Testosterone Free/Total + SHBG Blood Test

Testosterone Free/Total + SHBG Blood Test

Name: Testosterone Free/Total + SHBG Blood Test
Brand: Bloody Good
Price: 86.0 AUD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)

$86.00 AUD

Feeling like your energy, libido, and drive have dropped without a clear reason, or trying to understand whether your testosterone picture tells the full story?

Measures total testosterone, calculated free testosterone, and SHBG in a single blood draw. Used to investigate low testosterone in men and androgen excess in women. Morning collection required, as testosterone peaks in the early hours.

You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.

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Testosterone Blood Test $53.00

Private health tests

How It Works

Getting your health measured shouldn't be hard! We're here to help you every step of the way.

Order a test

Order the private test that suits you and your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

Collect the sample

Attend one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Search locations.

Receive your results

View all your lab results in your secure health dashboard. Easy!

Overview

Testosterone is often discussed as a single number, but the reality is more nuanced. Most of the testosterone circulating in your blood is bound to proteins, primarily sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Only a small fraction, roughly 1 to 3 per cent, is unbound and free to enter cells and exert biological effects. This panel measures total testosterone, calculated free testosterone, and SHBG together, giving a fuller picture than total testosterone alone.

Free testosterone matters because it is the portion your body can actually use. Two people with the same total testosterone level can have very different free testosterone levels depending on how much SHBG they produce. SHBG is influenced by age, thyroid function, liver health, body weight, and certain medications. When SHBG is elevated, it binds more testosterone, leaving less available for tissues. This is why symptoms of low testosterone can appear even when total testosterone looks normal on paper.

In men, this panel is commonly used to investigate fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, and poor concentration. In women, it plays a different role: elevated testosterone and free androgen index are part of the hormonal picture in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other conditions involving androgen excess.

Timing matters for this test. Testosterone follows a circadian rhythm in men, peaking in the early morning and declining through the day. Collection before 10am is required for results that can be reliably compared against reference ranges. Your practitioner will interpret the full panel, including total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG, alongside your symptoms, age, and clinical context.

Symptoms

This test is ideal for men and women experiencing unexplained fatigue, reduced libido, difficulty building muscle, mood changes, or decreased motivation. Particularly valuable for individuals over 30, those on medications that might affect hormone binding, or anyone with normal total testosterone but persistent symptoms. Also useful for monitoring hormone replacement therapy effectiveness and assessing SHBG-related hormone imbalances.

Questions

Total testosterone measures all the testosterone in your blood, including the portion bound to proteins such as SHBG and albumin. Free testosterone is the small unbound fraction that is biologically active and able to enter cells and exert effects. Many symptoms of testosterone deficiency are better predicted by free testosterone than by total testosterone alone. SHBG levels significantly affect how much testosterone is free — high SHBG means less free testosterone even when total testosterone looks normal.
Testosterone follows a circadian rhythm in men, peaking in the early morning between approximately 6am and 10am. By the afternoon, levels can be 30 to 40 percent lower. This variation means afternoon collections can produce results that appear low but are actually normal for that time of day. Morning collection ensures the result can be compared against reference ranges established using morning samples.
Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein that binds tightly to testosterone in the bloodstream, rendering it inactive. High SHBG reduces the amount of free testosterone available to tissues. Low SHBG does the opposite, increasing free testosterone. This is why measuring SHBG alongside total testosterone gives a more complete picture. SHBG is influenced by factors including thyroid function, body weight, liver health, and ageing.
Yes. Women produce testosterone in smaller amounts than men, and it plays a role in libido, energy, and muscle maintenance. Elevated testosterone in women is associated with PCOS, adrenal disorders, and other conditions causing androgen excess. This panel is commonly requested in women when investigating hirsutism, acne, irregular periods, or as part of a PCOS hormonal workup.
Yes. Low testosterone in men has been associated with fatigue, low mood, reduced motivation, poor concentration, and reduced libido. However, these symptoms are non-specific and can have many causes. A blood test establishes whether testosterone is actually low rather than assuming it is — which is an important step before considering treatment.
Yes, but the timing of the test relative to your last dose matters significantly. The interpretation differs depending on whether you are checking a trough level (before your next dose) or a peak level. Your prescribing practitioner should advise when to test relative to your therapy schedule. Do not change your usual timing without guidance.

Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

How to prepare

Morning collection is required. Testosterone follows a circadian rhythm, peaking between 6am and 10am in men. Collection should be as early as possible and no later than 10am for the most clinically meaningful result.

Fasting is not required. Eat and drink normally beforehand.

Let your practitioner know if you are taking testosterone therapy, DHEA supplements, or any steroid-containing medications, as these will directly affect your results. Timing relative to testosterone therapy administration should be discussed with your practitioner before testing.

After the test

Share your results with your GP, urologist, endocrinologist, or a practitioner familiar with hormonal health. If testosterone deficiency is confirmed, your practitioner will discuss whether treatment is appropriate and, if so, what form and monitoring approach suits your situation.

Do not begin testosterone therapy or adjust existing therapy based on this result alone. Your practitioner will assess the full clinical picture before making any recommendations.

Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.

Understanding results

Results include total testosterone (nmol/L), SHBG (nmol/L), and calculated free testosterone (pmol/L). Reference ranges differ between men and women, and in men also vary with age. Your result report will include the applicable ranges.

In men, low total testosterone combined with low free testosterone and elevated SHBG can indicate clinically significant hypogonadism even when total testosterone appears borderline. Low free testosterone with normal total testosterone is commonly seen when SHBG is elevated (which can occur with thyroid disease, liver disease, ageing, or certain medications).

In women, elevated total testosterone or free androgen index can support a PCOS assessment alongside LH, FSH, and clinical symptoms.

Your practitioner will interpret this panel in the context of your symptoms, age, and other relevant investigations.

Testimonials

What Our Customers Say

4.9

Average Rating

5,500+ Customers Tested

250,000+ Individual Biomarkers

Adam O. ACT

Simple health checks in my control

I didn't know that private blood tests were an option. Tried this platform as the packages suited what I wanted for a good price. Easy to follow instructions, and super quick results. Platform provides more information than my gp's ever have on the tests and what the results meant. Would like more clinics to be able to test at (specifically Capital Pathology) but there is a decent network. Will continue to use.

The Performance Check

Wayne S. NSW

Bloody Good

This is a great service, very helpful support, cheaper than going to the doctor for a blood test

Vitamin D (25-OH)

Christopher N. NSW

Quick access to blood tests

BLOODY GOOD is a very efficient route to access blood testing for a visitor outside the Australian health system. It is quick with the necessary referral and documentation, and quick with results. Thank you

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Rebecca Y NSW

Great Service!

Fantastic service to deal with, I love the extra explanations for all the tests.

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Olga B. New South Wales

Convenient

Getting a referral was easy. Laverty pathology accepted it. Bloody Good offers an affordable and convenient way to check essential blood markers.

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Marita S. Queensland

Bloody good test

Very comprehensive tests that have given me a good picture of my overall health.

The Bloody Good Test

Lukas C. NSW

Quick, easy, hassle free

Excellent service, quick, easy, hassle free, can recommend.

Testosterone Free/Total + SHBG

ABDUL S. QLD

Amazingly quick and efficient

Very easy to use. Love that it stores your blood tests.

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Andre D. QLD

5 Stars

Efficient and easy to use

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"I'm a little biased as I work here! However, I love that The Bloody Good Test tracks my health over time. After turning 40, I wanted to make sure I wasn't going to drop dead from something basic I should have known about earlier. Measuring all my core biomarkers each year gives me peace of mind my health is on the right track"

Cameron Smith Head of Ecommerce, Brisbane

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book ahead?

Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.

How do I know if I need to fast?

If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.

What do I need to bring?

Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)

Can I bring someone with me?

Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.

What’s a phlebotomist?

They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.

What other samples may I need to provide for my test?

Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.