When investigating causes of hyperandrogenism in women, such as PCOS, total testosterone, SHBG, and free androgen index are most useful. Other hormones like luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin are sometimes also measured to rule out other causes of irregular periods. SHBG naturally increases with age, but you may be able to reduce this effect somewhat by making sure your diet contains plenty of protein [9]. If your levels are abnormally high, it’s worth exploring whether medications or an underlying health condition may be playing a part in this.

In men, it can lead to infertility, decreased bone density, and diminished muscle mass. Women with low testosterone might experience reduced libido, fatigue, and muscle weakness. On the other hand, unusually high testosterone levels can lead to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and excessive hair growth. Therefore, increasing your total testosterone level through healthy lifestyle choices is also likely to increase your free testosterone levels. Factors like stress, low levels of activity, and being overweight can all impact your testosterone production. There are many ways you can boost testosterone levels naturally, from losing weight to maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.

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.

Instead, you can talk to a healthcare provider if you’re just curious about your hormone health, he says. When taking hormone medication, it’s important to make sure you’re taking your blood test at the right time. And if you use hormone gels and are taking a finger-prick test, you should make sure your finger is completely clear of any hormone gel to avoid an abnormally high result, or ideally take a venous test. There is some evidence that free testosterone may be more useful when investigating hypogonadism [1] for reasons mentioned above — total testosterone may be normal even when free testosterone is low.

Genetics, your activity level, and your overall health also play a role in testosterone levels. The prevalence of nephrolithiasis is increasing worldwide [1, 2], and the recurrence rate is close to 50% [3]. Additionally, urinary stones have a negative impact on quality of life and impose a significant economic burden on patients and health care systems. Lastly, it’s important to recognize that % Free Testosterone typically decreases with age in men, a factor that contributes to various age-related health issues. This decline underscores the importance of monitoring this biomarker throughout an individual’s lifespan to maintain optimal hormonal health.

HRT can be delivered in various forms, including injections, patches, gels, or pellets. When levels are low, individuals may experience feelings of depression, irritability, and decreased motivation. Testosterone is involved in the process of achieving and maintaining an erection.

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.

It is important to be aware of these symptoms in order to seek appropriate medical attention and best pre contest fat burner treatment if necessary. On the other hand, levels of free testosterone that are above the normal range may indicate an excess of the hormone. This condition, known as hyperandrogenism, can lead to symptoms such as increased aggression, acne, excessive body hair growth, and an enlarged prostate. Hyperandrogenism can be caused by various factors, such as tumors in the testes or adrenal glands, certain medications, or genetic disorders.