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What Do Total Testosterone Levels Of 253 With Free Testosterone Of 41.2 Indicate?

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Posted on Tue, 3 Oct 2017
Question: Hello. I am 61 and have a testosterone of 253, but my free testosterone is 41.2, which is above the minimum of 35. I visited a urologist who said he would still not recommend testosterone therapy since the FT is ok.

But what kind of health implications are there for these numbers?
Will the situation worsen as I get older?

He also checked the hormone levels, which were found to be in the normal range.
Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
the free testosterone is the active version not the total

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Free testosterone is mainly used as the indicator because only free testosterone (not attached to a protein) can enter into certain areas and bring about changes.

This is the reason the free not the total is mainly used, the total consist of the free and the bound testosterone.

Age affects the level of sex hormone binding globulin which is the protein that some of the testosterone is attached to.
There can be decreases in this protein level with age but when the free testosterone is checked , this is okay.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (5 minutes later)
Thank you. Now does this imply that both testosterone numbers will worsen as I get older and create possible other health risks?? in other words, is this something to worry about?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
total testosterone can decrease

Detailed Answer:
HI

Testosterone (total) can decrease with age but it is hard to predict how low it may drop and if a problem may occur.
As mentioned the free is the important aspect and because both the hormone/protein that attaches to the testosterone and restricts action also decreases , you may still have enough free testosterone to do what needs to be done

Total testo (free and attached testo) decreases ----- protein that holds some of the testo also decreases------this means that the levels of free testosterone may be okay

Please feel free to ask anything else
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (6 minutes later)
Thank you. Does this mean that the FT should be checked annually, and what would be necessary if my FT fell below 35, and what effects would it have?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
different symptoms may occur

Detailed Answer:
HI

Yes, you can have it checked annually

A low free testo. may lead to symptoms such as decreased libido, ED, hair loss, increased body fat, fatigue, decreased muscle mass, decreased bone mass, may affect mood.

These symptoms may or may not occur
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (10 minutes later)
Do we presume that most cases of difficulty with weight loss in middle age are unrelatedelated to FT? But I should just watch the FT every couple of years?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
not an issue in many persons, can check every 1 to 2 years

Detailed Answer:
HI

Sorry about the delayed reply

Metabolism can slow in general as persons age which can contribute to weight gain or difficulty with weight loss.
Testosterone levels are not related to the most of persons with weight issues but because it can be a factor, the levels can be checked.

Your levels are okay at the moment.

Increased weight itself can sometimes affect hormone levels.

you can check the level every 1 to 2 years to see if there are any changes

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Do Total Testosterone Levels Of 253 With Free Testosterone Of 41.2 Indicate?

Brief Answer: the free testosterone is the active version not the total Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Free testosterone is mainly used as the indicator because only free testosterone (not attached to a protein) can enter into certain areas and bring about changes. This is the reason the free not the total is mainly used, the total consist of the free and the bound testosterone. Age affects the level of sex hormone binding globulin which is the protein that some of the testosterone is attached to. There can be decreases in this protein level with age but when the free testosterone is checked , this is okay. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions