Testosterone, Free and Total, MS

Overview:

Most testosterone in blood is bound to sex hormone binding globulin and albumin, leaving only a small free fraction able to act on tissues. A total measurement counts everything, which can be misleading when binding protein levels are unusual, as happens with obesity, thyroid conditions, liver disease, aging and estrogen use. Measuring the free portion alongside the total addresses that. Both are measured by mass spectrometry, which separates compounds before quantifying them. Levels vary through the day and are generally highest in the morning, and a single result is interpreted alongside symptoms rather than on its own.

Categories:

Hormone

Biomarkers:

2 biomarkers