Low Testosterone Levels: Free vs. Total Testosterone

If you're a man over 40, then you know that your testosterone levels are slowly declining every year. You may not feel it yet, but it's happening. Your libido isn't what it used to be and you're starting to put on a few extra pounds around the waist. It's hard to stay motivated at work and in the gym. You feel like you're losing your edge.

It's critical to understand that low total and free testosterone can contribute to your symptoms and overall health. This article will look at the differences between free and total testosterone.

What is Low Testosterone?

Most men are familiar with the concept of testosterone, even if they don't know exactly how it works. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. The prominent role of testosterone is to maintain male reproductive tissue, including the testes and prostate, as well as stimulate secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle mass and bone density.

Testosterone levels decline with age, beginning at around age 40. Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue

• Reduced libido

• Erectile dysfunction

• Decreased muscle mass

• Mood changes

• Unexpected weight gain

As you can see, the symptoms of low testosterone can have a significant impact on your life. Furthermore, low T levels can put you at risk for a variety of other health problems, including obesity, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

Many people are unaware that doctors can test for two types of testosterone levels: total testosterone and free testosterone. If either is low, you may develop symptoms and health complications.

Total Testosterone

Total testosterone is the amount of testosterone in your blood. It’s made up of two types: unbound (free) testosterone and bound testosterone. Bound testosterone is attached to proteins like sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Unbound testosterone is not bound to any proteins and circulates freely in the blood.

Total testosterone is important to look at if you have low testosterone symptoms because it provides a comprehensive picture of overall testosterone production. If you have low levels of total testosterone, your body may not have enough to perform important functions such as red blood cell production, sex drive regulation, and muscle mass growth.

Free Testosterone

Free testosterone is the portion of circulating testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood, including sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG binds to testosterone, making it unavailable for use by the body. Typically, the amount of free testosterone in your body ranges between 2% and 5% of total testosterone. Low free testosterone levels can also cause testosterone deficiency symptoms.

You Can Have Low Free Testosterone Levels While Having Normal Total Testosterone Levels.

pic source: www.healthyhormones.us/shbg-test/

As you might expected, if you have low total testosterone levels, you tend to have low free testosterone levels as well.

However, you can also have low free testosterone while having normal total testosterone levels in your blood. This is usually caused by high levels of SHBG in your blood. Total testosterone production declines as we age, while SHBG rises.

This can put you at risk for low-free testosterone symptoms, even if your total testosterone is at the normal level.

[Read next: How AndroGuard increase your free testosterone level?]

Low Testosterone: How Do Doctors Diagnose It?

There are a few different ways that doctors can diagnose someone's testosterone levels. The most common method is to do a blood test. This is usually done in the morning because testosterone levels are typically highest then.

A physical examination may also be performed to look for signs of low testosterone, such as small testicles or thinning hair. They may also use the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire to inquire about symptoms such as low sex drive or difficulty getting erections.

Blood Tests: Total Testosterone vs. Free Testosterone

When it comes to testosterone blood tests. It is important to test for both total testosterone and free testosterone levels.

So why does this matter? As we mentioned in an earlier section, you can have normal total testosterone and low free testosterone due to high SHBG levels. It's the free testosterone that's available to bind to receptors and exert its effects on things like muscle mass and strength, sex drive, etc. That's not to say that total testosterone levels don't matter - they do!

Treating Low Testosterone Levels

One key factor in managing low testosterone is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This means eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Additionally, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use can also help improve testosterone levels.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help improve these symptoms and restore quality of life. TRT involves delivering testosterone into the body through injections, patches, gels, or implants. While TRT is generally safe and effective, it's not right for everyone. Talk to your doctor about whether TRT is right for you. One side effect of long-period usage (>6 months) of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is testicular atrophy, also referred to as testicular shrinkage.

[Read next: How to boost your testosterone naturally without drugs?]

Conclusion

It is important to understand the difference between free and total testosterone levels in order to ensure proper health. Total testosterone levels can be affected by a number of factors, including age, weight, and health conditions. However, normal total testosterone doesn't mean one will have a normal "free" testosterone level. Speak with a doctor if there are concerns about either form of testosterone.

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4. Why should you be cautious when using anabolic steroids for muscle building?

