GLOSSARY

Albumin-Bound Testosterone
Albumin-bound testosterone dissociates relatively readily and is often included with free testosterone in operational definitions of bioavailable testosterone.

Production, transport and local action

Androgen action depends on central gonadotropin drive, gonadal production, binding proteins and tissue-specific metabolism. Conversion to DHT or estradiol changes the local signal. Receptor expression and cofactors determine how exposure becomes a response in each organ.

Specific considerations

• This does not directly measure tissue receptor activity.

Interpreting androgen status

Symptoms, repeated appropriately timed measurements and relevant LH, FSH and SHBG results help distinguish endocrine patterns. A transient exercise-associated change does not predict hypertrophy. Exogenous androgen exposure can suppress endogenous regulation and fertility despite high circulating concentrations.