Free Testosterone · low result
What does a low Free Testosterone mean?
Short answer
Low free testosterone with a normal total usually means SHBG is high — from aging, oral estrogens, hyperthyroidism, liver disease or low body weight — so less hormone is available to tissues. Low free and low total together point to true hypogonadism. Guidelines still require a repeat morning sample and symptoms before treatment is considered.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for Free Testosterone?
- Male, age 18+: 47.0 – 244 pg/mL
- Female, age 18+: 0.100 – 6.40 pg/mL
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Free Testosterone biomarker page.
What are the common causes of low Free Testosterone?
- High SHBG: aging, oral contraceptives or estrogen therapy, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, low body weight, some anticonvulsants
- True hypogonadism (low total as well): testicular or pituitary causes, opioids, glucocorticoids, obesity
- Afternoon draw, acute illness, poor sleep (temporary)
What symptoms go with low Free Testosterone?
- Low libido, erectile difficulty, fatigue, low mood, reduced muscle mass
- Women: low libido and energy — but the assay is imprecise at female levels
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Total testosterone and SHBG on a 7–10 a.m. repeat sample
- LH, FSH and prolactin if total is also low
- TSH and liver panel when SHBG is high
- Equilibrium-dialysis free T or calculated free T rather than a direct analog assay
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99), FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) ($29.99), LH (Luteinizing Hormone) ($36.99), Prolactin ($39.99), SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) ($34.99).
How do you recheck Free Testosterone?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erectile Dysfunction Panel | Panel · 7 tests | $114.99 | Yes | 2–5 business days |
| Men's Hormone Panel | Panel · 7 tests | $199.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
| Men's Health Panel | Panel · 8 tests | $139.99 | Yes | 2–5 business days |
| Testosterone, Free & Total | Test · 2 biomarkers | $54.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
Common questions
Is calculated or measured free testosterone better?
Equilibrium dialysis (what TestWell runs) is the reference method; calculated free T from total T, SHBG and albumin is a close second. Direct analog immunoassays are unreliable and best ignored.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.