• Use Evaluate hirsutism and masculinization in women; evaluate testicular function in clinical states where the testosterone binding proteins may be altered (obesity, cirrhosis, thyroid disorders). Testosterone plays a most important role in female libido and lean muscle mass development and maintenance.

• Testosterone exists in serum both free and bound to albumin and to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (testosterone binding globulin). Unbound (free) testosterone is the active moiety. Free as well as total testosterone can be measured. Usual testosterone assays measure both bound and unbound levels. In certain settings, total testosterone can be normal but free testosterone increased, or the reverse; then the total testosterone result is misleading.

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