Testosteron Check-Up

A two-biomarker hormone panel measuring total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) from a venous blood draw. Together these markers allow calculation of free testosterone — the biologically active fraction — providing a more complete picture of androgenic status than total testosterone alone.

Total testosterone is the most commonly requested hormone test, but interpreting it in isolation can be misleading. SHBG is the protein that binds testosterone in the bloodstream, and its concentration determines how much testosterone is actually available to tissues. Two individuals with identical total testosterone levels may have very different free testosterone availability depending on their SHBG levels. This panel measures both markers, enabling calculation of the free androgen index (FAI) — a ratio that approximates bioavailable testosterone. High SHBG can mask adequate testosterone production by reducing the free fraction, while low SHBG may artificially inflate the appearance of total testosterone levels. Common factors that influence SHBG include age, body composition, thyroid function, liver health, and certain medications. The Testosteron Check-Up is suitable for men and women investigating symptoms that may be associated with hormonal variation — fatigue, changes in body composition, mood fluctuations, or reduced exercise recovery. Morning draws are recommended for testosterone measurement, as levels follow a diurnal pattern with peak values in the early hours. For those seeking a broader hormonal picture, Becker Care offers expanded male and female hormone panels that build on these two core markers.