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Testosterone Total & Free

Also known as Serum Testosterone, Bioavailable Testosterone, Total testosterone
Testosterone Total & Free Includes 2 testsView All
20092300 12% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. Specify age and sex on the test request form.

Understanding Testosterone Total & Free


What is Testosterone Total & Free?

A Testosterone Total & Free test measures the total and free forms of testosterone, a primary male sex hormone, in the blood. Testosterone is present in both men and women, but the levels are significantly higher in men. It helps detect conditions like infertility, erectile dysfunction, early or delayed puberty in males, and menstrual irregularities or hormonal issues in females. This test may also be used to track hormone levels in individuals receiving testosterone replacement therapy.

Testosterone is responsible for a range of essential functions, and its levels can significantly impact an individual's health and well-being. A Testosterone Total & Free test is a vital component of hormonal health assessment and is crucial in understanding the hormonal balance within the human body, particularly in males.

Testosterone is produced primarily by the testes in males and ovaries in females. It plays a key role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair and deepening of the voice. It contributes to muscle development and bone density, influences mood and energy, and is necessary for a healthy libido and optimal reproductive function. While it is chiefly a male sex hormone, testosterone is also produced in women in small amounts and affects the overall growth and development of muscles and reproductive tissues. Some of it is converted to estrogen, the primary female sex hormone.

Deranged testosterone levels can cause changes in health and physical appearance. A Testosterone Total & Free test helps assess male infertility and identify hormonal imbalances, particularly in men experiencing symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, mood disturbances, and muscle weakness. This test is also valuable for monitoring the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy in individuals with low testosterone levels. In women, a Testosterone Total & Free test detects conditions such as menstrual irregularities and hormonal issues like increased facial hair.

Usually, no special preparation is required for a Testosterone Total & Free test. You may eat and drink as per your daily routine. However, it should be noted that testosterone levels are highest during the early morning and lowest in the evening, and it increases with exercise and decreases with age.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help the doctor make informed decisions regarding treatment options, ultimately enhancing the quality of life and well-being.

What is Testosterone Total & Free used for?

A Testosterone Total & Free test is done:

  • In cases of male infertility, to provide insights into potential contributing factors and guide treatment.
  • In men who experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as low libido, fatigue, mood disturbances, and muscle weakness.
  • In females with male traits such as excessive body hair (hirsutism) or irregular or absent periods.
  • To monitor treatment response in individuals with abnormal testosterone levels or those undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
  • In individuals taking medicines that may affect their testosterone levels.

What does Testosterone Total & Free measure?

Contains 2 tests

A Testosterone Total & Free test measures the total amount of testosterone in your body, including the testosterone that is bound to proteins: albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and the testosterone that is free and not bound to proteins.

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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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Testosterone Free

The Testosterone Free test measures the level of unattached or free testosterone in the blood. It is called free testosterone or free T because it is not attached to other molecules, especially proteins. The body actively uses free testosterone as signaling molecules that regulate metabolism and other cellular functions.

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Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Testosterone Total & Free


Frequently Asked Questions about Testosterone Total & Free

Q. When can a doctor advise a Testosterone Total & Free test?

Your doctor can advise a Testosterone Total & Free test if you show symptoms of low or high testosterone. For men, symptoms may include decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, low energy, and mood changes. Whereas for women, symptoms may include excess body hair, irregular or absent menstrual periods, and infertility.

Q. Will taking supplements help to raise testosterone levels?

Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Testosterone supplements may help raise its levels but the results may vary amongst individuals. Your doctor will determine if taking a supplement is the right therapy for you.

Q. What additional tests can be advised along with a Testosterone Total & Free test?

The additional tests that can be advised along with a Testosterone Total & Free test include prolactin test, anti-Mullerian hormone test, estrogen test, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate test, follicle-stimulating hormone test, and luteinizing hormone test. The doctor will advise these additional tests depending on an individual’s needs.

Q. How often should a Testosterone Total & Free test be done?

The frequency of testing depends on your health condition, symptoms, and the healthcare provider's recommendations. If you are on testosterone replacement therapy, your healthcare provider will schedule regular tests to monitor your testosterone levels.

Q. What factors can affect total and free testosterone levels?

Factors that can affect testosterone levels include age, sex, body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, certain medications, stress, illness, and underlying medical conditions like liver or kidney disease.

Q. Is a Testosterone Total & Free test used in both men and women?

Yes, a Testosterone Total & Free test may be used in both men and women. However, testosterone levels are naturally higher in men than women, so the test's implications and average values can differ between sexes.

Q. How do I raise my testosterone levels naturally?

Always consult your doctor if you have a very low level of testosterone. They might suggest some treatment and medicines to elevate your testosterone levels. Along with testosterone therapy, you can boost your testosterone levels naturally by adopting healthy life choices, i.e., getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding drugs and alcohol consumption, etc.
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Testosterone Total & Free test price for other cities


Price inBangaloreRs. 2009
Price inNew DelhiRs. 2009
Price inMumbaiRs. 2009
Price inHyderabadRs. 2009
Price inKolkataRs. 2009
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References

  1. Total Testosterone [Internet]. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=testosterone_totalExternal Link
  2. Free Testosterone [Internet]. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=testosterone_totalExternal Link
  3. Nassar GN, Leslie SW. Physiology, Testosterone [Internet]. Treasure Island, Florida: StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526128/ External Link
  4. Long N, Nguyen L, Stevermer J. PURLS: It's time to reconsider early-morning testosterone tests. J Fam Pract. 2015 Jul;64(7):418-9. [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4501456/ External Link
  5. Low Testosterone [Internet]. Urology Care Foundation. [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosteroneExternal Link
  6. Vesper H, Pirkle J. Total Testosterone-Laboratory Procedure Manual. CDC; [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/nhanes_11_12/tst_g_met.pdfExternal Link
  7. Rivas AM, Mulkey Z, Lado-Abeal J, Yarbrough S. Diagnosing and managing low serum testosterone. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2014 Oct;27(4):321-4. [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4255853/External Link
  8. Davis SR, Wahlin-Jacobsen S. Testosterone in women--the clinical significance. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2015 Dec;3(12):980-92. [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26358173/ External Link

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