We turn our focus to free testosterone in this post. We consider what free or bioavailable testosterone is. The post also looks at the difference between free and total testosterone. Furthermore, we look at how hypogonadal men can recover with different treatments and remedies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Is Free Testosterone?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Testosterone<\/a> is produced by both the adrenal glands and the testes. The production of testosterone is regulated by a small part of the endocrine system known as the pituitary gland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When a man is suspected of having low testosterone, a test needs to be taken. The results need to be understood by the patient. When presented with the results, there will be different measurements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of these measurements is called free testosterone. Sometimes, it may also be referred to as bioavailable testosterone. This is a term used to refer to the testosterone that is freely roaming in the patient’s blood circulatory system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When testosterone is produced, it generally tends to attach to one of two proteins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The two hormones that testosterone attaches to include2:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the testosterone that the endocrine system produce will not connect to either of these proteins. These hormones continue to circulate in the blood circulatory system \u2013 and are referred to as free testosterone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Free testosterone can be easily used by a patient’s body. This is why tests generally consider the level of bioavailable testosterone in a man’s body significant. It tells a physician how much testosterone is readily available for the tissue and various systems in the body to utilize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It should be noted that the body can easily use the testosterone attached to albumin. The hormone is referred to as albumin-bound testosterone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When a man gets tested for serum testosterone, the test will show various measurements. These generally include total and free testosterone. Another measurement for albumin-bound testosterone will usually also be provided as part of the test results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Men need to understand how these measurements differ from each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Total testosterone is a measurement that provides details of all testosterone hormones in the patient’s body. This includes free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone. Additionally, this test result also includes information on the testosterone that has been bound to SHBG. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Free testosterone does not look at all of the testosterone hormones in the system. Instead, it only indicates the testosterone that is available for the body to utilize. This is one of the most important factors to look at. Even when total testosterone levels are considered normal, some factors can adversely affect free testosterone levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When men experience signs of androgen deficiency<\/a>, all three testosterone measurements must be taken. This provides a more accurate overview of whether their testosterone production may be contributing to the symptoms experienced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Testing for testosterone is important for men over 40. This is because the prevalence of testosterone deficiency<\/a> is more common among men at this age. The risk of andropause<\/a> also dramatically increases with age. By the age of 65, over 60% of male patients have low testosterone levels3. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A test for testosterone levels is generally straightforward. A man may be provided instructions to follow before the test is conducted. In many cases, a physician may order multiple tests to get an average. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Testosterone levels often tend to be highest in the morning too. For this reason, the test may be conducted as early as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Testing for testosterone is often part of a screening test for men. This will most often be included in the process for men who are older than the age of 40. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A testosterone test measures levels of the hormone in the blood circulatory system. For this reason, a blood sample needs to be collected from the patient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A doctor may often draw blood in his office. In such a case, the blood will be added to a specialized tube, which will then be sent to a laboratory. There are also cases where a physician may ask the patient to visit the laboratory themselves. In these scenarios, the doctor will not draw the blood in their office. Instead, professionals at the laboratory will collect a blood sample from the male patient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Scientists at the laboratory will conduct tests on the blood sample provided. They will then be able to provide a reading on the testosterone that is found in the blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The test will provide different values. This is because testosterone is processed in different ways in the male patient’s body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The test will contain data for total testosterone. This is not the only value that should be taken into consideration. The analysis also provides data for the following4:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bioavailable testosterone may also be provided. In most scenarios, this refers to both free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone levels combined. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the test results are obtained, a physician will analyze them. This allows the physician to determine if the man has normal levels of sex hormones. It also helps them identify if problems may be present with testosterone levels. This may include high or low testosterone<\/a>. Both of these cases can cause complications in the patient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An appropriate treatment program would then be developed to help restore normal levels of the hormone. The treatment program will generally be personalized according to the findings of the testosterone test. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When a man undergoes a test for their testosterone levels, they must understand what the results mean. As noted previously, testosterone tests provide different values. Each value should be appropriately interpreted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The test results tell the patient if there are too many or too few of these hormones in their blood. In cases where normal results are found, it can also indicate that the symptoms experienced are related to another potential cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It should be noted that the test will often also include readings for sex hormone-binding globulin in the blood. This result is taken into account when calculating the free testosterone<\/a> in the patient’s body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Normal testosterone levels will fall within the following criteria ranges5:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In younger children, a tanner stage is applied. This accounts for boys and girls before they reach the age of puberty. The advised level of free testosterone in tanner stages ranges from 3 pg\/mL to 165 pg\/mL. This does depend on age and the appearance of