Content Health Encyclopedia University of Rochester Medical Center

Understanding total testosterone vs free testosterone

Consider supplementation if you’re not getting enough in your regular diet. Where testosterone replacement is being considered, a total testosterone level and FAI measurement are useful to make sure testosterone levels are not already at the upper normal limit. Free testosterone levels are dependent on both total testosterone levels and your levels of SHBG (the protein that binds to it). As we enter older adulthood, understanding testosterone levels becomes increasingly important for overall health and well-being.

If you are a man and this test reveals your free testosterone is lower than normal, your healthcare provider may prescribe testosterone therapy. Our data entry forms offer an easy, fast, and free way for you to input the reports yourself. We make the self-entry process user-friendly, providing dozens of templates that pre-populate the most popular laboratory panels and offering instant feedback on entered values. There are two ways to add your test reports to your Healthmatters account. Depending on your health goals and concerns, your healthcare provider may recommend testing total testosterone, free testosterone or both. Higher than normal T levels in otherwise healthy men do not cause as many adverse effects as a testosterone deficiency.

Albumin-bound testosterone has a weak bond and is, therefore, also classified as bioavailable testosterone. Testosterone testing (you can measure just total T or both total and free T) helps deliver results and sometimes is even used to diagnose health conditions such as erectile dysfunction or infertility. In 2025, clinics like AlphaMan, a men’s health center specializing in hormone optimization, are rethinking how testosterone therapy fits into modern masculinity. Because when it comes to low testosterone, the stakes extend far beyond the gym. Even high-performing men balancing careers, families, and fitness can find themselves battling unexplained fatigue, diminished focus, low libido, and persistent sluggishness despite adequate rest. “Lifting also promotes muscle growth, reduces visceral fat, and further aids metabolism, which supports overall hormone health and well-being,” says Bailey.

With that, he and Houman suggest that guys of all ages strength train 3 to 5 days per week. Today, an estimated 25 percent of men over the age of 30 have low testosterone (or, less than 300 ng/dL of testosterone in their blood). However, data suggests that low testosterone impacts up to 40 percent of men over the age of 40. Bioavailable testosterone is a measure of testosterone that is readily available to act on tissues.

Free testosterone levels are an important aspect of male health and overall well-being. It is crucial to understand what a healthy range of free testosterone levels should be in order to assess and address any underlying health concerns. Low levels of free testosterone can contribute to a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, and even mood swings. On the other hand, excessively high levels of free testosterone can also have negative effects on the body. Finding the right balance is key, and understanding what free testosterone levels should be can help both men and their healthcare providers make informed decisions about their health. Testosterone imbalance, encompassing both low and high testosterone and blood pressure levels, can arise from a myriad of causes, ranging from natural physiological changes to lifestyle factors and medical conditions.

Regular exercise, particularly strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help boost testosterone production. A balanced diet rich in nutrients, including healthy fats, zinc, vitamin D, and supplements can also play a role in maintaining optimal hormone levels. Furthermore, certain medical conditions or medications may disrupt testosterone levels. Conditions like hypogonadism or obesity-related hormonal imbalances can lead to low testosterone, while medications like corticosteroids or opioids may also affect hormone production.

Although present in much lower levels than estrogen and progesterone, testosterone’s balance is crucial for the normal functioning of the female reproductive system. Testosterone, often hailed as the primary male sex hormone, is a powerful and multifaceted chemical messenger that plays a pivotal role in both male and female physiology. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation if you have concerns about elevated free testosterone levels. They can provide personalized guidance and recommend appropriate interventions if necessary. Yet free T actually comprises about 2 percent of your total testosterone, explains Dr. Welliver. The majority of your testosterone is bound tightly to proteins called sex hormone-binding globulins (SHBG), which sequester the free T and take it out of action so it can’t have any end effect.

Research conducted by Snyder et al. (2016), published in the New England Journal of Medicine, provides insights into expected testosterone levels in individuals aged 50 and beyond. Treatment for low free testosterone levels may include hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This involves the use of synthetic testosterone to supplement the body’s natural levels.