To keep your free testosterone/free androgen index healthy, it is important to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle, starting with your diet. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help to support healthy testosterone and SHBG hormone levels. It may be worth checking your vitamin levels to ensure these are in the normal healthy range.

Don't forget that regular exercise can help to increase testosterone levels, as well as reduce stress levels which can have a negative impact on your hormone levels e.g. cortisol. Make sure you also get enough sleep too, as this can help to regulate hormones.

You may not be surprised to hear that avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also help to keep your free testosterone/free androgen index healthy. 

The signs and symptoms of poor free testosterone/free androgen index can vary from person to person, but  often include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression, irritability, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, and decreased bone density.  Other signs and symptoms may include decreased energy levels, difficulty concentrating, and decreased motivation.

Since many of these symptoms can be caused by a range of conditions, a free testosterone/free androgen index can help indicate if your hormones are the cause.

A Free Androgen Index (FAI) test measures the amount of free testosterone in the blood. This is the form of testosterone that is not bound to proteins such as SHBG and is available to be used by the body.

A FAI test result can be used to diagnose conditions such as hypogonadism, which is a condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone, and polycystic ovary syndrome, which is a hormonal disorder in women. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy. The results of this test can help doctors determine the best course of treatment for their patients.  

The normal range - the levels normally found in healthy adults - for free testosterone/free androgen index tests is typically between 0.7 and 2.2 ng/dL for men and 0.2 to 1.5 ng/dL for women. This range represents the normal range for the amount of testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood, such as SHBG, and is therefore available to be used by the body.

A higher than normal level may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or a tumor, while a lower than normal level may indicate a deficiency in testosterone production.

It is important to note that the normal range for free testosterone can vary depending on age, sex, and other factors. Your Vitall test results will always contain the appropriate range for your age and sex, and should be referred to when reviewing your results.

If you have abnormal free testosterone, SHBG or free androgen index results, it is important to speak with your GP to determine the cause.

Out of range results may be due to numerous factors, including an underlying medical condition, certain medications, or lifestyle factors such as stress or poor diet.

Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity or improving your diet, or they may prescribe medication to help regulate your hormones. In some cases, further testing may be necessary to determine the cause of the abnormal results. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice to ensure that your hormone levels remain within a healthy range. 

The Free Testosterone / Free Androgen Index Home Test Kit by Vitall is a fantastic way to measure the amount of free testosterone in your body from home.

The kit includes a finger prick lancets, sample collection tube, and a mailbag for its return to an accredited laboratory. Resuts are delivered securely online, usually within 24 hours and can provide valuable insight into your overall health and hormone balance. 

The FAI test is recommended for men who are experiencing the symptoms of low testosterone, such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and depression, in order to assess normal hormone levels. Your doctor may also recommend the test for men who have been diagnosed with conditions such as hypogonadism, prostate cancer, or infertility as well as thosse taking medications that can affect testosterone levels, such as steroids or certain types of chemotherapy drugs.

Women should take an androgen index test to help identify any potential hormonal imbalances that may be affecting their health. High levels of certain hormones, such as androgens, can lead to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hirsutism, and acne. 

Taking a free testosterone / free androgen index test at home is a great way to monitor your hormone levels - testosterone and SHBG - without having to visit a doctor. The test allows you to identify any potential issues with your hormones, such as low testosterone or high androgen levels, which can lead to a variety of health problems. 

Taking a free testosterone / free androgen index test at home is convenient and cost-effective, yet still delivers extremely high quality analysis by an accredited laaboratory.