{"id":16471,"date":"2024-02-19T15:28:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T15:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/unlocking-the-insights-a-complete-guide-to-the-free-androgen-index\/"},"modified":"2026-03-02T08:29:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T08:29:10","slug":"unlocking-the-insights-a-complete-guide-to-the-free-androgen-index","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/unlocking-the-insights-a-complete-guide-to-the-free-androgen-index\/","title":{"rendered":"Unlocking the Insights – A Complete Guide to the Free Androgen Index"},"content":{"rendered":"

Free Androgen Index, <\/strong>or FAI, is a very popular test that helps people determine their <\/span>testosterone levels <\/strong>by determining the androgen status in both <\/span>men<\/strong> and women. For common cases, this test is recommended as a baseline diagnostic procedure for <\/span>women who are suspected to have hyperandrogenism.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The FAI results are determined by a simple procedure, where the ratio is calculated with respect to total testosterone divided by SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) levels. The output is then multiplied by 100 to give you the <\/span>FAI<\/strong> percentage of your body.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, why is this test important? Why are men and women asked to take the FAI test? Well, there’s a lot for you to know about this diagnostic procedure. So, let’s get into some in-depth details associated with FAI.<\/span><\/p>\n

What’s the Significance of the Free Androgen Index Test?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As you know, both men as well as women make the male hormones, androgens, which consist of testosterones. When you hit puberty, it is the testosterone that helps the children become adults. When you start to <\/span>age, the levels of androgen will fall in your body,<\/strong> which will then trigger certain health problems. And this condition is again the same for both men and women.<\/span><\/p>\n

If your body is showing any kind of <\/span>signs that relate to the abnormal levels of androgen<\/strong> in your body, doctors will <\/span>recommend you take the testosterone blood test<\/strong>, after which the doctor may advise to do the <\/span>FAI<\/strong> levels.<\/strong> The FAI level calculation requires you to take the a blood test, which will measure the <\/span>total testosterone levels, SHBG protein levels, and <\/strong>free testosterone levels<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Triggers the Need for Patients to Take FAI Tests?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The abnormality in androgen levels will trigger <\/span>different signs in men and women<\/strong>. The abundance of androgen hormone in your body is responsible for aiding the development of gender-linked attributes and sex organs. For instance, androgens are key hormones responsible for making oestrogen an important female hormone.<\/span><\/p>\n

If a woman’s body is making <\/span>too much androgen,<\/strong> she might start developing<\/span> facial hair or excessive body hair<\/strong>. With <\/span>too little of the androgen levels,<\/strong> a woman might feel <\/span>immensely tired, lack sexual arousal, or lose out on bone mass.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In case you are a woman and are experiencing abnormal growth of hair all over your face or body, it is possible that the androgen levels have spiked up in your body. You must seek a doctor soon and get done with the diagnostic procedure, for commencing with the treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

In most cases, women experiencing issues such as <\/span>PCOS <\/strong><\/a>(Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) or an ovarian tumour<\/strong> get abnormal growth of hair. Among other things, PCOS is the condition that’s responsible for causing a woman’s ovaries to produce excessive testosterone, and the exact levels will be determined after the test.<\/span><\/p>\n

In men,<\/strong> testosterone is one of the most important hormones that helps them develop male traits, such as <\/span>facial hair<\/strong>. If a boy in his teenage years isn’t developing enough facial hair, it is a sign that his body isn’t making enough testosterone to support puberty or adulting traits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adult men who do not make enough testosterone might feel <\/span>weak, lose out on their muscle strength, lose weight, experience a lack of sexual arousal, and develop breasts<\/strong>. If there are any such noticeable signs as such, men should seek the help of the doctors right away.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Does the Test Results Mean?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The testosterone blood test results for calculating <\/span>FAI<\/strong> will vary depending on age, health history, gender, and other such factors. Moreover, the results might also vary depending on the lab it was sent to. You must get your testosterone blood test done at reputed diagnostic centres on priority to ensure the results are accurate to the best measures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let the healthcare provider assess your FAI test result to determine the severity of the androgen abnormality in your body. But, if you want to get a clear insight into the significance of test results, here are the normal ranges of testosterone meant for adult males and females:<\/span><\/p>\n