Free Testosterone VS Total!
By Michael Camp DPT, CSCS, PES
Where Is It Produced?
- Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles, but is under control of the Pituitary gland.
- In females, testosterone is produced in very small amounts in the ovaries.
Test Affects!
Testosterone has profound affects on muscle and bone mass, fat distribution, the vascular system, energy systems, and sexual functioning!
How Test Is Carried!
- Testosterone is bound to a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SBGH).
- “Free Testosterone” is not bound to this protein and can be analyzed.
Testing Testosterone Levels!
- Get your test levels checked if you have any signs or symptoms associated with low test!
Symptoms of Low Test!
- Testosterone affects ‘everything’ in your body but the most common symptoms are; Depression, Mental fogginess/confusion, loss of Muscle, increased fat, and DECREASED LIPIDO!!!!
- Also, an Overall sense of just existing in your daily routine!
Getting the Test Tested!
- First find a reputable, modern Physician, who is active themselves and understands the importance of being and feeling healthy!
- Normal Levels- range from 250-1000mg/dl, but Physicians I spoke to tell me most people experience symptoms when levels are below 400!!
- Another problem, who set these guidelines when there is no research being conducted by the FDA for healthy levels on an INDIVIDUAL status!
Free Test Levels!
- Free testosterone levels NEED to be assessed as well. Its expressed as a % of Total Test.
- “Normal” range has been said to be 1.6-2.9%. So ONLY 2% of your test is Free!
- Want your levels ABOVE 2%!
Your Estrogen Levels?
- Yes make sure your Doctor checks these levels as well!
- Normal range is 13-54 pg/ml but want to know the ratio of estrogen to testosterone ratio. Young males have ratios of 30, 40, 50, and so on.
- If your estrogen levels are close to 50 pg/dl, then most likely low testosterone symptoms are apparent.
Research on Low Test!
- A study done by the Chinese;showed test levels of 268 mg/dl 89% reported Lack of Energy, 79% reported erectile dysfunction, 66% decreased sex endurance.
- Low test can affect your Cardiovascular health markers! With levels less than 250 mg/dl, another study found subjects were fatter, had lower HDL “good Cholesterol”, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and high blood glucose. These subjects were tracked over 18 years and 40% had a higher death rate!!!
Testosterone and Alzheimers!
- Famous Baltimore study found that low testosterone levels were correlated to Dementia.
- Researchers found that testosterone limits the production of beta amyloid peptides. These protein fragments build up into small round deposits that bind to the brain, causing these associated brain illnesses.
Testosterone Final Thoughts!
- Testosterone is a NATURAL occuring substance in your body. If symptoms exist of low levels, you are harming your body.
- Unfortunately the Media only likes to portray “unproven” claims in regards to Testosterone! When researched and used under a Medical Professional, the results could have you feeling great, not just physically, but mentally which is the most important thing of your life!
References!
- 1. Changgeng Yi Xue Za Zhi,Jun 2000,23(6):348-53
- 2. Intl J Impotence Research, 2007
- 3. Circulation,2007,116:2694-2701
- 4. J Endocrin Invest, Jun 2007,30(6):451-8; Journal Andrology, 2009, 30:10-22
- 5. Diabetes Care,Feb 2007,30(2):234-238
- 6. Saving Your Brain, Jeff Victoroff, p. 135
- 7. J of Clin Endocrin & Metab,2008,93(1):68-75
- 8.Arch Gen Psychiatry, 2008, 65[3]:283-289
- 9. J of Clin Endocrin & Metab, 2008, 93(7):2602-2609
- 10. J Sexual Med, 2008, 5(Suppl I):4-41
