Free testosterone: the hormone of sexuality and health

The free testosterone index (also abbreviated as IST) is a hormone that is necessary for the full and harmonious work of the genitals. It is produced in both men and women. Only in representatives of the stronger sex, testes are responsible for the production of this hormone, and in beautiful women - the adrenal cortex.

By itself, the hormone is very active and quickly moves around the human body. The activity of the IST hormone is noticeable even during the intrauterine development of the fetus, because then it already forms the primary sexual characteristics of the unborn child. After its violent surge is noticeable during puberty of a person - when secondary signs of gender are formed.

Testosterone levels, especially in men, are of great importance in the development and functioning of the genitals and functions. Particular attention should be paid to the testosterone index for those who suffer from chromosomal diseases (Down syndrome, Patau, Edwards syndrome, etc.), disorders in the synthesis of androgens, treats malignant or benign tumors in the adrenal and ovarian region, have suspicions of cancer of the genitourinary system, feels a weakening of sexual power.

Discernible concepts

Free testosterone is a non-protein-bound testosterone hormone found in active form in blood serum. Testosterone binds with the help of proteins called globulin (aka SHBG) and albumin - proteins that bind testosterone. Moreover, the first proteins have more stable and reliable bonds.

It is the conduct of tests to measure the level of free testosterone in the blood that is of great importance for the correct diagnosis of the patient and his further treatment of the disease. If you quickly carry out all the necessary tests related to the hormone, then the patient's treatment can pass quickly and without complications.

There is also associated testosterone in our body. It has already reacted with other cells and moves in the general bloodstream without reacting with tissue receptors. As such, it is unable to metabolize. Later, the bound testosterone is eliminated from the body.

How to calculate ICT

In medicine, IST is determined using the percentage ratio of the concentration of total testosterone in the blood to the concentration of testosterone, which has already bound to the protein globulin. Usually, such an analysis is prescribed if the patient has obvious clinical signs of a sharp decrease or increase in the amount of androgens in the blood, while the testosterone level remains relatively normal in all respects. Also, such an analysis is carried out for patients with diabetes mellitus and insulin-dependent patients who complain of alopecia, seborrhea, dandruff, acne rashes and dermatitis and other dermatological diseases.

The testosterone index is calculated using the following formula - the total amount of testosterone in the body is divided by the amount of SHBG (globulin), and the result is multiplied by 100. But even the test results are perceived by some experts biasedly. Doctors of the old school doubt the validity of such a study, but those who prefer modern technologies, on the contrary, insist that an IST test will help determine the exact amount of testosterone hormones even in conditions of a hyperandrogenic state.

Features of testosterone in men and diagnosis of the first problems

The male hormone testosterone has its own distinctive characteristics and differs from the female hormone, first of all, in structure. Male testosterone affects the work of all systems and processes in the body of its owner. But its main feature is to ensure the sexual health of a man, his activity and sexuality. But today, more and more men of all ages have a testosterone deficiency in the body.

The result of such a disease is not only the loss of sexual activity and libido. Low levels of the hormone can provoke weakening of muscles and bones, and in the future to their degeneration and osteoporosis (fragility of bones). In addition, a man's metabolism and digestive system may be disturbed, the accumulation of excess adipose tissue, a violation of the water-salt balance and even the development of mental disorders (depression, panic, stress, psychosis and even thoughts of suicide). In addition, the patient may complain of frequent migraines, pressure drops and problems with the work of the heart.

A drop in testosterone levels in men will in any case affect the reproductive system: a man will refuse sex, he will not be interested in intimate relationships, and over time he may become impotent.

If the cause of any of these diseases is not diagnosed in time (to establish the level of testosterone in the blood), then any disease can go into an active phase and cause a lot of complications.For example, the development of pulmonary failure, asthma, hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, liver cirrhosis and others.

At the slightest sign of malaise, a man needs to see a doctor and get tested to make sure everything is in order with his body. The first signals to visit a doctor may be memory impairment and coordination of movements, absent-mindedness and confusion, excessive irritability, irascibility, sudden and unreasonable mood swings, the appearance of excess weight, weakness and pain in the body, in all joints.

Also, in men, breasts can become swollen, often disturbed by excessive sweating, facial flushing, shortness of breath and a decrease in libido up to the loss of an erection. If there is at least one such symptom, you urgently need to consult a doctor so as not to aggravate the situation and not bring the matter to a critical point. It is best to go to an appointment with an endocrinologist and diagnose the problem with him.

In no case should you self-medicate! Elimination of the first signs of the disease on its own can cause in the future only the deterioration and development of new diseases, which will be more difficult to cope with. Disorders of testosterone levels in the body today are treatable and, with the correct selection of the course of recovery, are eliminated quite quickly.

How to prepare for the testosterone test and decipher the result

You can check the level of free testosterone in the blood using an analysis - taking blood from a vein. But in order to know whether a patient needs treatment, the results of laboratory research must be as accurate as possible. The patient himself can help the specialist with this by properly preparing for the test.

Approximately a week before the scheduled visit to the clinic or laboratory, you must exclude all physical activity on the body, do not drink alcohol, do not smoke or breathe chemical or synthetic substances. Try to lead a calm, measured lifestyle, adjust the daily routine. It is also best not to take any medications, especially hormonal medications.

12 hours before the expected delivery of the test, you must completely stop eating and drink only regular non-carbonated water. All this together should provide more accurate analysis results.

Don't be nervous at the blood collection site. The specialist will simply take the required amount of blood from a vein and place your sample in a prepared special tube with gel. If for health reasons you cannot stop using any medications, then you should definitely tell the doctor or laboratory assistant in the laboratory about it.

The norm as a result of testing for men from 9 to 50 years old is considered to be a testosterone level in the blood of at least 5.5 (approximately 42%). and, accordingly, 42%.

How to increase free testosterone levels?

It is possible to increase the level of the hormone in the blood with the help of medications. But any treatment for the patient should be prescribed by a doctor after the tests and a thorough examination. Medication intake also needs to be closely monitored and constantly consulted with a doctor.

In addition to medication, you can also try alternative treatments and folk remedies.

General rules to follow are as follows:

• proper and competent nutrition. Follow the regimen and balance your diet.
• Eat more seafood, nuts, fish oil, pumpkin seeds, lean meats, fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits, and eggs in your diet.
• normalize your weight. Get some light exercise, exercise, and avoid sugary and fatty foods and alcohol.
• build your daily routine. Take special time to sleep. You need to get enough sleep and rest.

By following these recommendations, you can improve your health and testosterone levels in the blood, regaining your masculine strength and health.