5. MEN! You may have low Androgen Receptors Density.

Get the Max Out of Your Manhood: How to Increase Testosterone Naturally

Every man wants to be the best that he can be. He wants to have more energy, feel more confident, be in peak physical condition, and have a good intimate relationship that rivals that of any Hollywood A-lister.

But as men get older, those things can start to seem out of reach. You might not feel like you have the same drive or energy that you used to. You might not be able to put in long hours at the gym like you used to. You’re not alone. Age, stress, poor diet choices, and environmental factors can all lead to low testosterone levels.

The hormone crucial for men's health: why testosterone is important?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. In men, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair.

Testosterone also has important effects on brain development and function. Studies have shown that testosterone levels influence cognition, emotion, and behaviour. Low testosterone has been linked with poor memory and depression. Testosterone also plays a role in maintaining healthy bones and muscles.

Overall, testosterone is essential for proper male development and function. It influences a wide range of physical and psychological traits. Low testosterone can cause serious health problems so it’s important to maintain healthy levels throughout life.

[Read Next: Why do I have a normal testosterone level but still experience androgen deficiency symptoms?]

How to increase testosterone levels naturally?

If you are looking to increase your testosterone levels naturally, there are a few things you can do. These include: getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, reducing stress, and supplementation.

Have a good 8 hrs sleep

Lacking sleep can take a toll on your testosterone levels. In fact, not getting enough sleep is one of the main causes of low testosterone.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that men who slept for 5 hours or less per night had lower testosterone levels than men who slept for 8 hours or more per night.

If you find it difficult to get enough sleep, there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep quality. First, establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Second, create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before sleep.

[Realign your sleep with this corn leaf extract >>]

Start exercising

The benefits of exercise are well-known. But did you know that exercising can also increase your testosterone levels? That’s right – by doing some resistance exercise, you can give your testosterone a natural boost.

Research has shown that short-duration, high-intensity exercise is most effective for increasing testosterone levels. This type of exercise includes activities like sprinting and weightlifting.

Eat healthily

A healthy diet is vital for maintaining good testosterone levels. There are certain foods that can help to boost testosterone production and maximize its effects. For example, zinc-rich foods like oysters, pumpkin seeds, and beef are great for boosting testosterone. Vitamin D-rich foods like eggs and fatty fish are also important for maintaining healthy testosterone levels. In addition, a diet that is high in protein and healthy fats will help to promote muscle growth and support healthy hormone levels.

Supplement

Looking to boost your testosterone with a supplement? Testofen®, a clinically tested supplement, has been shown to help increase testosterone levels. The key ingredient in Testofen® is fenugreek, which has been used for centuries to help treat various issues like diabetes, low libido and inflammation.

The benefits of increased testosterone

Testosterone is the male sex hormone that plays a vital role in many areas of men’s health. It is responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues, such as the testes and prostate, and also fuels the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as increased muscle mass and bone density.

There are a number of potential benefits of healthy testosterone levels, including:

• Healthy sexual function

• Healthy muscle mass and strength

• Prevent the loss of bone density

• Maintain a healthy body fat ratio

• Maintain good mood

Maintaining healthy testosterone levels requires perseverance

In conclusion, there are many ways to increase testosterone levels naturally. Some methods may be more effective than others, but all of them require patience and consistency. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and stick with it.

Related read:

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4. Why is using anabolic steroids in the gym, not a good idea?

Get Smart About Your Cataracts: Know Your Cataract Lens Options

Are you facing a cataract? Every day, thousands of people do.

Cataracts are often a gradual process that starts with little signs and symptoms. The first sign might be fuzzy vision or changes in colours. Over time, the clouding of your lens can create a blurry image, making it difficult to see clearly. This condition can lead to difficulty reading, driving, and other activities that require good sight.

Cataract surgery is an effective method of removing the cloudy lens that forms in the eye over time. Despite this, there are many types of cataract lenses available on the market, so you may wonder which is the right one for you.

What Exactly is an Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implant?

An intraocular lens (IOL) is a small artificial lens that replaces the natural lens of the eye during cataract surgery. The IOL has similar focusing power to the natural lens; without it, very thick glasses would be required after cataract surgery.

IOLs, like prescription spectacles or contact lenses, can be made with varying focusing powers. Before cataract surgery, precise measurements of your eye will be taken to help determine the best power IOL for your eye.

