РусскийEnglishEspañol — próximamenteFrançais — bientôtDeutsch — in VorbereitungItaliano — in arrivoAll languages
Free testosterone
The unbound, active 1–3% of testosterone. Reflects androgen status more accurately than total testosterone at borderline values.
Other names: Free testosterone, calculated free testosteroneSection: Hormones
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortOnly the free fraction of testosterone acts on tissues. A population-based reference for men is 66–309 pg/mL (229–1072 pmol/L). Free testosterone clarifies androgen status when total testosterone is borderline or SHBG is abnormal.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Men (calculated) — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
66–309 pg/mL (229–1072 pmol/L)
Women
values are an order of magnitude lower than in men — the report's reference applies
Male range from a population study of calculated free testosterone (international reference, not a national standard). Intervals are method-dependent — the report's reference applies. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and assays — use the range printed on your own lab report.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.
What this marker is
Most testosterone circulates bound to SHBG and albumin; the small free fraction drives the biological effect. Direct measurement by equilibrium dialysis is rarely available, so free testosterone is usually calculated from total testosterone and SHBG.
In women, free testosterone helps assess androgen excess; in men it refines the evaluation of suspected hypogonadism.
When it is high
Androgen excess in womenPCOS and androgen-producing tumors can raise the free fraction even with normal total testosterone.
Androgen useAnabolic steroids and replacement therapy raise both fractions.
When it is low
Male hypogonadismLow free testosterone with symptoms (reduced libido, fatigue) prompts an andrology workup.
Obesity and agingLevels decline with age and with excess body weight.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
Time of day (morning peak)SHBG levelAgeHormonal medications
How to prepare
Morning sample (7–11 a.m.), fasting; heavy exercise and alcohol are avoided the day before. A borderline result is usually repeated.
When a retest makes sense
A borderline result is repeated fasting in the morning after 2–4 weeks, ideally with total testosterone and SHBG.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: a urologist-andrologist or endocrinologist; a gynecologist-endocrinologist for women. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: Free testosteroneCalculated free testosterone
Units and conversion
Measured in: pg/mL
pg/mL=pmol/L
pmol/L = pg/mL × 3.467. Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.
Several markers on your report?
See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.
Total includes the protein-bound fractions; free is only the active part. With normal total but abnormal SHBG, the free value can differ markedly.
Measured or calculated — which is better?
Equilibrium dialysis is the reference method but rarely available; calculation from total testosterone and SHBG is an acceptable alternative in most situations.
Why a morning sample?
Male testosterone secretion follows a daily rhythm with a morning peak.
We use cookies and Yandex.Metrika for visit statistics — no advertising tracking and no session recording. The counter loads only after your consent. Privacy policy.