Rena Malik, MD Podcast: Optimizing Health, Sex & Relationships with Science Backed Tips from Leading Experts
Moment: Is Your 'Normal' Testosterone Actually Low? Ft. Dr. Abraham Morgentaler
Dec 4, 2024
Dive deep into the nuances of diagnosing low testosterone. Learn why measuring free testosterone is key and how sex hormone binding globulin affects hormone availability. Dr. Morgantaler sheds light on common lab result pitfalls and the role of related hormones like luteinizing hormone. Discover the impact of estradiol and the potential benefits of Clomid in testosterone therapy, while debunking prevalent myths in men's health.
19:17
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Quick takeaways
- Free testosterone measurement is crucial for accurately diagnosing low testosterone, as total testosterone can mislead clinicians due to SHBG binding.
- Estradiol's role in male physiology is significant, influencing libido and treatment effectiveness, especially in younger men considering testosterone therapies.
Deep dives
Importance of Free Testosterone in Diagnosis
The most crucial measurement for diagnosing low testosterone levels is free testosterone rather than total testosterone. Total testosterone accounts for all circulating testosterone, but a significant portion is bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), making it unavailable to cells. Since many doctors rely on total testosterone values, they may misdiagnose patients who exhibit low testosterone symptoms despite having normal total testosterone levels. This issue highlights the need for clinicians to assess free testosterone levels to accurately identify testosterone deficiencies.
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