Testosterone Free Test In Houston

The testosterone-free test measures the levels of unattached testosterone hormones in blood samples. This hormone is present in males as well as females, though it is present in smaller quantities in females. The testosterone total test measures free testosterone as well as bound testosterone levels, whereas, the testosterone free test is generally used to confirm the findings of the total testosterone test. Labwork360 provides testosterone free test in Houston and mobile phlebotomy services for it.

The free testosterone levels can gradually decrease with age, or they may turn low because of many health problems. The testosterone-free test is one of the common tests, abnormal testosterone levels can cause health problems such as osteoporosis and prostate cancer.

Generally, the healthcare practitioner prescribes free testosterone tests along with total testosterone testing. Testosterone free test is performed on blood specimens so it is a low-risk test and can also be ordered at home. Labwork360 provides at-home specimen collection for the testosterone free test in Houston.

Testosterone Free Test As Confirmatory Test for Total Testosterone Test

However, the free testosterone test is prescribed when the levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) are abnormally low as this can cause potentially false readings of low total T. So, the testosterone free test is used to confirm the results of the testosterone total test. The possibility of this is particularly high in obese or older patients. Testosterone free test is one of the common tests and it helps diagnose and treat many health problems

Testosterone free test is used for diagnosing hypogonadism as it is possible to have low free testosterone levels, even when the concentration of total testosterone is average. This can be a sign of hypogonadism

Functions of Testosterone Hormone - Testosterone Free Test Is Significant

The testosterone hormone has several essential functions in the body. In males, the testosterone hormone regulates bone mass, muscle mass, fertility, fat distribution, as well as the synthesis of red blood cells in the body. Moreover, a small quantity of circulating testosterone in the system is converted to estradiol, which is a type of estrogen.

Infertility or hypogonadism occurs when the testosterone levels are below the healthy range.

Not only testosterone is an important androgen, this hormone is also necessary for females as it contributes to muscle strength and bone density in women.

Testosterone free test is for males and females as testosterone hormone disorders can occur to anyone. However, more males than females have been prescribed the testosterone free test. Testosterone free tests in Houstoncan be conveniently ordered from Labwork360,Houston. The blood draw procedure is low-risk and safe and it only takes a few minutes to draw blood specimens for the testosterone free test.

Effects of Abnormal Testosterone Levels

Low testosterone condition is also termed hypogonadism. Such a condition may cause the patient to experience the following symptoms:

Loss of muscle mass and strength
Reduced body hair
Increased body fat.

Testosterone free test in Houston is secure, reliable, and easily accessible as you can order it at your home. The blood draw procedure for the testosterone free test only takes a few minutes.

Low Testosterone Levels Can Cause Osteoporosis

Chronically low testosterone levels can cause mood swings, loss of energy, and osteoporosis. In males, bone density tends to decrease around 70 years of age. Osteoporosis may develop in males because of low levels of testosterone hormone in the system. A reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in males is the main reason for a significant increase in the fracture of bones.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is often used to treat reduced bone density in males. TRT improves the density of bones in males having hypogonadal osteoporosis. Moreover, supplements of testosterone are also helpful for treating idiopathic osteoporosis in males.

When should you get the testosterone free test?

Symptoms of Low Testosterone Levels

Though aging is one of the main reasons for testosterone deficiency, it can also be caused due to genetic disorders, and specific medications, and sometimes the reasons for this condition could not be identified. The following symptoms appear in individuals who have deficient testosterone:

Fatigue
Moodiness
Irritability
Loss of strength of muscles
Difficulties with memory and concentration
Reduced sense of well-being
Depressed mood

Symptoms of High Testosterone Levels

The following symptoms may appear in the situation of high testosterone levels:

Headaches
Acne
Risk-taking or aggressive behaviors
Liver or heart problems
Increased appetite
Hypertension
Excessive body hair
Increased muscle mass
Oily skin
Sleep apnea

Reasons for High Testosterone Levels

Excessive testosterone levels may occur due to testicular and adrenal gland problems or due to misuse of anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are often misused by athletes to improve their athletic performance or build more muscle mass.

Reasons for Low Testosterone Levels

Low testosterone levels could result from an infection or injury, radiation cancer treatments or chemotherapy, hormone disorders or diseases of the pituitary gland, medications such as opiate pain relief and corticosteroids, drug and alcohol abuse, and genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome. Metabolic disorders such as excessive iron in the body or hemochromatosis can also contribute to low testosterone levels.

Stress can reduce the levels of testosterone, so one of the ways to naturally treat low testosterone levels is to minimize cortisol hormone levels and stress. Moreover, healthy levels of vitamin D and exercise helps avoid low testosterone levels.

Causes and Effects of High Testosterone Levels in Women

Several types of hormonal disorders or diseases can contribute to hormonal changes in females. The most common disorders which raise testosterone levels in women are:

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Hirsutism

The following symptoms may occur in women having high testosterone levels:

Excessive hair on the body and face
Deep voice
Acne
Mood changes
The increased mass of muscles

Prevalence of Low Testosterone Problem

Low testosterone problem is becoming more common. In fact, the prescriptions of supplements for testosterone have increased five times since 2012.

Treatments for Low Testosterone Levels

Testosterone-free test help starts early treatment for low testosterone levels. Supplements of testosterone cannot counteract the age-associated reduction in the levels of testosterone. Moreover, these supplements are only prescribed for treating specific conditions. One of the most common treatments for low testosterone levels is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), however, this therapy can have its risks and side effects.

Difference Between Testosterone and Free Testosterone

Free Testosterone Levels

The normal levels of free testosterone are as follows:

300-1000 nanograms per deciliter in males
15-70 nanograms per deciliter in females

Effects of Excessive Testosterone on Females

Excessive testosterone hormone levels in females may cause them to have infertility and male pattern baldness.

Can testosterone therapy be dangerous?

Testosterone therapy has several risks, such as worsened sleep apnea, in which the breathing starts and stops repeatedly. This may cause skin reactions or acne. It may even stimulate the noncancerous development of the prostate and the worsening of existing prostate cancer. This is why TRT is not prescribed to males who have breast cancer or prostate cancer. It is also not prescribed to male patients having untreated and intense sleep apnea, heart disease, intense urinary tract infections (UTIs), or uncontrolled heart failure.

FAQS

Can a testosterone test be wrong?

The free testosterone test is not more accurate than the total testosterone test. This test is generally used to confirm the diagnosis of the total testosterone test.

Do you have to fast for a free testosterone test?

Fasting before the test could be required for the free testosterone test.