Testosterone is often referred to as the male hormone, produced in the testes and responsible for several biological processes, including body hair growth, sex drive and bone density.
However, many people do not realise that not all testosterone can be used by the body. Let’s take a look at the difference between total testosterone and free testosterone and find out how this can affect your health and wellbeing.
What is Total Testosterone?
Total testosterone is the amount of testosterone that can be measured in your bloodstream. Not all of this testosterone can be used by the body because it is bound to proteins, including albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Testosterone that is bound to proteins cannot be used in the correct way by the body, because the tissues of the body will not activate the receptors effectively.
What is Free Testosterone?
Free testosterone is the testosterone that is not bound to proteins and is therefore available to be used by the body. This is an active form of testosterone that is able to bind to the receptors in the body, and it usually makes up around 2-5% of the total testosterone in the body.
Testing Testosterone Levels
When a patient presents with symptoms of low testosterone, it is common for medical practitioners to test for total testosterone in the body. However, if this reading is low or normal, it can be very helpful to test for free testosterone to gain a better understanding of the cause of symptoms and find the best way to treat the patient.
Symptoms of low testosterone may include:
-
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction occurs when men have difficulty achieving or maintaining erections, and this is a key symptom that drives many men to seek medical help. This can be due to low testosterone levels, although there are many other medical and psychological causes.
-
Fatigue
Unexplained fatigue or exhaustion is a common symptom of low testosterone, although many men do not realise this.
-
Depressed Mood
Many men present with a low or depressed mood and discover that this is due to their low testosterone levels, which can be treated effectively.
-
Low Libido
Low libido is a consistent lack of interest in sex. This is a common sign of low testosterone, although many men are not aware of the connection.
-
Decrease In Muscle Mass
It is harder to retain or build muscle mass and strength when testosterone levels are low, so you may notice that this is an issue for you, even if you are taking regular exercise.
-
Increase In Body Fat
It can be challenging to lose weight if you have low testosterone and you may notice an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen and chest, which can be detrimental to your overall wellbeing.
-
Reduced Facial/Body Hair
The growth of facial hair and body hair is linked with testosterone, and reduced growth can indicate a reduction in the levels of this vital hormone.
-
Brain Fog
Many people report brain fog or difficulty concentrating as a symptom of low testosterone, and this can be extremely frustrating to live with.
-
Reduced Bone Density
Reduced bone density can have many long-term effects on the body, including frequent fractures and a higher risk of osteoporosis, which can be debilitating as you age.
If you have symptoms such as these, it may be helpful to speak with your medical practitioner about measuring your testosterone levels – both total and free – to find out more about what is causing them.
Why Test Free Testosterone Levels?
Testing free testosterone is particularly important if total testosterone levels are low, or if they are normal but the symptoms suggest low testosterone. It is very important to find out how the body is using the testosterone it has, and what difference testosterone replacement therapy might have.
Free testosterone is considered bioavailable, enabling it to bind to cell receptors and work well within the body. However, testosterone that binds to albumin is also considered to be bioavailable, because it can switch back into an active form, so it is not always helpful to rely on testing free testosterone levels alone.
How Can I Increase Free Testosterone Levels?
To increase free or bioavailable (including albumin-bound) testosterone, you can try several things, including:
-
Regular Exercise
A regular exercise regime is vital to maintain healthy testosterone levels, and a good routine can help to focus on increasing them.
-
Consistent Sleep
Many people do not realise how important a good sleep schedule is for general health, and particularly for balancing hormone levels. You should aim to get 7-9 hours of good quality sleep every night, and this will help to regulate the testosterone levels in your body.
-
Balanced Diet
Maintaining your hormone levels as well as your general health relies on eating a balanced, healthy diet that includes plenty of whole foods and fresh fruit and vegetables. It is especially important to eat plenty of protein to keep your hormones in balance.
-
Losing Weight
If your low testosterone level is caused by obesity, it is likely that losing weight will help to increase your testosterone levels and help to balance hormone levels in the body.
It is very important to work with a medical professional if you want to increase your testosterone levels, as maintaining correct levels is essential for balance in the body. It is important to note that raising your total testosterone level will usually raise free testosterone levels, and this is usually beneficial if your levels are low.
Testostorone Level Testing at Roxboro Medical Centre
At Roxboro Medical Centre, we know that men often experience symptoms related to low testosterone and we are here to offer support and guidance to resolve these issues. We offer Well Man checks to our male patients, and we can test your testosterone levels and help you to find the solutions that work best for you.
We also offer general healthcare for families, as well as sports medicine and travel vaccinations. Our convenient medical centre in Limerick City is easy to access, and you can call or email our team to book an appointment from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Contact us to book an initial consultation with an experienced GP or to find out more about our services.
Fill Out The Below Contact Form
"*" indicates required fields