What does it mean if your free testosterone is low?

What does it mean if your free testosterone is low?

What happens if your free testosterone is low? Even if your total testosterone concentration test results are average, you may still have low free testosterone, which can lead to symptoms of hypogonadism like (Sizar, 2021): Decreased sex drive (libido) Erectile dysfunction, including loss of morning erections.

Is it good to have low free testosterone?

People with testosterone deficiency may also face cardiovascular risks, experience insulin resistance, or have a decrease in bone mass. A low testosterone level can thus contribute to significant health issues if left untreated, which is why it can be a good idea to be aware of the possible signs of low testosterone.

What happens if you have zero testosterone?

If a male has low testosterone, symptoms can include erectile dysfunction, and males and females may have reduced bone mass and sex drive. The hormone has many important functions, including: the development of the bones and muscles. the deepening of the voice, hair growth, and other factors related to appearance.

How do you treat low free testosterone?

Testosterone therapy for low levels

  1. Skin patch. A patch is applied once every 24 hours, in the evening, and releases small amounts of the hormone into the skin.
  2. Gels. Topical gels are spread daily onto the skin over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs.
  3. Oral therapy.
  4. Pellets.
  5. Injections.

How can I raise my free testosterone?

Here are 8 evidence-based ways to increase testosterone levels naturally.

  1. Exercise and Lift Weights.
  2. Eat Protein, Fat and Carbs.
  3. Minimize Stress and Cortisol Levels.
  4. Get Some Sun or Take a Vitamin D Supplement.
  5. Take Vitamin and Mineral Supplements.
  6. Get Plenty of Restful, High-Quality Sleep.

Is free testosterone more important than total?

Total T should be the first test ordered in the workup for hypogonadism. Free T is most useful when there is a reason to suspect that the sex hormone- binding globulin level is abnormally decreased, leading to potentially falsely low total T readings. This may occur particularly in older or obese patients.

Does free testosterone affect mood?

The results of this study show that total and free testosterone concentrations are only weakly associated with depressive symptoms. However, when the concentration of free testosterone is lower than 6 ng/dL, the risk of depression increases 3-fold compared with men with concentrations greater than 10 ng/dL.

Is total or free testosterone more important?

What is a good level of free testosterone?

Normal measurements for these tests: Male: 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or 10 to 35 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) Female: 15 to 70 ng/dL or 0.5 to 2.4 nmol/L.

Is free or total testosterone more important?

Can you live a long life with low testosterone?

Researchers found men with the lowest testosterone levels had the highest mortality rate, followed by men with the highest testosterone levels. Overall, men with circulating testosterone levels between 9.8 to 15.8 nmol/L range tended to live the longest.

Can a man live with low testosterone?

Many men notice that this correlates with a loss of sexual desire, which is totally normal. Sometimes, however, testosterone levels drop too low. This can reduce your bones’ strength and muscle mass, exacerbate sexual issues, and lead to a host of health issues. Low testosterone can be dangerous if not treated.

Can low testosterone be fatal?

Nov. 27, 2007 — The lower a man’s testosterone level, the higher his risk of death — especially death from heart disease.

What having low testosterone feels like?

Emotional changes. In addition to causing physical changes, having low levels of testosterone can affect you on an emotional level. The condition can lead to feelings of sadness or depression. Some people have trouble with memory and concentration and experience lowered motivation and self-confidence.

  • October 22, 2022