Doctors measure testosterone in nanomoles per litre (nmol/l) and the reported “normal” healthy range in males is anywhere from 9.2 to 31.8 nmol/L.
Healthy testosterone levels on mass spectrometry are 10.4-30.1 nmol/L in men 21 to 35 years with healthy reproductive function, and 7.4-28 nmol/L in unselected young men, the guidelines say. Very healthy men aged 70 to 89 have a healthy range of 6.4-25.6 nmol/L.
18 In men aged 21–35 years with normal reproductive function (ie, proven normal testes and semen analysis), the reference interval for total testosterone measured using mass spectrometry is 10.4–30.1 nmol/L. 12 The reference interval using mass spectrometry in unselected young men is 7.4–28.0 nmol/L.
Normal measurements for these tests: Male: 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or 10 to 35 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) Female: 15 to 70 ng/dL or 0.5 to 2.4 nmol/L.
Age-specific middle tertile levels were 409-558 ng/dL for men 20-24 years old, 413-575 ng/dL for 25-29 years old, 359-498 ng/dL for 30-34 years old, 352-478 ng/dL for 35-39 years old, and 350-473 ng/dL for 40-44 years old.
Most doctors agree that a “normal” reading falls anywhere between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). About 40% of men over age 45 will have levels that come in below that range.
What is a low testosterone level? The American Urology Association (AUA) considers low blood testosterone to be less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for adults.
According to recent guidelines from the American Urological Association (AUA), a testosterone level of at least 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) is normal for a man. A man with a testosterone level below 300 ng/dL should be diagnosed with low testosterone.
But by 15 to 16 years old, the ng/dL should be 100-1,200. Late Teens: Anyone between 17 to 18 years old should have testosterone levels between 300 and 1,200 ng/dL. Adults: An adult (19 years and older) should have anywhere between 240 and 950 ng/dL.
Total testosterone levels of less than 8 nmol/l highly support a diagnosis of hypogonadism whereas levels greater than 12 nmol/l are likely to be normal. The grey zone between 8 and 12 nmol/l requires further evaluation and assessment of free or non-sex hormone-binding globulin-bound (bioavailable) testosterone.
“Exercise will boost testosterone, though certain types of exercise increase testosterone more than others,” says Richard Jadick, D.O., a Piedmont urologist. Exercise can raise testosterone because it promotes: Muscle building. The more muscle you have, the higher your testosterone levels.
How can I get my testosterone levels tested? Your doctor can check your testosterone levels with a blood test. Testosterone levels can vary, so if you have a low level on one blood test, you should have a second test to confirm it.
Acquired circumstances that can lead to secondary hypogonadism include: Normal aging: Aging affects production and response to hormones. Obesity: High body fat can affect hormone production and response. Medications: Opioid pain meds and steroids can affect function of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
Complicating matters, testosterone levels fluctuate, peaking around 8 a.m. and diminishing throughout the day. Levels tend to be lowest around 8 in the evening, then climb during the night. The peaks and valleys are larger for men 40 and younger compared to men in their 70s.
Diagnostic Tests
Men older than age 65 should have a testosterone level of about 300–450 ng/dL. Testosterone levels below 300 affect approximately 40 percent of men older than age 45, including 2 out of 10 men over 60, 3 out of 10 men over 70, and 3 out of 10 men over 80 years old.
For both men and women, it's important to have normal testosterone levels because testosterone is a hormone that's absolutely essential for healthy metabolism. (For instance, optimal testosterone production helps your body burn body fat and gain more muscle mass.)
It is possible to have low levels and not experience symptoms. But if you do not have any key symptoms, especially fatigue and sexual dysfunction, which are the most common, it is not recommended you go on the therapy given the uncertainty about long-term safety.
A man's ability to produce testosterone starts to decline at about 40 years of age, and levels continue to drop 1 – 3% a year thereafter. It is important to note that just because the levels are dropping after 40 doesn't necessarily mean that all men are candidates for therapy.
Reduced erectile function. Loss of body hair. Less beard growth. Loss of lean muscle mass.
A lack of testosterone can sometimes have long-term, serious effects on the body. In men with very low levels, the bones can become weak, potentially causing a condition called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes people considerably more prone to injury.
Testosterone declines as you age, but other factors can also cause low testosterone, including certain medications, high body-fat levels, and some health conditions ( 1 , 2 ) . Low testosterone, also called hypogonadism or low T, occurs when testosterone levels fall below 300 nanograms/deciliter (ng/dL).