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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Hormones

Free Testosterone

Free testosterone is the unbound fraction that directly fuels muscle growth, energy, libido, and mental sharpness in men. It may provide a clearer picture of your androgen status than total testosterone alone. Your healthcare provider can help evaluate your results.

Reference Ranges

Male
pmol/L
Low 170 Normal 700 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

What It Measures

This test measures the fraction of testosterone not bound to proteins like SHBG or albumin. Free testosterone represents roughly 1-3% of total testosterone but is the most biologically active form. Your healthcare provider may compare this with total testosterone for a complete picture.

Why It Matters

For men, free testosterone is the key driver of masculine vitality, strength, and reproductive function. Even with normal total testosterone, low free testosterone could suggest your body isn't accessing enough active hormone. Discuss your results with a healthcare provider for tailored advice.

When to Test

Your healthcare provider may recommend testing free testosterone when experiencing fatigue, reduced libido, muscle loss, or mood changes. It could also be useful when total testosterone is normal but symptoms persist. Consult your provider for advice on optimal testing timing.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Some people may experience persistent fatigue, decreased muscle mass, low mood, reduced libido, or difficulty concentrating when free testosterone is low. Weight gain and decreased bone density could also suggest insufficient bioavailable testosterone. A healthcare provider can help assess your symptoms.

High Levels

Elevated free testosterone may be associated with acne, excess hair growth, irritability, or aggression. In women, high levels could suggest polycystic ovary syndrome or other hormonal conditions. Your healthcare provider can evaluate whether your levels require further investigation.

Recommendations

Male

If Low

Low free testosterone may cause symptoms despite normal total testosterone. Consider SHBG testing and consultation with an endocrinologist.

If High

Elevated free testosterone may indicate steroid use or testicular tumors. Consult with an endocrinologist for comprehensive evaluation.

Lifestyle Tips

Regular resistance training, adequate sleep, stress management, and maintaining a healthy body weight may support healthy testosterone levels. Ensuring sufficient zinc and vitamin D intake could also contribute positively. Always discuss supplementation or significant lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is free testosterone?
Free testosterone is the unbound, active form that can directly enter cells and drive biological effects.
How does it differ from total testosterone?
Total testosterone includes bound and unbound forms; free testosterone measures only the active, usable fraction.
Can exercise affect free testosterone?
Resistance training and healthy sleep patterns may support free testosterone. Consult your provider for guidance.

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Health Checkups

Complete Men's Health Panel

A broad men's health panel: hormones, heart, metabolic, and organ function in one blood draw.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Triglycerides Creatinine Glucose (Fasting) Free T4 (Thyroxine) LDL Cholesterol SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Cholesterol Vitamin D (25-OH) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Ferritin hs-CRP (High Sensitivity CRP) HDL Cholesterol
€274,-
Health Checkups

Men Over 40 Panel

Age-appropriate screening including testosterone and PSA.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Triglycerides Creatinine Free T4 (Thyroxine) LDL Cholesterol SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Cholesterol Vitamin D (25-OH) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone hs-CRP (High Sensitivity CRP) HDL Cholesterol
€269,-