Testosterone Test: Free & SHBG, High vs Low vs. Normal Levels

Free testosterone Lab Results explained

As we proceed to explore the symptoms and effects of testosterone imbalance, the interconnected nature of this hormone with various aspects of health becomes even more evident. Understanding the balance of these two forms of testosterone is vital in diagnosing and treating various health conditions. Typically, total testosterone is measured through blood tests as a first step in evaluating testosterone status. However, if total testosterone levels are borderline or do not correlate with symptoms, measuring free testosterone or bioavailable testosterone (free plus loosely bound to albumin) can provide additional insights. Low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) can have significant health implications. 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.

To ensure the diversity of our study population, we enrolled females of various ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and professions. However, to maintain inclusivity and equity, we established specific inclusion criteria at the outset. Additionally, all participants were closely monitored to adhere to a uniform diet plan. The participants were instructed to follow the same exercise regimen at the same time of day, with samples collected in the morning to mitigate the impact of natural hormone fluctuations throughout the day. We are dedicated to furthering the causes of diversity, equity, and inclusion in science, research, and healthcare. A gynecologist determined the menstrual cycle phase of the participants using the calendar method, tracking their cycles for the previous three months to identify any irregularities. This allowed researchers to establish the normal hormonal ranges for the participants and monitor any deviations from these baseline levels38.

Testosterone therapy did appear to have some positive effects on short-distance mobility, which may require further study to confirm. More than 200,000 American women every year experience hip fractures, and up to three-quarters of them never fully regain their ability to resume normal activities like walking, even after undergoing weeks of exercise rehabilitation. “The standard of care for prostate cancer is androgen deprivation—or ‘chemical castration’—in which you reduce testosterone levels almost to zero,” says Dr. Reina-Campos. “But the role of testosterone and its sensor, which is an androgen receptor on immune cells, is not really well known.” Despite lower concentrations than in men, testosterone plays a crucial role in women’s musculoskeletal health, cognitive function, and cardiovascular well-being54. Women naturally secrete higher total amounts of androgens compared to estrogens, with testosterone being a key androgen and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) forming through peripheral metabolism51.

After the initial assessment, the participants were randomly divided into 2 groups using a random table generator. The control group was advised to walk for 30 min three times a week on alternate days for 16 weeks along with a standard dietary plan. In this protocol, different types of exercises, resistance, endurance, and balance, were integrated with proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and rest intervals, which required minimal setup (with only handheld dumbbells), as shown in Table 1.

This scenario can occur in cases where there is an increase in SHBG, which binds more testosterone, reducing the amount of free, active hormone. The findings suggest that structured, alternate-day exercise routines, including squats, crunches, and high marches, may enhance muscle strength and bone mineral density in women through testosterone modulation. Given testosterone’s importance in female physiology, our study provides practical implications for designing exercise regimens that optimize hormonal balance and musculoskeletal health. Testosterone levels in healthy adult males and females differ significantly. Adult males typically produce approximately ten times more testosterone than females45. This hormonal disparity plays a key role in the distinct physiological characteristics observed between the sexes, particularly in terms of muscle mass, strength, and metabolic functions46.

Read more on our comprehensive review of the best hgh boosters on the market. 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 testosterone naturally (lamh.org.uk) due to aging. As part of your subscription and as medically indicated, physicians prescribe medications, and recommend supplements that are delivered to you from the comfort of your home.

You might think of it as a female hormone, but estrogen is critical for men’s health. We source research from peer-reviewed medical journals, top government agencies, leading academic institutions, and respected advocacy groups. We also go beyond the research, interviewing top experts in their fields to bring you the most informed insights. Your free T levels are tanked mostly by obesity and high amounts of SHBG, Dr. Welliver explains. Those SHBG levels are affected by everything from weight loss and weight gain to thyroid issues, infections, and simple aging.

While we work with many popular labs, we welcome reports from lots of other places too. In addition, certain conditions are known to affect free testosterone like hyperthyroidism and some types of kidney disease. That’s why high T-levels in women are considered to be more dangerous than the equivalent condition in men. Spironolactone is one of the most effective medications for women with high T. Free testosterone isn’t bound to anything, so it’s free to get into cells and get to work. Most of the testosterone in your body is what’s called “bound,” explains family physician Nick Dahl, D.O., who treats men with low testosterone (hypogonadism). Your doctor might order it if you have symptoms of low or high testosterone.