Total vs Free Testosterone
Total testosterone measures all circulating testosterone — bound and unbound. Free testosterone reflects the unbound, bioactive fraction. Symptoms often track free testosterone more closely, but interpretation depends on SHBG, albumin, and assay method. Both are read together on the standardized hormone panel.
Total testosterone is the screening anchor and the standard trend marker across recalibration cadence.
Free testosterone is decisive when total is borderline, when SHBG is out of range, or when symptoms diverge from total.
Educational. Final pathway selection is provider-reviewed via synchronous video consultation against your biomarkers, history, and goals.
Frequently asked
Should I rely on free T alone?
No — free T is interpreted alongside total T, SHBG, estradiol, and symptoms within the provider review.
Is calculated free T accurate?
Calculated free T using LC/MS total and SHBG is preferred over direct free T immunoassay.
Take the optimization assessment.
The adaptive assessment maps your symptoms, history, and goals to candidate pathways — and routes you into provider review.
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