High Free testosterone: what it means
A Free testosterone result above the normal range is considered high. Here is what a raised Free testosterone can point to, and when it is worth discussing with a doctor.
Reference range: Men roughly 200–600 pmol/L (much lower in women); the fraction not bound to SHBG — the biologically active testosterone
Understand your full resultWhat a high Free testosterone can mean
- Androgen excess — in women, an important finding: PCOS is the commonest cause, causing acne, excess hair and irregular periods.
- Testosterone or anabolic steroid use.
- Low SHBG states — insulin resistance, obesity; can raise the free fraction relative to total.
When to discuss with a doctor
Free testosterone earns its place when the total testosterone doesn't fit the clinical picture. In a man with symptoms of low testosterone (low libido, fatigue, erectile difficulty) but a borderline-normal total, a low free testosterone confirms a genuine deficiency and supports treatment; this is especially relevant with older age or obesity, where SHBG changes distort the total. In a woman with signs of androgen excess (acne, excess hair, irregular periods), a raised free testosterone supports a PCOS assessment. It should be measured on a morning sample and read with SHBG, LH, FSH and the symptoms. Mediora.AI shows free (or calculated) testosterone with total testosterone and SHBG so a 'normal' total isn't read in isolation; the hormonal decision belongs with your doctor or endocrinologist.
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Upload your test - freeMediora.AI is informational - interpretation, not a diagnosis. A single out-of-range value is common and often benign; always discuss decisions with your doctor.