TESTOSTERONE
INTERPRETER
Testosterone is a key hormone for energy, muscle mass, mood, and overall vitality. Enter your values to understand what they mean using functional medicine optimal ranges.
// ENTER YOUR VALUES
Reference ranges differ significantly by sex
Primary marker for testosterone status
The bioavailable, active form of testosterone
Sex hormone binding globulin - affects free T availability
// INTERPRETATION
TOTAL TESTOSTERONE
-- ng/dL
Enter your Total T value
FREE TESTOSTERONE
-- pg/mL
Optional: Enter Free T for deeper insight
SHBG
-- nmol/L
Optional: SHBG affects testosterone availability
LAB REFERENCE (Total T)
--
OPTIMAL RANGE (Total T)
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Enter your testosterone values to see a comprehensive interpretation.
Note: Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day. For accurate results, blood should be drawn in the morning (before 10am) after fasting.
// TESTOSTERONE_RANGES
REFERENCE & OPTIMAL RANGES
MALE RANGES
| MARKER | STANDARD | OPTIMAL |
|---|---|---|
| Total T | 300-1000 ng/dL | 600-900 ng/dL |
| Free T | 8.7-25.1 pg/mL | 15-25 pg/mL |
| SHBG | 10-57 nmol/L | 20-40 nmol/L |
FEMALE RANGES
| MARKER | STANDARD | OPTIMAL |
|---|---|---|
| Total T | 15-70 ng/dL | 40-60 ng/dL |
| Free T | 0.3-1.9 pg/mL | 1.5-3.0 pg/mL |
| SHBG | 18-144 nmol/L | 40-80 nmol/L |
// HORMONE_SCIENCE
UNDERSTANDING TESTOSTERONE
WHAT IS TESTOSTERONE?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, though it plays important roles in both men and women. It influences muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, mood, energy, libido, and cognitive function. In men, it's produced mainly in the testes; in women, smaller amounts are produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands.
TOTAL vs FREE TESTOSTERONE
Total Testosterone measures all testosterone in your blood, including testosterone bound to proteins (SHBG and albumin) and free testosterone.
Free Testosterone is the unbound, biologically active form that can enter cells and exert effects. Only 2-3% of testosterone is free.
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) is a protein that binds testosterone, making it unavailable. High SHBG can result in low free T even with normal total T.
SYMPTOMS OF LOW TESTOSTERONE
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and low energy
- Reduced muscle mass: Difficulty building or maintaining muscle
- Increased body fat: Especially around the midsection
- Low libido: Decreased sex drive
- Mood changes: Depression, irritability, brain fog
- Poor sleep: Insomnia or reduced sleep quality
- Decreased bone density: Increased fracture risk
CAUSES OF LOW TESTOSTERONE
- Age: Testosterone naturally declines 1-2% per year after 30
- Poor sleep: Sleep deprivation significantly lowers T levels
- Obesity: Excess body fat converts testosterone to estrogen
- Chronic stress: Elevated cortisol suppresses testosterone
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of exercise reduces hormone production
- Nutritional deficiencies: Low zinc, vitamin D, or magnesium
- Alcohol excess: Regular heavy drinking lowers T
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, thyroid issues, pituitary problems
NATURAL OPTIMIZATION STRATEGIES
- Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly
- Resistance training: Compound lifts stimulate testosterone production
- Maintain healthy weight: Reduce excess body fat
- Manage stress: Meditation, nature exposure, stress reduction
- Optimize vitamin D: Test and supplement if deficient
- Eat enough protein: Adequate protein supports hormone production
- Include healthy fats: Cholesterol is a testosterone precursor
- Limit alcohol: Moderate or eliminate alcohol consumption
- Check zinc status: Zinc is critical for testosterone synthesis
TESTING CONSIDERATIONS
For accurate testosterone testing:
- Morning draw: Test before 10am when levels peak
- Fasting: Fast for 8-12 hours before the test
- Repeat testing: Confirm low levels with a second test
- Complete panel: Include Free T, SHBG, LH, FSH, estradiol
Important: This tool is for educational purposes only. Testosterone levels must be interpreted by a healthcare provider in context with symptoms and other lab values. Do not start hormone therapy without proper medical evaluation and monitoring.
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