🧬 Testosterone (Total & Free)
A key hormone test that evaluates testosterone levels, important for energy, mood, muscle mass, libido, and overall hormonal balance.

🔍 What is it?
Testosterone is a sex hormone mainly produced in the testes (in men) and ovaries (in women), with smaller amounts from the adrenal glands. It plays a vital role in sexual health, muscle and bone strength, mood, and energy levels.

This test measures both:

• Total testosterone – all the testosterone in your blood
• Free testosterone – the active form not bound to proteins, more reflective of what's available to your body

🧪 What does it measure?

• Total Testosterone – the full amount circulating in the bloodstream
• Free Testosterone – the bioavailable portion that is not bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or albumin

Some panels also measure:

• SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) – to assess how much testosterone is bound
• Albumin – for calculating bioavailable testosterone

❓ Why might I need it?

You may be advised to get this test if you experience:

• 💤 Low energy or persistent fatigue
• ❌ Reduced sex drive or erectile dysfunction
• 🧠 Low mood, irritability, or brain fog
• 💪 Loss of muscle mass or increased body fat
• 🧬 Infertility or poor sperm count
• 🧓 Age-related hormone decline
• 🔄 Suspected hormonal imbalance or andropause (male menopause)
• 🏋️‍♂️ Performance concerns in athletes or bodybuilders

Women may also be tested for:

• 🌡️ Irregular periods
• 🧑‍🦰 Excess facial/body hair (hirsutism)
• 🩺 Suspected PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

🧬 Conditions it can help detect:

• Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
• Andropause (age-related testosterone decline)
• PCOS (in women)
• Hormone imbalances or endocrine disorders
• Delayed or early puberty in adolescents

🩺 How is it done?

• 💉 A blood sample is taken, ideally in the morning (7–10 am) when testosterone levels are highest
• ⏱️ Results typically available within 1–3 working days

⚠️ Test levels can vary – more than one test may be needed for confirmation

💷 Typical Private Cost in the UK:

£45–£120 depending on whether both total and free testosterone are measured

May be included in men’s health or fertility hormone panels

✅ Commonly Combined With:

• LH & FSH – to check pituitary function
• SHBG – for more accurate free testosterone calculation
• Oestradiol – especially in men with symptoms of imbalance
• DHEA, Cortisol, Prolactin – to assess wider hormone profile
• Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs) – as thyroid can influence testosterone

📚 References:

• NHS – Testosterone Levels
• British Society for Sexual Medicine – [Guidelines on Testosterone Deficiency]
• NICE – [Testosterone Deficiency & Replacement Therapy]
• Endocrine Society Clinical Guidelines