SUBTYPES OF TESTOSTERONE
Testosterone is a key male sex hormone (androgen) that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including muscle mass, bone density, and reproductive health. In terms of subtypes, testosterone can be categorized in a few different ways, depending on its form, function, and how it interacts with the body. Let’s look at the primary subtypes of testosterone and what they do.
Free Testosterone is the portion of testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood. It is biologically active and available to interact
with cells and tissues. It plays a significant role in the expression of many androgenic effects. Free testosterone is important because it represents the hormone that is available for the body's tissues to use, contributing to physical and sexual health.
Next up is Bound Testosterone. Most of the testosterone in the bloodstream is bound to proteins, mainly Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and Albumin. Re Testosterone Bound to SHBG, this form is biologically inactive because SHBG tightly binds to testosterone, making it unavailable to tissues. Regarding Testosterone Bound to Albumin, this form is loosely bound, and while not as available as free testosterone, it is still able to be used by the body over time.
Total Testosterone refers to the sum of both free testosterone and the testosterone bound to SHBG and albumin. It is the overall measure of testosterone in the bloodstream. It is significant because this is the most common measure used in clinical settings to assess testosterone levels in individuals. At our TRT Clinic in Tampa, our certified providers use this measure in our initial assessment of men who may be suffering from low testosterone levels (low T).
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a more potent form of testosterone, created when testosterone is converted by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT has a stronger binding affinity for androgen receptors, especially in tissues like the prostate, skin, and hair follicles. DHT is responsible for many of the physical traits associated with male puberty, including facial hair growth and deepening of the voice. It is also linked to hair loss in men and can contribute to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer.
Estradiol (E2) is a portion of testosterone which is converted into estradiol, the main form of estrogen, via the enzyme aromatase. While estrogen is typically thought of as a female hormone, men also produce small amounts, and estradiol plays a role in maintaining bone density and modulating libido and mood. The balance between testosterone and estradiol is important for maintaining overall hormonal health in men.
Testosterone Esters (Synthetic Forms). These are modified forms of testosterone used in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or anabolic steroid use. They include:
o Testosterone Enanthate
o Testosterone Cypionate
o Testosterone Propionate
o Testosterone Undecanoate
These esters differ in their half-life and the speed at which they release testosterone into the bloodstream. These modified forms allow for better control over the release of testosterone, making them ideal for therapeutic use in individuals with low testosterone levels.
Testosterone Precursors are compounds that can be converted into testosterone in the body. The most notable precursor is DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), which is converted into testosterone and other hormones. DHEA is sometimes used as a supplement with the intention of increasing testosterone levels, though its effectiveness is debated.
Synthetic Testosterone Analogues. These are laboratory-created versions of testosterone designed to produce similar effects, often with modifications for specific purposes. Some analogues are created for anabolic steroid use, and others are used in hormone replacement therapy. These synthetic versions can vary in terms of potency, duration of action, and side effects, with some being more anabolic (musclebuilding) or androgenic (promoting male characteristics) than others.
In summary, the subtypes of testosterone include naturally occurring forms such as free testosterone, bound testosterone, DHT, and estradiol, as well as synthetic testosterone esters and precursors. Each of these plays a distinct role in the body's hormonal balance and functions.
The certified providers at Vital Advanced Medical Center have helped many men suffering from low testosterone levels and the associated symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, low libido, fatigue, lack of zest in life, and more with low T treatment in Tampa. If you are a male suffering with symptoms of low T, have questions or just would like to get your testosterone levels tested, then a consultation may be in order.