Why is Free Testosterone important for your Healthspan?
Free Testosterone levels are important for maintaining numerous aspects of physical and mental well-being throughout your Healthspan. This active form of the hormone plays a role in sustaining muscle strength and mass, preserving bone density, supporting energy levels, and influencing libido in both men and women. Imbalances, whether too low or too high, can contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, reduced physical capability, and mood changes, all of which can impact overall vitality and long-term quality of life.
What is Free Testosterone?
Testosterone is a key sex hormone belonging to the androgen group, produced primarily in the testes in men and in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. When testosterone circulates in the bloodstream, most of it binds to proteins, predominantly Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Free Testosterone refers specifically to the small percentage of testosterone that is not bound to these proteins. This unbound form is biologically active, meaning it is readily available to enter cells and exert its effects on various body tissues. Because it represents the fraction of testosterone immediately available for use, Free Testosterone is often considered a more precise indicator of the body's functional testosterone status compared to Total Testosterone, which measures both bound and unbound forms.
How do we take action?
If Free Testosterone levels are found to be outside the typical range, one should consult with a healthcare provider to investigate potential underlying causes and discuss appropriate strategies. Low levels might be influenced by factors such as aging, chronic stress, insufficient sleep, or certain medical conditions, while elevated levels in women could indicate conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Strategies often include lifestyle modifications such as regular resistance exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, optimizing sleep, and managing stress. Depending on the diagnosis and individual needs, medical interventions, including hormone replacement therapy, may be considered under careful professional guidance to help restore hormonal balance and support overall Healthspan.
Additional Sources
1. Shea, J. L., Wong, P. Y., & Chen, Y. (2014). Free testosterone: clinical utility and important analytical aspects of measurement. Advances in clinical chemistry, 63, 59–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-800094-6.00002-9
2. Bain J. (2007). The many faces of testosterone. Clinical interventions in aging, 2(4), 567–576. https://doi.org/10.2147/cia.s1417
3. Tan, R. S., & Pu, S. J. (2003). A pilot study on the effects of testosterone in hypogonadal aging male patients with Alzheimer's disease. The aging male : the official journal of the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male, 6(1), 13–17.
4. Moffat, S. D., Zonderman, A. B., Metter, E. J., Blackman, M. R., Harman, S. M., & Resnick, S. M. (2002). Longitudinal assessment of serum free testosterone concentration predicts memory performance and cognitive status in elderly men. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 87(11), 5001–5007. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2002-020419
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