Skip to main content

Androgen Bioavailability

Meaning

Androgen Bioavailability is the measure of the fraction of androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), that are unbound to carrier proteins and therefore biologically active and available to interact with target tissues. In the circulation, the majority of androgens are bound to Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) and albumin, rendering them temporarily inactive. Only the “free” androgens and the fraction loosely bound to albumin can readily cross cell membranes and exert their physiological effects. This metric is a more accurate indicator of functional hormonal status than total hormone levels alone.