The Different Types of Lenses for Cataract Surgery

Choosing the right types of lenses for cataract surgery is important to ensure a successful and safe procedure. There are three main types of lenses used in cataract surgery: monofocal, multifocal, and progressive lens. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the type that will best suit your needs.

1. Monofocal IOLs:

Monofocal IOLs are the most common type used in cataract surgery.

They produce a clear image in one focus point. It can be set to focus for close work, medium range, or distance vision, depending on your visual requirements.

Most people prefer clear distance vision, which is ideal for driving, walking, and seeing people from a distance. Reading or close work usually necessitates the use of eyeglasses.

2. Multifocal IOLs:

These lenses have multiple focal points, which means they can improve your vision in both near and far distances. They're ideal for people who want to keep their distance vision and read print without having to adjust their glasses. Multifocal lenses includes bifocal, trifocal and progressive multifocal.

Bifocals provide two focal points: close-up and faraway. The close-up focus is for reading or using small print, while the faraway focus is for seeing objects in the distance. Trifocals give three focal points: close-up, intermediate distance, and faraway. The intermediate distance focus is for things up to about six feet away, while the faraway focus is for things at a greater distance. Progressive multifocals offer more than one focal point throughout their range of use.

3. Toric IOLs:

Toric lenses are not as commonly used as other lens types, but they can be a good option for people with astigmatism. Astigmatism is a common eye condition in which the shape of the eye's retina is not perfectly round. This can cause blurry images and distorted vision.

What's in an Intraocular Lens?

The majority of IOLs are made of acrylic, silicone, or other plastics. These materials are inert and do not react with your eye or harm its natural structures. IOLs are coated with a special material that shields your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light.

Keep Your Eyes Open for These 7 Post-Cataract Complications

Cataract surgery has little side effects, but the following are possible:

• Blurry vision - It is very common to have blurry or unclear vision in the days, and sometimes even weeks, following cataract removal. Most of the time, this is caused by normal swelling in the eye as a result of surgery.

• Dry eye - Almost all patients experience some level of eye dryness following cataract surgery. When your surgeon makes the incisions needed to reach your lens, a small number of nerves on the surface of your eye are cut. These nerves are part of the feedback loop that tells your eye to produce tears for lubrication.

• Discomfort - Many people complain that they have sand in their eyes or that their eyes are scratchy after surgery. This is a normal sensation caused by the small incision in your eye, and it should go away in about a week.

• Glare and halos - After cataract surgery, many patients experience "unwanted visual images," also known as dyphotopsia. Positive dysphotopsia manifests itself as glare, halos, and light streaks. They are more common at night or in low light, and they are more common with multifocal lenses.

• Light sensitivity - Light sensitivity is to be expected after cataract removal due to eye dryness. However, if your eyes squint or close when exposed to light, this could be a sign of eye inflammation.

• Red eye - It is very common to have a red or bloodshot eye after surgery. In most cases, it is caused by inflammation and/or a ruptured blood vessel, also known as a subconjunctival haemorrhage.

• Floaters - After cataracts are removed, you may experience floaters, which are small dots or lines in your field of vision. These are the shadows cast by small clumps of vitreous gel, the clear gel that fills your eye.

Although the complications listed above are usually minor and tend to recover in 2-3 months time. However, if you are not feeling well as a result of the symptoms you experienced, you should see your opthomologist immediately and not to wait further.

Things to Consider in the First Two Weeks After Cataract Surgery

• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.

• Do not swim or use a hot tub to help prevent infections.

• Try not to rub your eye(s) after surgery.

• Avoid wearing eye makeup and using face cream or lotion.

• Avoid environments with high levels of dust, wind, pollen, and dirt to avoid eye irritation.

• Wear sunglasses in bright sunny day. This may be necessary for up to a year following cataract surgery.

• Consume antioxidant eye supplements such as bilberry extract to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress following surgery.

Conclusion

It is important to be informed about your cataract lens options and to have a conversation with your doctor to decide which option is best for you. There are many factors to consider when making this decision, and your doctor will be able to help you navigate through the process.

Related read:

1. Bilberon(R) - An exclusive bilberry extract that helps to slow the progression of eye ageing.

2. Why You Should Take Lutein and Bilberry for Eye Health

3. After 40, your Eyes AGED faster than you.