What is the Bioavailable Testosterone Test?
Testosterone is primarily produced in the testes of the men, ovaries of the women, and in lesser quantity by the adrenal gland. Bioavailable testosterone is the freely available testosterone in the bloodstream that can loosely bind to the protein albumin and they are available to the tissues of the body. The testosterone hormone functions in the regulation of muscle mass, bone density, libido, and mood of an individual.
The bioavailable testosterone test is the measure of the freely available testosterone in the blood. Abnormal levels of bioavailable testosterone indicate the presence of hypogonadism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and other disorders associated with hormonal imbalance.
How is the Test Performed?
Bioavailable testosterone is a simple test requiring a small amount of blood sample
Preparation
- The test is conducted typically in the morning as the hormonal levels are at their peak and most stable.
- The test does not require any special preparation except for fasting for a few hours before the test.
- Inform your healthcare provider about the medication you are taking as he may suggest to stop taking certain medications that might interfere with the test results.
Collection
- A trained phlebotomist draws blood from the vein and places it in a sterile tube with added preservatives or chemicals that prevent the degradation and contamination of the sample.
Lab Analysis
- When the sample is received by the laboratory it is analyzed using advanced techniques such as equilibrium dialysis which is a gold standard technique for the measurement of bioavailable testosterone.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
Your healthcare provider may suggest this test if you are showing symptoms of hormonal imbalance or other associated disorders. The symptoms vary according to age and gender; the common symptoms are mentioned below for better understanding;
Symptoms in Newborns
- Underdeveloped genitalia
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia signs including vomiting, low appetite, genital ambiguity, weight loss, etc.
Symptoms in Adolescents
- Puberty that is delayed
- Early onset of puberty
- Inadequate sexual characteristics development
Symptoms in Adult Males
- Extreme fatigue
- Development of breast tissues
- Thinning or loss of body hair
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of muscle mass
Symptoms in Adult Females
- Acne
- Infertility
- Missed and irregular periods
- Scalp hair thinning
- Excessive growth of body hair
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
The normal range for the bioavailable test varies according to the age, sex, and the time when the sample was collected. The generally accepted reference range is mentioned below;
Males – 108 to 500 ng/dL
Females – 1 to 19 ng/dL
**The above-given reference range is for general guidelines only and varies between laboratories due to the assay of the test and the equipment used. It is highly suggested to consult your healthcare provider for the correct interpretation of the test results.**
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
Abnormal levels of Bioavailable testosterone test indicate the presence of an underlying health condition that needs effective management and regular monitoring for better outcomes;
Elevated Levels in Men
- It is a rare condition in men.
- Use of anabolic steroid
- Presence of testosterone-secreting tumors.
Elevated Levels in Women
- Presence of androgen-secreting tumors
- Polycystic ovaries syndrome
- Adrenal gland disorders
Low Levels in Men
- Hypogonadism
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Kidney disorders
Low Levels in Women
- Lowered libido
- Decreased bone density
- Chronic stress
