A Free testosterone Test is done to measure the active form of testosterone. This test should be conducted in the morning between 7 and 10 am, as the level of testosterone is highest during this time. It can be used for diagnosing certain medical conditions. There are different forms of testosterone in blood that may be measured to help diagnose certain health problems. Most of testosterone is attached to proteins, the proteins prevent your tissues from using the testosterone right away, which helps control the amount of active testosterone in your body.

Free testosterone is the active form of testosterone that is not attached to proteins, and acts on your tissues. It is a small portion of your total testosterone that acts on your tissues. A total testosterone test measures free testosterone and testosterone that’s attached to proteins. This is the most common type of test. A bioavailable testosterone test measures free testosterone and testosterone that’s loosely attached to albumin. This test isn’t commonly done. The free T levels are affected by various conditions like obesity, ageing, and infections. The free testosterone test can provide your healthcare provider with more information about your health condition when your total testosterone is low.

Testosterone Free Test Overview

A Free testosterone Test is done to measure the active form of testosterone. This test should be conducted in the morning between 7 and 10 am, as the level of testosterone is highest during this time. It can be used for diagnosing certain medical conditions. There are different forms of testosterone in blood that may be measured to help diagnose certain health problems. Most of testosterone is attached to proteins, the proteins prevent your tissues from using the testosterone right away, which helps control the amount of active testosterone in your body.

Free testosterone is the active form of testosterone that is not attached to proteins, and acts on your tissues. It is a small portion of your total testosterone that acts on your tissues. A total testosterone test measures free testosterone and testosterone that’s attached to proteins. This is the most common type of test. A bioavailable testosterone test measures free testosterone and testosterone that’s loosely attached to albumin. This test isn’t commonly done. The free T levels are affected by various conditions like obesity, ageing, and infections. The free testosterone test can provide your healthcare provider with more information about your health condition when your total testosterone is low.

Indications for the Testosterone Free Test

For males who have gone through puberty, the test is mostly used for symptoms of low T levels (testosterone levels which are too low). Testosterone levels tend to decrease with age, but other health issues may also cause low Testosterone levels, such as thyroid problems, long-lasting illnesses or problems with testicles. The symptoms of low Testosterone include Loss of muscle mass, erectile dysfunction or difficulty getting an erection, Infertility, Low sex drive, Depression, fatigue, or trouble concentrating, Swollen breasts, thinning and weak bones, hair loss.

For females, the test is mostly used for symptoms of high testosterone levels which include abnormal hair growth on the body or face, appearance of male pattern baldness (hair loss at the temples and balding on the top of the head), a voice that gets lower, irregular or no menstrual periods, infertility and acne.

Prerequisite for the Testosterone Free Test

Testosterone testing should be performed between 7 am and 10 am, which is around when levels are normally the highest. You may need to fast for eight to twelve hours before undergoing this test. Follow the instructions of your healthcare provider to ensure that the test results are accurate.