Testosterone test

[Brimaze]

I'm looking to get my testosterone levels checked but I'm a bit confused ,I'm reading that there are 2 types of tests ,toatal T and free T ,are they separate tests? Plus does SHBG and DHT levels show up in the test ,could someone please help me with what i should be asking and looking for when inquiring about a testosterone test?

[GuitarRox]

Yes, there are two tests. Total Testosterone will give a measure of both attached and free testosterone.  And Free Testosterone is more specific and only measures free testosterone.  Total T is the typical first test to get for diagnostic purposes.  It's probably always the first test in hypogonadism.  And normal range is usually (most labs) 300 to 800.  About 1 to 2% (in most men) is free testosterone.  The rest is attached.  Free testosterone floats around and is biologically active.  Half of rest of testosterone is attached to albumin.  The free and the testosterone attached to albumin are available to work in your system.  The rest is testosterone bound to a sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and is bound so tight it doesn't do anything.  For some men, this amount is 40 to 70% of testosterone.

So, first you to the Total T to see those numbers. And then you do the Free T to see what testosterone is actually available in your system to work.  Hope that helps.  

[GuitarRox]

By the way what prompted the question?  Having issues?

[Brimaze]

Thanks for your help

[Brimaze]

I think so but I think alot is phycological ,I have had my results so I'm going to post a question about it