How to Search For Information You Need
In general, finding information free on search engines requires a lot of patience and is time consuming. Free websites most likely provide only limited information if you are searching for something important. The best choice is to buy it because bought information is usually written by specialists and is copyrighted. [August 13, 2008 10:25:46 am] By Chic Ngo
A Guide to Free Testosterone
By Dan Ho 
Understanding free testosterone...
The distinction between “free” or bio-available testosterone is important because testosterone can not enter a cell and can have no effect on a cell if it is “bound” to protein. Testosterone that is not free floating in the blood stream is most commonly found attached or bound to a protein called “Sex Hormone Binding Globulin” (SHBG) and as testosterone production decreases with age SHBG increases with age, leaving less total free testosterone available to interact with the cells of the body.
At one time it was difficult to measure total free testosterone, but blood tests are now able to differentiate between total testosterone levels and levels of free testosterone. People who have symptoms associated with low testosterone levels are sometimes producing plenty of testosterone, but the testosterone is unable to enter the cells. Saliva tests, like the ones available for purchase on-line, will only determine total testosterone and are really worthless for someone trying to diagnose a testosterone deficiency.
SHBG is produced by the liver and is probably the body’s way of controlling or reducing excess levels of testosterone. Because of this, testosterone supplements, particularly oral tablets and capsules, are often ineffective on total “free” testosterone. The extra testosterone just ends up bound to SHBG and is never able to enter the cells.
It is believed that the herb saw palmetto may reduce SHBG and thus increase the amount of free testosterone. There are no clinical studies to support this theory, but there are no clinical studies to support that saw palmetto does anything and yet it is commonly recommended to support prostrate health. Doctors often recommend it to men on hormone replacement therapy, because synthetic testosterone causes prostrate disorders in many men.
The goal of testosterone replacement therapy is to reduce symptoms of testosterone deficiency by increasing free testosterone. Many doctors have found the testosterone gel to quite effective, because the testosterone does not end up bound to SHBG, but even the gel poses risks and can be transferred to other persons by skin to skin contact.
Many herbal remedies claim to increase levels of total free testosterone and even DHEA which is highly controversial is sold for this purpose. As research continues, so does debate leaving many men confused and frustrated.
Learn more about testosterone boosting therapies at http://www.testosterone-booster-guide.com
