Estimation of Total, Bio-available and Free Testosterone levels in various age groups of men

ABSTRACT

In recent years several studies recommended the estimation of total as well as bio-available and free testosterone levels to assess the variations provided by the measurements and thus developing the foundation for interpreting hormone status in all groups of men. Therefore present study documents the current testosterone status i.e. total, free and bio-available, including sex hormone binding globulin [SHBG] in variable age groups of men [n = 78] between 14 years to 65 years. They were grouped as male aged 14-24 yrs [young] [n = 24], 25-35 yrs [adult] [n = 20], 36-50 yrs [middle aged] [n.= 29] and 51-65 yrs [older] [n - 15]. Scrum total testosterone and SHBG were measured by Electro Chemiluminescence's [ECL] technology whereas bio-available and free testosterones were calculated from pre-described calculation methods. Total testosterone levels are comparable to each other in adult and middle age groups, however significantly differ [P < 0.001] among older and younger group. Moreover, highest level of significant difference in free testosterone values were obtained for younger men in comparison with middle age group [P< 0.001] and moderate level of significance was noted when same was compared with adult and middle aged groups [P < 0.05]. The assessment of data was gave similar outcome for bio-available testosterone as well; accept when older group was compared with middle aged men, which was found to be non-significant, in conclusion, the levels of total, free, bio-available testosterone and SHBG were compared with their normal ranges and noted to be match-able with their respective age groups accordingly