A free androgen index (FAI) is a ratio that examines a blood test for testosterone. It is used to detect if there are abnormal androgen levels or not?
What is androgen?
Androgens are hormones that contribute to growth and reproduction in both men and women. Androgens include testosterone. During puberty, testosterone helps children develop into adults. With age levels of this hormone can fall. Disturbance in androgen levels can cause health problems for both men and women.
Importance of Androgen
Androgens are crucial for male sexual and reproductive function. It includes Testosterone which is also responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, including facial and body hair growth and voice change. Androgens also affect bone and muscle development and the metabolism process. Testosterone levels can decrease naturally due to age or other health conditions. After the age of 40, men’s testosterone levels decrease by an average of at least 1 percent every year.
When to take a test for testosterone?
Abnormally high or low levels of testosterone in men and women can indicate other serious conditions.
Symptoms of low testosterone in men are,
- Inability to achieve an erection called Erectile Dysfunction,
- Obesity
- Hypogonadism
- Decreased sex drive
- Inability to conceive a child
- Overall tiredness
Symptoms of high testosterone in men are
- Acne
- Aggressive or risk-taking behaviors
- Excessive body hair
- Headaches
- Heart or liver problems
- High Blood Pressure
- High sex drive (libido)
- Increased appetite
- Infertility
- Insomnia
- Low sperm count
- Mood swings
- Prostate enlargement, which may cause difficulty passing urine
- Swelling of the legs and feet
- Unexplained weight gain
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Women with too much testosterone may
- Grow facial hair
- Develop a deeper voice
- Experience decreased breast size
- Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)
- Anxiety or depression
- Darkened, Acne, thickened skin
- Enlarged clitoris
- Increased muscle mass
- Infertility
- Irregular periods
- Loss of libido
- Weight gain
In infant boys and girls, the abnormal testosterone level proves to be more extreme and problematic. Testosterone tests are often ordered for boys and girls who aren’t developing properly or with delayed puberty, with no body hair, poorly developed muscles.
How the test is performed?
The test is done with a blood sample. A Lab technician will use the needle to draw blood from a vein from the arm or hand.
How to prepare for the test?
There are no specific requirements to prepare for this test. However, certain medical conditions, drugs, herbs, vitamins, and supplements can affect the test result, so you need to tell your healthcare provider about this.Â
Reading test Result
The normal FAI range according to age is given below. This range is only for reference. Kindly contact your healthcare provider for the best and detailed analysis of the test result. Doctors measure testosterone in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl).
Why Choose Awami Lab Gujrat for Free Androgen Index Ratio test?
Awami Lab Gujrat is the best, full-service specialty Laboratory in Gujrat. With the team of highly trained and professional staff and Sophisticated Lab Machines, we provide the most credible and steadfast Androgen Index Ratio test reports to make the most accurate and Confident healthcare decisions. Visit Awami Lab Gujrat for your FAI ratio test and receive reliable, user-friendly reports within the time.
