Hormones play a vital role in regulating various body functions, from mood and energy to muscle mass and sexual health. Among these crucial hormones are testosterone, estradiol (also known as oestradiol), and free testosterone. Monitoring these hormones is essential for both men and women to gain insights into their overall well-being. This is where the Testosterone Advanced Test comes into play.
In this blog, we’ll explore what the Testosterone Advanced Test is, who can benefit from it, and why monitoring testosterone, estradiol, and free testosterone levels is crucial for maintaining optimal health.
The Testosterone Advanced Test is designed for individuals who want a comprehensive look at their hormone levels. Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced primarily in the testes in men and the ovaries in women, with smaller amounts produced by the adrenal glands. This test measures testosterone levels up to 502 nmol/l, providing a full overview of your hormonal health.
However, testosterone doesn’t act alone. It works closely with estradiol, the most abundant form of estrogen in women. Estradiol makes up 80% of the estrogen in the female body, and its levels can be influenced by changes in testosterone. Although estradiol is present in smaller amounts in men, it still plays a critical role in overall health. Monitoring both testosterone and estradiol together offers valuable insights for both genders, making the Testosterone Advanced Test highly effective.
While total testosterone gives a general measure of testosterone levels in the body, free testosterone is a more specific indicator. Free testosterone is the portion of testosterone that isn’t bound to proteins like SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) or albumin, meaning it’s biologically active and available for use by the body.
This measure is crucial because it tells you how efficiently your body is using testosterone. Even if your total testosterone is within the normal range, you might still have low free testosterone, leading to symptoms like:
On the other hand, high free testosterone can disrupt the balance of other hormones and result in symptoms such as acne, increased aggression, or hair loss.
The Testosterone Advanced Test also measures SHBG and albumin levels, which are used to calculate your free testosterone. This ensures a full and accurate picture of how your body is processing testosterone.
Estradiol is essential for both men and women, though its role is more prominent in women due to its influence on the reproductive system. Estradiol is responsible for regulating the female reproductive system, maintaining bone density, and supporting brain function. In men, estradiol levels can affect sexual function, bone health, and mood regulation.
Monitoring estradiol alongside testosterone is crucial because these hormones interact with each other. In men, high levels of estradiol can lead to symptoms such as:
In women, maintaining balanced estradiol levels is critical for reproductive health, menstrual regularity, and menopause management. By using the Testosterone Advanced Test, you gain insight into how these hormones work together and affect your overall health.