Testosterone Free (Direct)

Helpful in assessing testicular function in prepubescent hypogonadal males and in managing hirsutism, virilization in females.

Testosterone is one of the main sex hormones (androgens) that are found in men. Although mostly a “male” sex hormone, it is also found in small amount in women. Testosterone is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males, and the virilization in females. In the body, testosterone is either bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), albumin or free. This test measures the amount of free, biologically active testosterone in the blood to help in the diagnosis of prepubescent hypogonadal males and women with signs of virilization.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Delayed or early puberty in boys
• Erectile dysfunction in men
• Decreased sex drive in men and women
• Hypothalamus or pituitary disorders
• Infertility in men and women
• Testicular tumors in men
• Hirsutism and virilization in girls and women