The Role of Albumin in the Calculation of Free and Bioavailable Testosterone in Women with Hyperandrogenemia

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the role of albumin in the calculation of free testosterone (cFT) and bioavailable testosterone (cBT). Patients and Methods: Ninety-two healthy women, who presented at our fertility center for evaluation of possible hyperandrogenemia, were included in the study. Total blood testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured using commercially available enzyme immunoassays in one serum sample. cFT and cBT were then calculated, taking into account the individual albumin concentration, but without taking account of each individual albumin serum concentration. Results: No differences were observed in the calculated values for FT and BT, with or without taking into account the individual albumin concentration. A correlation between the two was demonstrated. Conclusion: For clinical routine work, it is not necessary to estimate the individual albumin concentration in hyperandrogenic women in order to calculate the FT and BT concentrations from TT and SHBG serum concentrations, when the albumin concentration is in the physiological range of 40-50 g/L.