Men – The Facts About Free Testosterone

When a man’s testosterone levels begin to drop, the effects are usually pretty easy to see. His muscles begin to lose definition,
he starts to get flabby, he becomes less active and his sex drive begins to dwindle. However, many men who start to display these signs remain unaware that they have an issue with their testosterone production. Why is this?

In many cases, men who suspect that decreasing testosterone is the culprit and have their testosterone levels checked are told by their physicians that their testosterone levels are normal. This happens because many physicians, especially those who do not have a special training in hormone replacement, do not fully understand the distinction between a man’s total testosterone free testosterone and bio-available testosterone. This is an important distinction to understand because even though a man’s total testosterone level may be within a normal range, the amount of testosterone that can actually be used by his body may be much less than is needed for optimal health.

Much of the testosterone in the blood is locked into protein complexes called sex hormone-binding globulins (SHBGs). Once testosterone becomes bonded to this globulin it can no longer be taken up by testosterone receptor sites. Only the free testosterone (testosterone not bound to SHBGs) can actually be used by the body.

As a man ages his body produces more sex hormone-binding globulins. As a result, more and more of the testosterone in his body becomes trapped in these protein complexes. So, even though a man at the age of 50 may have the same total hormone level as a man of 30, he will have substantially less testosterone actually available for use.

The low levels of estrogen naturally found in the male body contribute to some of the SHBGs found in the blood. However, since estrogen levels are so miniscule in men, it plays only a minor role. There are a number of other factors that have a greater impact on SHBG production. Using certain medications, being overweight, not getting enough exercise, not eating enough protein and consuming alcohol can all serve to increase SHBGs and reduce the amount of free testosterone in a man’s bloodstream.

Even if the lifestyle factors of sex hormone-binding globulin production are avoided, the biggest factor cannot be. Age, more than anything, is responsible for the high levels of SHBG that robs a man of the free testosterone needed for health and virility. Fortunately, even though age cannot be avoided, decreased levels of free testosterone can be. Natural hormone replacement therapy using bio-identical hormones provides a safe means of regaining optimal levels of free testosterone in the body.

Material provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent disease and has not been evaluated by the FDA.

REVITA Anti-Aging recommends you consult a specially trained Age Management or Anti-Aging Physician before starting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Bioidentical hormones should only be taken when clinical deficiencies are found by a trained physician via lab testing. REVITA Medical, PC physicians perform evaluations and specialized testing to qualify patients for treatment.