Testosterone test determines the levels of male hormone (androgen) in the blood. Testosterone is a male hormone (androgen) that affects sexual features and development.
Free and weakly bound testosterone (FWBT), also referred to as bioavailable testosterone, is thought to reflect an individual's biologically active, circulating testosterone. FWBT includes free testosterone and testosterone that is bound to albumin. FWBT does not include sex hormone binding globulin-bound testosterone, which is biologically inactive.
Elevated levels of FWBT are observed in female hirsutism (excessive hair growth). In males, decreased serum concentrations are associated with hypogonadism (under-functioning of the testicles). Total testosterone levels in women decrease by approximately 30% after menopause. Taking estrogens has the physiologic effect of increasing SHBG concentrations and suppressing the production of androgens by the ovary. This results in a net decrease in FWBT. Decreased FWBT levels have been associated with diminished libido and loss of bone density. FWBT levels in males fall with age at a rate that exceeds that of total testosterone and parallels the drop in DHEA sulfate. This decrease is thought to be caused by diminished testicular production and not due to hypothalamic/pituitary insufficiency. Since SHBG has been found to increase with age, the FWBT level may be a more reliable indicator of testosterone production than total testosterone.
Testosterone test can be helpful for a better understanding of how much testosterone is indeed available in your bloodstream.
You may order testosterone tests online, or for more information call LabSafe toll free at 1-888-333-LABS to speak with one of our medical counselors.
