Why calculated, not measured? Direct immunoassay methods for free testosterone are unreliable due to cross-reactivity with other steroids and dramatic differences in reference ranges between labs — e.g., LabCorp's analog immunoassay produces values ~4× lower than Quest's method, with no way to convert between them. The gold-standard equilibrium dialysis is too complex and costly for routine use.
The Vermeulen calculation, using total testosterone, SHBG, and albumin, is the most robust approximation — largely independent of SHBG, albumin, and T levels — unlike competing formulas whose accuracy degrades at extreme SHBG values.
Discover the possible reasons behind high or low values.
Understand the potential consequences and symptoms.
Explore possible interventions and discuss them with your doctor.
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Zsolt SzaboPrecision Health Consultant for Longevity Clinics, Biohacker, and Software Engineer