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Free Testosterone details

What Free Testosterone shows

Free testosterone measures the small fraction โ€” typically only about 1-4% โ€” of your total testosterone that's unbound to carrier proteins and immediately available for your body's tissues to use. Because most testosterone is bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or albumin, and SHBG levels can vary significantly between individuals (affected by age, thyroid function, obesity, liver disease, and other factors), a total testosterone result alone can sometimes be misleading. Free testosterone is often considered a more accurate reflection of your true androgen status, and is commonly used alongside total testosterone and SHBG when evaluating symptoms of low testosterone or excess androgen activity.

Higher free testosterone in women can point to PCOS

Often seen with irregular periods, acne or extra facial and body hair.

Lower free testosterone in men can point to hypogonadism

Often seen with low sex drive, tiredness, low mood or loss of muscle.

Who might consider it:

  • Symptoms of low testosterone with a total result that looks normal
  • High or low SHBG, which shifts how much testosterone is free
  • Irregular periods, acne or extra hair growth
  • Using testosterone therapy and checking your dose

What can affect your result

SHBG

Ageing, an overactive thyroid and liver disease raise SHBG and lower free testosterone. Excess weight lowers SHBG.

Time of day

Free testosterone follows total testosterone and is highest in the morning.

Medications

Opioids, steroids, estrogen and birth control can lower free testosterone.

Preparation

  • Have your blood drawn in the morning, usually between 7 and 10 am, when testosterone is highest.
  • Fasting overnight is often advised, as a meal can lower testosterone for a few hours.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before your draw.
  • If you use testosterone therapy, ask your provider when to test in relation to your dose.

Tests that include Free Testosterone

Labcorp Not offered
Labcorp Not offered
Quest Not offered
Quest Not offered
Quest Not offered
Quest Not offered
Quest Not offered
Labcorp Not offered
Quest Not offered
Labcorp Not offered
Labcorp Not offered
Quest Not offered
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