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Functional Androgen Deficiency

Meaning

Functional Androgen Deficiency describes a clinical state where a patient presents with clear, objective symptoms of low androgen action, such as fatigue, decreased libido, or loss of muscle mass, despite having total or free serum androgen levels that fall within the statistically “normal” laboratory reference range. This deficiency is not due to an absolute lack of circulating hormone but rather a failure of the hormone to exert its intended effect at the tissue level. The discrepancy highlights impaired receptor sensitivity, excessive hormone binding to carrier proteins, or accelerated metabolic clearance as potential root causes. Clinical translation requires looking beyond simple lab values to assess true biological function.