Free Androgen Index (FAI) near me in South 24 Parganas
Understanding Free Androgen Index (FAI) in South 24 Parganas
What is Free Androgen Index (FAI) in South 24 Parganas?
The Free Androgen Index (FAI) panel is used to identify excessive androgen activity and thus useful in the evaluation of mild disorders of androgen metabolism. It is also used to diagnose other hormonal disorders in men and women. It measures key hormones such as Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and Testosterone Total. It also measures Free Androgen Index, a ratio of testosterone to SHBG which helps in identifying excessive androgen activity in the body. The free androgen index (FAI) is a useful clinical tool for evaluating androgen status in women, particularly in diagnosing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hirsutism, by providing insight into the balance between total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). In men, the free androgen index (FAI) is useful for assessing androgen levels, particularly in diagnosing conditions like hypogonadism and monitoring testosterone therapy.
Consider getting tested when there are symptoms such as decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, muscle weakness, acne breakouts, hair loss or excessive hair growth, weight gain/loss, changes in the menstrual cycle etc. Additionally it is used to monitor the effectiveness of any ongoing treatment such as hormonal replacement therapy or medications to regulate androgen levels.
By identifying the underlying causes of hormonal imbalances, this panel enables doctors to guide appropriate treatment to manage symptoms and improve overall health.
What does Free Androgen Index (FAI) measure?
Contains 3 tests
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin test measures the level of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) protein in the blood and is most often used to help evaluate you for testosterone deficiency or excess. SHBG is produced by the liver and it helps in the transport and regulation of sex hormones, primarily testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estrogen.
When the SHBG protein binds to sex hormones, your tissues can't use those hormones. Your tissues can only use sex hormones that are "free," which means they aren't attached to proteins, such as SHBG. Changes in SHBG levels can affect the amount of hormone used by the body’s tissues.
In men, SHBG binds to sex hormones like testosterone and regulates their levels in the blood. When SHBG levels are higher , less free testosterone is available for the body to use. However, when SHBG levels are lower, more free testosterone is available. This balance is important for maintaining overall health and hormonal function in men.
In women, SHBG plays an integral role in regulating the levels of bioavailable male sex hormones (androgens) and estrogens circulating throughout the body. SHBG has a higher affinity for the androgens testosterone and DHT, and so with the low SHBG, women may have signs and symptoms related to androgen excess.
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Testosterone Total
The Testosterone Total test measures the level of testosterone hormone in the blood. Testosterone is a steroid hormone primarily produced in the testes in men, although it is also present in smaller quantities in the adrenal glands. In women, it is made in small amounts by the ovaries. It is predominantly associated with male physiology and significantly influences physiological functions in both men and women.
The pituitary gland produces luteinizing hormone (LH), which regulates testosterone production. As testosterone levels rise, LH production decreases, slowing down testosterone production. Conversely, when testosterone levels fall, LH production increases, stimulating testosterone production.
Most of the testosterone circulating in the blood gets attached to two proteins, albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and some of it remains unattached, called free testosterone. Free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone are also known as bioavailable testosterone, as they are readily available for the body to use for proper functioning.
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Free Androgen Index
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