Free Testosterone

Free Testosterone is an important element of the overall picture. When it is tested by equilibrium dialysis, it tends to be a highly reliable indicator of hormone health in males. ⁶
Although studies have been generally small, research suggests a link between Free Testosterone levels, mood libido and energy. These symptoms are declared to be non-specific by many Endocrinologists in dismissing suggestions they should investigate and treat those men who have Serum Testosterone levels above the minimum of the lab range.

A recent piece of research has suggested low Free Testosterone levels result in a 3 fold increased risk of Premature Coronary Artery Disease.²¹⁷ This suggests there is much to learn about the importance of Free Testosterone. If this research proves to be the case, it will become imperative that men have Free Testosterone levels checked early in life, in order to identify candidates and prevent the risk of a life-threatening disease.

So what is Free Testosterone? Well, it is the Testosterone left over, after the body’s Testosterone binding mechanisms have had their fill. The significant binding mechanism is SHBG, (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin). SHBG completely binds Testosterone. If SHBG is too high, and it rises as men age, then the amount of Free Testosterone in the body is correspondingly reduced. Equally, if the male is not producing enough Testosterone to start with, there will be precious little Free Testosterone available.

The direct relationship between Testosterone and SHBG has led to the frequent use of the “Free Androgen Index”. This highly flawed calculation is used in place of obtaining the Free Testosterone level from a blood assay. The overall Testosterone level is divided by the SHBG level to arrive at a percentage of Free Testosterone. However, researchers showed low Testosterone, coupled with low SHBG actually causes the Metabolic Syndrome and quite possibly Type 2 Diabetes.< ¹⁸⁶ Given the dangers of relying on a mathematical calculation, the TDC suggests the use of the FAI should be discontinued and that Free Testosterone by equilibrium dialysis be used in diagnosing Hypogonadism.

Even today researchers are using the Free Androgen Index to suggest findings. A study in males above the age of 70; ²¹⁹ seeks to make the point that men are at risk from reducing Free Testosterone due to increasing SHBG. However, by using the FAI, the point made, valid though it may be, cannot be said to be accurate.

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The information contained on this website is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. Please see Your Doctor for any medical complaint