In short
- Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood and is produced by the liver.
- It plays an important role in transporting hormones, vitamins, minerals and other substances throughout the body.
- Albumin also helps maintain the fluid balance within the blood vessels.
- An albumin level that is too low or too high may indicate changes in liver function, kidney function, nutritional status or fluid balance.
- An abnormal albumin level does not always cause symptoms and is often discovered during a blood test.
- In hormone testing, albumin is often measured together with testosterone and SHBG to better calculate the amount of biologically active (free) testosterone.
- The result is usually assessed in combination with other blood values and your individual situation.
What is albumin and why is it measured in a testosterone test?
Albumin is an important protein in the blood that is produced by the liver. It has several functions, including transporting hormones, vitamins, fatty acids and medicines. Testosterone also binds partly to albumin. Together with SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin), albumin helps determine how much testosterone is available to your body. This is why albumin is often measured together with testosterone and SHBG to provide a more complete picture of your hormone levels.
What does a high or low albumin level mean?
A normal albumin level is usually between 35 and 50 grams per litre of blood, although reference ranges may vary between laboratories. A low level can be associated with reduced liver function, protein loss through the kidneys, malnutrition or inflammation. High albumin levels are less common and are usually associated with dehydration. An abnormal albumin level does not automatically mean that your testosterone is too low or too high, but it can affect the interpretation of your testosterone results.
What symptoms can be associated with abnormal albumin levels?
Low albumin levels can be associated with symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, swelling in the legs or ankles and reduced physical condition. High albumin levels usually do not cause specific symptoms but may occur alongside signs of dehydration, such as thirst, a dry mouth or reduced urination. These symptoms are not specific to abnormal testosterone levels but may be relevant when assessing your overall health.
What can cause albumin levels to increase or decrease?
Low albumin levels can be caused by liver disease, kidney disease, prolonged inflammation, malnutrition or conditions that cause protein loss. Severe diarrhoea or burns can also lower albumin levels. High albumin levels are most commonly associated with fluid loss or dehydration.
Why is albumin important when assessing testosterone?
Most testosterone in the blood is bound to SHBG and albumin. Only a small proportion circulates as free testosterone. Because testosterone bound to albumin is relatively weakly bound and can become available to tissues, it is often considered together with free testosterone as bioavailable testosterone. Measuring albumin can therefore help provide a more accurate estimate of the amount of testosterone that is available to your body.
When should you consider having albumin measured?
Measuring albumin can be useful when you want a more complete picture of your testosterone levels. Particularly when testosterone or SHBG levels are abnormal, the albumin level can be used when calculating free or bioavailable testosterone. This can provide additional information compared with measuring total testosterone alone.
How is albumin measured and how should you interpret the result?
Albumin is measured from the same blood sample used for the testosterone test. With an at-home test, the sample is collected using a finger prick and then analysed in an ISO-accredited laboratory. The result is assessed using the laboratory’s reference values and should be interpreted together with testosterone, SHBG and any relevant symptoms. An abnormal albumin level does not necessarily indicate a medical problem, but it can affect the interpretation of your hormone levels.
How can abnormal albumin levels be improved?
The appropriate approach depends on the underlying cause. If albumin is low, possible liver, kidney or nutritional problems may need to be investigated and addressed. If albumin is elevated due to dehydration, restoring adequate fluid intake may help. If your albumin level is abnormal, it is advisable to discuss the result with a doctor so that it can be assessed in the appropriate medical context.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If your symptoms persist or you are concerned about your health, always contact your doctor.
