These calculations more accurately reflect the level of bioactive testosterone than does the measurement of total testosterone. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) circulate in plasma unbound (averaging 2 – 3%), bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and weakly bound to albumin. The SHBG-bound fraction is biologically inactive because of the high binding affinity of SHBG for testosterone.
Bioavailable testosterone includes free testosterone plus testosterone bound to albumin.
Albumin | |||
SHBG | |||
Testosterone | |||
Free Testosterone | |
Bioavailable Testosterone |