signs that are related to puberty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Men need to understand the important roles that testosterone plays. When free or bioavailable testosterone is deficient, the systems that rely on the sex hormone will not function correctly. This can lead to several potential adverse effects on the human body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To provide a better view of why testosterone is important, we will consider some of the most crucial functions that the hormone has in the body below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the bodily functions and features that are regulated by testosterone include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Testosterone also plays a role in mental health. A healthy level of the sex hormone helps with the regulation of a male patient’s mood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A normal balance in testosterone levels is essential. This can help to avoid serious complications that have been associated with an imbalance in sex hormones<\/a>. It is important to understand that both high or low testosterone can be problematic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Several strategies have been suggested to help men balance their testosterone levels. There are medical treatments available, as well as certain natural remedies. Men need to understand all the available options. This will help them realize which treatment would be most appropriate for them. It is important to look at both the pros and cons of each treatment too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical treatment for andropause generally involves the use of testosterone replacement therapy. This treatment uses synthetically produced testosterone. There are different forms of administration for this synthetic testosterone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In many cases, an injection is used to provide an increase in testosterone. There are also patches available that are replaced at certain intervals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These patches gradually release testosterone into the man’s body. Injections are often still preferred since they push the testosterone directly in the patient’s body. A gel is also available that can help in boosting testosterone levels<\/a> in the patient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are side-effects associated with testosterone replacement therapy<\/a>. Some side-effects are mild and not something to be concerned about. There are, however, a few serious side-effects that may be harmful to the male patient’s general well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some common side-effects that people may experience when they undergo testosterone replacement therapy include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain laboratory abnormalities have been associated with testosterone replacement therapy. This includes changes in lipid levels, as well as cholesterol balance<\/a>. There also seems to be an increase in the number of red blood cells in the body. Some men experience a reduction in their sperm count with this medical treatment. A higher PSA score has also been detected in men undergoing this therapy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The risks associated with medical treatment for low testosterone are worrisome. This is why a lot of men are seeking alternative ways to restore a better balance in their sex hormone levels<\/a>. Many lifestyle changes have been shown to produce impressive results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We should start by considering the link between obese men<\/a> and low testosterone. Men who are obese have a higher risk of developing low testosterone. This is a fact that has been proven by several scientific studies too6. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, making lifestyle changes to fight against obesity should gain priority in this case. When excess fat<\/a> in the body is reduced, there is a good chance that testosterone levels may become more balanced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of the lifestyle changes needed to lose weight can also directly benefit the balance of testosterone levels in the patient’s body. Exercise, for example, is critical for men with an imbalance in their sex hormones. Various types of exercises may help, with an emphasis placed on weight lifting<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Diet<\/a> should be adjusted too. An increase in the consumption of high-quality proteins can help. Good sources of carbs and healthy fats should be included too. This helps with the balance of testosterone also. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also vital for men to get enough sleep and to control their stress levels<\/a>. High-stress levels cause an increase in the secretion of cortisol. This is a hormone that has been found to interfere with testosterone. A high cortisol level leads to problems with testosterone balance. This has been found to cause a decline in sex hormone levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few natural supplements<\/a> that may also help men with an imbalance in testosterone levels. It is important to note that not all of the supplements promoted have been scientifically proven to yield an improvement in testosterone balance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some supplements that men should look for include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These supplements may help restore a better balance in testosterone levels in men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n At Ben’s Natural Health, we have formulated 100% natural, side-effect-free dietary supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ben’s Testo-Booster<\/a> contains ingredients clinically proven to enhance testosterone production, free bound testosterone for use by muscles, and improve libido and male sexual performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ben’s Male Boost Tincture<\/a> contains ingredients clinically proven to increase free testosterone, maintain healthy testosterone levels, increase libido and reverse erectile dysfunction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more about our natural viagra supplement, Male Boost<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe Difference Between Free Testosterone And Total Testosterone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Are Testosterone Levels Tested?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhat Are Considered Normal Testosterone Levels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhat Role Does Testosterone Play In Men’s Health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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This leads to a higher risk of obesity and increased waist circumference. Abdominal fat has also been linked to more serious health complications compared to the fat that is distributed to other regions of the male body.
<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow Can You Balance Testosterone Levels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Medications\/Surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nLifestyle Changes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Natural Supplements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nBen’s Natural Supplements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ben’s Testo-Booster<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"testo](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Testo-Booster-Blog-Bottle-Image-1-1024x577.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBen’s Male Boost Tincture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"male](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Male-Boost-1024x577.png\")
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