What are normal testosterone levels? Ages, males, females, and more

Testosterone Levels by Age Chart: What is Normal?

Around the age of 30 your testosterone levels naturally begin to decline, but it’s a very gradual process. By the age of 70 the testosterone production of the average man is 30% below its peak. Yet it’s estimated that at least 75% of older men still have testosterone levels in the normal range.

Despite the lack of targeted therapies for women with low testosterone, they have one option that may increase their levels. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often the first-line treatment for low testosterone levels in women. Hormone replacement therapy provides women with hormones that are typically lost or reduced during menopause. The designation of “healthy range” for testosterone levels depends on age and laboratory assay.

We’ve also already mentioned the importance of SHBG on testosterone levels. There are also foods that have been shown to boost your testosterone levels as well as some foods to avoid. Simply put, avoid soy-based foods, processed foods, nuts, and alcohol. Testosterone plays a critical role in the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax blood vessels and promote blood flow. Insufficient levels of testosterone can cause erectile dysfunction or difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. Other functions are to balance cholesterol and high blood pressure levels, support bone strength, support muscle strength, promote a healthy weight by stimulating metabolic function, and enhance memory and focus.

According to research, total testosterone falls by around 1.6% on average per year, while free testosterone drops by 2 to 3% per year (Mohr et al. 2005; Zirkin and Tenover 2012). Testosterone is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass and strength. Men with low testosterone may experience a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Low testosterone can lead to a decrease in sexual desire and function. Testosterone that is attached, or bound, to proteins is not available to androgen receptors. Androgen receptors are a kind of hormone that plays a hugely important role in many aspects of bodily function. The reproductive, cardiovascular, neural, immune, and musculoskeletal systems all rely on androgen receptors and, thus, on free testosterone.

For adult men, normal testosterone levels generally range from 300 to 1,000 ng/dL, though these values may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the individual’s age. A serum testosterone level measures the amount of testosterone circulating in your bloodstream. Testosterone, which is primarily produced in the testes and, to a lesser extent, in the adrenal glands, is classified as an androgen, or male sex hormone. It is responsible for defining key male characteristics, such as a deeper voice, facial hair, and muscle development. Beyond these traits, testosterone also supports critical aspects of overall health, including bone strength, red blood cell production, and mental well-being. As with any medical reference range, it’s important to remember that individual variations exist, and what’s considered “normal” for one person might not be the same for another. We sought to minimize the influence of these systematic differences by harmonizing all measurements to a higher order standard prior to the estimation of reference ranges.

In each wave, the researchers took blood samples and conducted extensive interviews, Travison said. Participants were asked about demographic and lifestyle characteristics, self-assessed general health, smoking and alcohol habits, BMI, waist-hip ratio, physical activity and other factors. This information comes from a long-term prospective study that evaluated changes in serum testosterone on a population-wide basis. Between the ages of 17 and 18, males have between 300 to 1,200 ng/dL of testosterone, while females have between 20 to 75 ng/dL of testosterone. In some instances, insurance may fully or partially cover the costs of in-person or at-home testosterone testing. An individual can speak with their insurance provider to determine if testosterone testing is covered in their health plan.

Recently data has been published using an over-the-counter (OTC) oral DHEA for androgen replacement, with the idea that if the patient precursor hormone is provided, it would allow the body to convert it to testosterone. This product is available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and health food stores in the United States. Patients can take it off the shelves (eg, Your Life), as such products do not require a prescription.

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They involve injecting testosterone directly into the muscle, typically every one to two weeks. This method allows for a controlled release of hormones and provides a stable level of testosterone in the bloodstream. It is possible for a woman to have low testosterone in which TRT Therapy may be used in much smaller doses compared to men. Men experiencing low testosterone may benefit significantly from TRT. This therapy helps in improving energy levels, increasing muscle mass, and enhancing sexual performance. Common forms of administration are injections, gels, patches, and pellets. If your results indicate low testosterone, your provider will discuss possible causes, such as aging, hypogonadism, or underlying medical conditions.

These results show a reduction in total and free testosterone levels with age and increased SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin). Higher levels of this protein does morning wood mean high testosterone (orichmed.com) there is less free (unbound) testosterone – just one of the reasons that free testosterone drops so much with age. In the above example, this man had ‘normal’ total testosterone levels yet low free testosterone levels. This illustrates why it’s crucial not to rely solely on total testosterone measurements for a complete picture of your hormonal health. It can be a great indicator of low testosterone, but it doesn’t always reveal the complete picture.