Peeking Inside Your Lab Results: What Those Testosterone Numbers Really Mean

Author: AlphaMD
Peeking Inside Your Lab Results: What Those Testosterone Numbers Really Mean

You finally got your testosterone lab results back. You scan the page... numbers everywhere... and maybe next to "Total Testosterone" it even says "Normal."

But here’s the thing:
Normal doesn't always mean optimal.

At AlphaMD.org, we believe you deserve to truly understand what your labs are telling you — not just take a number at face value. Let’s break it down.

Total Testosterone vs. Free Testosterone: What's the Difference?

Most labs focus heavily on Total Testosterone (TT). This measures the total amount of testosterone in your bloodstream — but much of it is bound to proteins like SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) and albumin.

Bound testosterone is inactive.
It’s like having money locked away in a vault you can’t spend.

What really matters for how you feel is Free Testosterone (FT) — the small fraction that’s unbound and bioavailable for your body to actually use.

Quick Tip:
You could have a "normal" total testosterone but still have low free testosterone — and feel all the classic symptoms of Low T.

Understanding the Numbers: What’s "Normal" Anyway?

Here’s where it gets tricky.
Most lab "normal ranges" for testosterone are based on the general population — which includes a lot of men who are tired, overweight, and unhealthy.

Typical ranges for Total Testosterone might be:

  • Normal: 300 – 1,000 ng/dL
  • Optimal: 600 – 900 ng/dL (for healthy, energized men)

For Free Testosterone:

  • Normal: 5 – 20 ng/dL
  • Optimal: 15 – 25 ng/dL (depending on age and goals)

At AlphaMD.org, we focus on how you feel and what your numbers say.
Because your goal isn’t just being "not deficient" — it’s feeling fully alive, clear, strong, and energetic.

Other Important Markers We Look At

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG):
If your SHBG is high, it can "trap" your testosterone, lowering your free T even if total T looks fine.

Estradiol (E2):
Estrogen is important for men too — but too much or too little can cause symptoms like mood swings, water retention, or libido issues.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) & Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH):
These help us understand if your low testosterone is due to a signal problem from the brain or an issue with the testicles themselves.

Why Most Primary Doctors Might Miss This

Many general practitioners simply check Total Testosterone, glance at the lab range, and if you're anywhere "inside the lines," they tell you you're fine — even if you feel awful.

"My doctor said my testosterone was 'normal,' but I was exhausted, foggy, and miserable. AlphaMD actually listened — and explained what was really going on."B., 39

You deserve better.
You deserve a doctor who reads between the lines — and understands what true optimization looks like.

Understanding Your Labs is Power.

At AlphaMD.org, we don’t just treat numbers.
We treat you — your symptoms, your lifestyle, your goals.

Your labs are a powerful tool to uncover what’s happening in your body. And when you combine smart lab analysis with expert care, you unlock the ability to feel, think, and perform at your best.

Ready to take a deeper look into your health?
👉 [Schedule your consultation with AlphaMD.org today.]

Have Questions?

Ask us about TRT, medical weightloss, ED, or other men's health topics.

Ask Now

People are asking...

Would a person that has low test and takes trt build more or less muscle than an average person that doesn’t take anything?...

They would generally build the same amount of muscle, assuming that "average person" was not also a low Testosterone individual. This is because the primary goal of TRT is to get you back to where you... See Full Answer

Your 'expert' Finasteride video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKum5L64cPk @ 2:07 Your 'expert' dudebro says serum DHT concentrations were 100 time...

He did misspeak, thank you for pointing that out. Yes, DRUG concentrations were >100 less with the topical vs the oral version of finasteride. As always, our YouTube channel is an informal venue, and ... See Full Answer

Do you think that most mental health issues are contra indications for starting TRT? Such as depression and bipolar for example? Or have you seen peop...

For us, we have had a significant number of patients join us with slight anxiety or depression start TRT and find that those mental health issues improved or went away for them. It is likely that it w... See Full Answer

Get $30 off your first month’s order

Enter your email address now to receive $30 off your first month’s cost, other discounts, and additional information about TRT.

Legal Disclaimer

This website is a repository of publicly available information and is not intended to form a physician-patient relationship with any individual. The content of this website is for informational purposes only. The information presented on this website is not intended to take the place of your personal physician's advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Discuss this information with your own physician or healthcare provider to determine what is right for you. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information contained herein is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge. The information should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a visit, phone or telemedicine call, consultation or advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. Only a qualified physician in your state can determine if you qualify for and should undertake treatment.