Known from:
- Values in Detail:
Testosterone
Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone, predominantly produced in the testes and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands. It promotes the development of male sexual characteristics, muscle and bone growth, as well as the formation of red blood cells. In women, testosterone also plays a role in energy, mood, and libido.
Too low levels can lead to fatigue, lack of drive, reduced libido, and muscle loss in men. Too high levels are less common but can occur with hormone-producing tumors or through the intake of steroids.
Too low levels can lead to fatigue, lack of drive, reduced libido, and muscle loss in men. Too high levels are less common but can occur with hormone-producing tumors or through the intake of steroids.
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
SHBG (Sex hormone-binding globulin) is a protein produced in the liver that binds sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen in the blood. This regulates how much of these hormones are free and thus biologically active.
High SHBG levels mean that less free testosterone or estrogen is available, which can occur in liver diseases or overactive thyroid conditions. Low levels lead to more free hormone and occur, for example, in cases of obesity, diabetes, or underactive thyroid conditions.
High SHBG levels mean that less free testosterone or estrogen is available, which can occur in liver diseases or overactive thyroid conditions. Low levels lead to more free hormone and occur, for example, in cases of obesity, diabetes, or underactive thyroid conditions.
Prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in the development of mammary glands and milk production after birth. Even outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding, prolactin can be detected in the blood.
Elevated prolactin levels can lead to menstrual cycle disorders, infertility, or milk flow without pregnancy. In men, elevated levels often manifest as potency disorders or reduced sexual drive. Low levels are rare and usually of little significance.
Elevated prolactin levels can lead to menstrual cycle disorders, infertility, or milk flow without pregnancy. In men, elevated levels often manifest as potency disorders or reduced sexual drive. Low levels are rare and usually of little significance.
Albumin
Albumin is the most common protein in blood plasma and is produced in the liver. It retains fluid in the vascular system and transports vitamins, enzymes, and hormones.
A deficiency may be caused by liver or kidney diseases, inflammation, or poor protein supply. High albumin levels occur with fluid loss or a very high-protein diet. Since albumin also reflects the nutritional situation, persistently low levels indicate insufficient protein intake and an increased risk of muscle weakness or infections.
A deficiency may be caused by liver or kidney diseases, inflammation, or poor protein supply. High albumin levels occur with fluid loss or a very high-protein diet. Since albumin also reflects the nutritional situation, persistently low levels indicate insufficient protein intake and an increased risk of muscle weakness or infections.
Testosterone, free (calculated)
Free testosterone is the portion of the hormone that is not bound to proteins like SHBG or albumin and can thus be directly effective in the body. It constitutes only a small fraction of the total testosterone but is crucial for biological effects, such as on muscle strength, bone stability, sexual function, and mood.
If SHBG is significantly increased or decreased, the total testosterone value can give a misleading picture. In such cases, free testosterone is calculated to better assess whether there is indeed a hormone deficiency or excess.
If SHBG is significantly increased or decreased, the total testosterone value can give a misleading picture. In such cases, free testosterone is calculated to better assess whether there is indeed a hormone deficiency or excess.
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