This test checks testosterone in detail – total, free, and bioavailable – plus SHBG and the Free Androgen Index. It may help assess fertility, energy, mood, muscle health, and hormone balance in men and women.
Wondering if your energy dips, mood changes, or physical performance issues could be linked to how much active testosterone your body actually has available to use?
Overview
Think of testosterone as fuel for your body's engine – while total testosterone shows how much fuel is in your tank, free testosterone reveals how much is actually available to power your muscles, mind, and metabolism. This active form makes up only 1-3% of your total testosterone, but it's the portion that truly drives your energy, libido, muscle building, and overall vitality since most testosterone in your blood is bound to proteins and essentially sitting idle.
Free testosterone testing becomes especially valuable when you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue, low motivation, or decreased muscle mass, yet your total testosterone appears normal. Our test specifically measures the unbound testosterone that's free to enter your cells and get to work, supporting everything from strength and stamina to sexual health, bone density, mood regulation, and mental sharpness – giving you the real picture of what's actually fueling your body's performance.
Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
Symptoms
You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Low sex drive in men
Erectile dysfunction
Loss of muscle mass in men
Increased body fat around waist (men)
Decreased morning erections
Feeling tired all the time
Purpose
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.
How to prepare
No fasting required. Morning collection (between 7-10 AM) preferred for optimal accuracy as testosterone levels are naturally highest in the morning. Avoid intense exercise 24 hours before testing. Inform your healthcare provider of any medications, particularly biotin supplements (discontinue 3 days prior), hormone medications, or thyroid treatments that might affect results.
Understanding results
Reference ranges vary by age and gender. For adult men: 8.7-25.1 ng/dL (30-87 pmol/L); for women: 0.3-3.2 ng/dL (1-11 pmol/L). However, optimal ranges may differ from laboratory reference ranges. Low levels may indicate hormonal imbalance, while high levels might suggest certain medical conditions. Results should always be interpreted alongside symptoms and other hormone tests for comprehensive assessment.
After the test
If results are abnormal, consult with a healthcare provider specialising in hormone health. Consider comprehensive hormone panel including total testosterone, SHBG, and related markers. Lifestyle modifications like strength training, adequate sleep, stress management, and proper nutrition can support healthy testosterone levels. Follow-up testing may be recommended in 3-6 months to monitor changes or treatment effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total testosterone measures all testosterone in your blood, including the 97-99% that's bound to proteins and inactive. Free testosterone measures only the 1-3% that's unbound and biologically active in your body.
High levels of SHBG or other binding proteins can tie up testosterone, making it unavailable for use. This commonly occurs with aging, certain medications, or health conditions.
Morning testing (7-10 AM) is preferred as testosterone levels naturally peak in the early morning and decline throughout the day.
Yes, women produce testosterone too, and imbalances can affect energy, mood, muscle mass, and sexual health. Testing helps identify hormonal causes of these symptoms.
Typically every 3-6 months when monitoring treatment or investigating symptoms. Your healthcare provider will recommend appropriate timing based on your individual situation.
Intense exercise, stress, illness, medications, sleep patterns, and time of day can all influence testosterone levels.
We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.
1
Book your referral
Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect your sample
Easy sample collection at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Find nearest
3
Receive your results
View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.
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