What Is a Normal Testosterone Level for Men?

Testosterone Levels by Age Chart: What is Normal?

Testosterone can be administered as topical creams, skin patches, sub-dermal pellets, or testosterone injections. In fact, it is testosterone production and release that leads a fetus to develop as a male. In men, testosterone is responsible for the development of male sexual organs and all of the characteristics we think of as male, i.e., larger muscles, deeper voice, and more extensive body hair. Well, to start, “testosterone is essential for sperm production,” he says. As T levels decline, so do sperm counts and semen quality, which can lead to issues in fertility, he says. For those who want to grow their family, this can lead to high levels of emotional stress on the individual and family levels.

This guide breaks down the most recent age-based averages, what’s considered optimal for long-term health, and when it may be time to take action. Even if you’re living the healthiest lifestyle possible, for a very small percentage of men, their levels will still drop into a range that causes symptoms. In these cases, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be beneficial. One study that looked at over 50,000 male blood samples found there was only a very gradual decline in testosterone levels from age 30, but this decline was more noticeable from age 80. Adult males typically have between 265 and 923 nanograms per deciliter of testosterone (ng/dL) in their blood, while adult females have far less.

Although people know it primarily as a male sex hormone, females also need certain levels of testosterone. In females, most testosterone converts into the sex hormone estradiol. While a small, annual decline in testosterone levels is a normal part of the aging process, you can take action to optimize your levels and avoid symptoms of low T.

Inform your healthcare provider of all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take insulin, medicines that decrease blood clotting (blood thinners), or corticosteroids. Unfortunately, many medical professionals haven’t had the necessary training to understand hormones and what it means to have optimal levels. While they may be aware of the need for hormone replacement, they focus on baseline test numbers that don’t even come close to telling the whole story. They may rely too heavily on standard reference ranges and overlook how the patient actually feels.

Testosterone, an androgen hormone, is essential for both males and females. While commonly recognized as a primary male sex hormone, females also require certain levels of testosterone. In females, a significant portion of testosterone converts into the sex hormone estradiol.

Some research suggests a potential link between higher exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and lower testosterone levels, says Houman. This is likely because they can disrupt both endocrine function and healthy metabolism. A 2023 study in Environmental Research reports a link between EDCs and a decrease in serum testosterone. And other research has shown that these chemicals, as their name suggests, can negatively impact the endocrine (hormone) center, leading to disruptions in hormone balance. Meanwhile, a 2017 study in Current Obesity Reports found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals can promote the accumulation of adipose (fat) tissue and cause weight gain. Managing your stress levels and cortisol can also impact your testosterone. When cortisol regularly runs high it suppresses nearly every other hormone’s normal production and operation, especially when it comes to testosterone.

Other factors that impact levels that are within your control include tobacco smoking, exercise habits, living with a romantic partner, the amount and types of protein you eat, and your education status. Testosterone levels are typically measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Below is a general chart that outlines normal testosterone levels by age for men and women. Understanding testosterone levels by age is crucial for diagnosing and managing hormonal health. At TRT Australia, we provide a comprehensive Testosterone Levels by Age Chart that outlines normal testosterone levels across various age groups. A low testosterone level alone isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm. For example, a 50-year-old man with testosterone levels of 8.5 nmol/l but no symptoms would unlikely benefit from treatment, even though his levels are outside the normal range.

And often, switching to a healthier lifestyle is enough to improve testosterone levels naturally. A normal testosterone level for adult men is around 8.7–29 nmol/L (250–836 ng/dL). Most UK laboratories will use reference intervals similar to this. These values don’t take your symptoms, baseline levels, or age-related decline into account. If your testosterone numbers by age (awgp.pt) levels are less than 12 nmol/L and you have symptoms, you may benefit from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Based on the association of serum uric acid levels and testosterone levels with metabolic syndrome, there have been studies investigating their relationship, but the results are controversial. Some studies show a negative correlation17,18, while others indicate a positive association between serum uric acid levels and testosterone levels19,20. While testosterone levels tend to stabilize in adult males and reach a peak at 18 years of age21,22, other factors may influence these levels thereafter. Testosterone is a vital hormone in the human body that affects various physical, sexual, and mental health aspects. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, but knowing the normal ranges can help identify any deviations that might require medical attention. First, we were unable to draw a causal relationship between SUA levels and T levels because of the cross-sectional nature of our study. Second, the dataset used in this study was obtained from a nationwide survey in the United States, so it is uncertain whether the findings can be generalized to populations of other racial backgrounds.

She’s also the founder of Unalome House, a holistic medical spa in Severna Park, MD. Where your levels should be, how to know when they’re off, and how to test your hormones. The best way to check for low testosterone is to visit a doctor for a physical exam and a blood test. Testosterone levels reach their peak around age 18 before declining throughout the remainder of adulthood. TRT may not be recommended for people with a history of prostate cancer, heart disease, or frequent urinary tract infections.