What’s a Normal Testosterone Level for Men?

 What Constitutes a Typical Testosterone Level in Men?

Understanding Testosterone Levels by Age in Males

Testosterone can be found in both men and women, but is a hormone that has a significant importance in men's physiology, influencing several characteristics such as lean muscle mass development, sexual drive in men, as well as fertility and sperm production. Also, it plays a part in driving behaviors like a man's as competitive nature and aggressiveness and is important in other functions like sleeping, regulating mood having self-confidence and more.

As men get older heir testosterone levels typically begin to decline by 1-2% every year, which leads to common questions about this important hormone from our patients like “What should my testosterone levels be?”, or “Are my hormone levels good for my age?”  These questions about normal testosterone levels by a male's age and the process involved to test their hormones are important to understand and can assist noth patient and doctors learn more about the process to see if testosterone therapy is appropriate or not. This article looks into these questions, and discusses what determines a normal/healthy testosterone level for a male by their age and looks at how it's tested and scored.

From fetal development to adulthood, testosterone impacts various life stages. Doctors assess testosterone levels through blood tests, usually reporting results in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). These tests measure total testosterone in the bloodstream, some bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Another test examines "free" testosterone, debated for accuracy yet offering insights into the entire hormonal picture for patients' endocrine health. It aids prescribing physicians in determining effective protocols for patients with Low T.

Historically, diagnosing testosterone deficiency lacked age-specific considerations, with broad ranges covering men of all ages. Recognizing that reference ranges naturally differ between younger and older men underscores the importance of integrating age-specific norms. For instance, a 24-year-old with a testosterone level of 300 would typically exhibit more significant signs of low T than a 75-year-old with the same level. Recent studies aim to establish more specific age-based ranges, providing valuable data for medical providers.

Average Testosterone Levels by Age

As testosterone holds a crucial position in male biology, patients frequently inquire about optimal levels to ascertain if their levels are healthy or potentially contributing to undesired signs of Low T. They seek clarity on suitable testosterone levels across various age groups, aiming to understand what defines a healthy range and its implications on how testosterone is produced in men.

Testosterone levels typically differ depending on age, and reference charts offer insights into these variations. It's vital to grasp that these values indicate ranges rather than set standards. The focus should be on overall health and wellness, rather than striving for the upper limits of these ranges or pursuing performance-enhancing figures for cosmetic or athletic benefits.

Recently in Medical News Today article, they discussed this in an article titled“Typical Testosterone Levels in Males and Females.” as well as a similar article from Baptist Health titled “Normal Testosterone Levels by Age.” The data provided includes some common measurements for these tests. However, it's important to note that extreme high and low values may be considered outliers. We're seeking the typical average hormone range or the "top of the bell curve." Normal value ranges can vary slightly among different laboratories, leading to confusion among individuals seeking information. It's advisable to consult with your provider regarding the interpretation of your specific test results, as they can help clarify the relationship between lab values and your signs and symptoms.]

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Typical Total Testosterone Levels and Children and Adolescents
Age	Male (in ng/dl)	Female (in ng/dl)
7–10 years old	1.80 to 5.68	2.69 to 10.29
Typical Total Testosterone Levels in Adults
Age	Male (in ng/dl)	Female (in ng/dl)
19 years and older	265–1000	15–70

 

Delving further into the data, we can analyze the average midpoint of testosterone levels in men aged 20 to 44 to gain insight into typical levels by age group. In a 2022 study, researchers assessed testosterone levels in 1,486 men within this age range. To establish the typical testosterone level for each age group, they selected the middle third of the data and designated these values as normal results, consistent with the definition of normal testosterone outlined by the American Urological Association. The study titled “What Is a Normal Testosterone Level for Young Men? Rethinking the 300 ng/dL Cutoff for Testosterone Deficiency in Men 20-44 Years Old” published in the journal of Urology, provided us with the following results.Top of Form

 

Typical total testosterone levels in adults
(20-24 years old)	409-558 ng/dL
(25-29 years old)	413-575 ng/dL
(30-34 years old)	359-498 ng/dL
(35-39 years old)	352-478 ng/dL
(40-44 years old)	350-473 ng/dL

 

Given that this dataset defines "normal" based on the middle third, these ranges may be overly restrictive. With more data, reference ranges for testosterone will likely evolve to include age-specific values, offering a more accurate assessment of a patient's health. This shift will provide personalized information rather than a broad range for all men.

However, the paramount concern lies in how your testosterone levels impact your health and whether you're exhibiting symptoms of low T. Being asymptomatic but having levels at the lower end of the normal range may still be within the expected range for you. However, if you experience signs of andropause at the lower end, there may be a correlation that could potentially be addressed with TRT or lifestyle adjustments to enhance hormone production and optimize levels.

In a cross-sectional cohort study of 434 men, it was noted that symptoms were more prevalent when testosterone levels dropped below the following thresholds:

Testosterone Levels

Signs/Symptoms

 

15 nmol/L –      Fatigue and decreases in energy

12 nmol/L –                     Unwanted weight gain

10 nmol/L –                      Fluctuations in mood

8 nmol/L –                  Erectile dysfunction (ED)

The aging process introduces additional complexity. Testosterone exists in two main forms in the bloodstream: bound to specific proteins or in a free, unbound state. While tightly bound to sex hormone-binding globulin, it weakly attaches to another protein, albumin. Only the free and albumin-bound forms are biologically active, known as bioavailable testosterone. As men age, levels of sex hormone-binding protein typically increase. This can result in an older man having a normal total testosterone reading but lower bioavailable testosterone levels, leading to symptoms associated with hypogonadism or Low T.

Understanding testosterone metabolism intricacies may not be essential for every man, but it's crucial to recognize these complexities, which underlie significant limitations in much testosterone replacement therapy research. To accurately assess one's status, measuring both total and free or bioavailable testosterone levels, preferably in the morning, is advisable as reported by Harvard Medical Schools article titled “Testosterone, Aging and the Mind.”

 

Age	Total Testosterone	Free Testosterone	Bio-Available Testosterone
50-59	215–878	4.2–22.2	80–420
60-69	196–859	3.7–18.9	69–356
70-79	156–819	2.2–14.7	41–279

 

Testing testosterone involves drawing a blood sample, usually performed between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. for optimal accuracy. In some cases, multiple samples may be necessary, especially if results are unexpected.

Doctors may recommend testosterone testing for individuals showing symptoms of abnormal hormone production, such as early or delayed puberty in boys, infertility, erectile dysfunction, diminished sexual interest, or bone density loss in men. Optimized hormone levels offer documented benefits and are crucial for men seeking a better quality of life as they age.

Interpreting testosterone test results involves understanding that normal levels typically range from 300 to 1,000 ng/dL for males and 15 to 70 ng/dL for females. However, values may slightly differ among labs and methods, necessitating discussions with healthcare providers for personalized interpretation, considering signs and symptoms for treatment decisions The Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) test is a simple online way to answer questions about your T levels and sexual wellness, which may assist in seeing if you should have your hormone levels checked. Click here to take the ADAM test online.

Causes of Abnormal Testosterone Levels

Low testosterone levels can result from various factors, including chronic illnesses, dysfunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, thyroid disorders, testicular diseases, obesity, sleep disturbances, excessive exercise, or stress. Conversely, elevated testosterone levels may stem from androgen resistance, ovarian or testicular tumors, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, certain medications, aging, and more. Understanding testosterone levels, their fluctuations across age groups, and the implications of abnormal results is crucial for informed healthcare decisions. Regular monitoring and proactive management can assist individuals in maintaining hormonal balance and overall well-being throughout life.