Men’s Testosterone Testing: What Your Doctor Might Be Missing
If you’ve ever had your testosterone tested and were told “everything looks normal” — but you still feel tired, unmotivated, or not like yourself — you’re not alone.
Most men never learn the crucial difference between total and free testosterone — and that distinction can completely change how your health is managed.
Why Most Testosterone Tests Miss the Full Picture
The majority of family doctors and urologists test only total testosterone.
If your number falls within a “normal” lab range, they’ll often tell you hormones aren’t the issue.
But here’s the problem: total testosterone measures all testosterone in your system, including the portion that’s bound to proteins and unavailable to your cells.
It’s like having money in the bank — reserves that can’t be spent right now.
What really matters for how you feel day-to-day is free testosterone — the “cash in your pocket” your body can actually use.
That’s the form that fuels your energy, strength, mood, and sexual vitality.
Know Your Numbers — and What They Mean
A popular lab considers a free testosterone range of 6 to 22 as normal.
Technically, a level of 6 might be “in range,” but that doesn’t mean it’s optimal.
In my practice, I aim for a free testosterone level between 17 and 22 — the range where most men feel alert, strong, and fully functional.
If your doctor says your results are “fine” but your body disagrees, it’s worth seeking a second opinion from a hormone specialist.
Why a Specialist Makes All the Difference
Hormone therapy is a specialty, not a general practice.
You wouldn’t see a cardiologist to deliver your baby — and you shouldn’t expect a general practitioner to expertly manage your hormones.
A qualified hormone specialist can interpret your results in the context of your age, symptoms, and goals, and design a personalized optimization plan that protects your long-term health.
The Risks of Ignoring Low Testosterone
Left untreated, low testosterone can contribute to:
Accelerated aging
High cholesterol and type 2 diabetes
Loss of muscle mass and bone density
Fatigue, weakness, and increased risk of falls
Testing and treating testosterone deficiency isn’t just about energy or performance — it’s about preventing disease and ensuring longevity.
Take Charge of Your Hormone Health
If you’re over 40, you should know your free testosterone level.
Ideally, this is done through a hormone specialist, but even a reliable home saliva kit can give you important data to start from.
Once you have the numbers, don’t settle for “normal.”
Invest in your health by finding a specialist who understands how to help you reach your optimal range — so you can feel strong, focused, and fully alive again.
