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Total Testosterone Limitations

Meaning

Total Testosterone Limitations refers to the inherent diagnostic shortcomings of relying solely on a measurement of total circulating testosterone concentration to accurately assess a patient’s true androgenic status and clinical symptoms. This single value fails to account for the crucial influence of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) and albumin, which bind the vast majority of the hormone, rendering it biologically inactive. Consequently, a seemingly normal total level can mask a functionally deficient free testosterone level, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate therapeutic intervention.