Here Are The Normal Testosterone Levels By Age
- Men who sleep for only 5 hours/night for one week had a 10-15% decrease in testosterone levels than men who sleep for 8 hours/night (1).
- Promoting healthy behaviors in older men could lead to higher circulating testosterone levels (2).
- the levels of free testosterone in men decline significantly with age (3).
Ever wondered what testosterone really is and why it affects us so much? Well, for starters, testosterone is a hormone essential for both men and women. However, it's commonly associated with the male sex drive and muscle growth, a.k.a hypertrophy. Sadly, testosterone levels vary by age and can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. So, in this article, we'll explore the normal testosterone levels by age, the importance of healthy testosterone levels, and factors that affect testosterone levels. Keep reading to find out!
What Are Normal Testosterone Levels by Age?
Want to know if your testosterone levels are typical for a man of your age? To begin, a man's testosterone levels fluctuate throughout his life, peaking between puberty and early adulthood and then gradually declining thereafter. For instance, adult males should maintain testosterone concentrations of 300 to 1,000 ng/dL, as recommended by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It's important to remember, however, the following ranges of testosterone production normally seen in males of various ages:
- Adolescence (boys aged 9-13 years): 200-1200 ng/dL
- Early adulthood (men aged 20-40 years): 300-1000 ng/dL
- Middle age (men aged 40-60 years): 200-700 ng/dL
- Older age (men aged over 60 years): 200-500 ng/dL
As can be seen, testosterone levels in men in their 40s typically fall when compared to those in their 20s and 30s. Testosterone levels typically peak in men in their 40s, ranging from 500 ng/dL to 600 ng/dL. In addition, testosterone levels drop for men in their 50s, with an average level of 400-500 ng/dL. However, the decline is more pronounced for men in their 60s, with an average testosterone level of 300–400 ng/dL at this age. Men in their 70s, as one might expect, see the greatest decline, with levels averaging between 200 and 300 ng/dL.
Testosterone Levels By Age Chart
The following chart gives us an idea on the average testosterone levels by age:
| Age (years) | Average Testosterone Levels (ng/dL) |
| 20s | 700-900 |
| 30s | 600-700 |
| 40s | 500-600 |
| 50s | 400-500 |
| 60s | 300-400 |
| 70s | 200-300 |
The Importance of Healthy Testosterone Levels
Male health and well-being depend on testosterone to a large extent. Strengthening your immune system and lowering your risk of diseases like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease are just two of the many benefits of maintaining a healthy testosterone level. In addition, normal testosterone levels have been shown to benefit mental health by lowering the probability of depression and dementia.
Having a testosterone level of 300 ng/dL or less is commonly accepted as being indicative of low testosterone levels, also known as Low T. A drop in T below the age-appropriate range can cause symptoms. For instance, hypogonadism may be present if your testosterone level is below 200 ng/dL. Fatigue, decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, low muscle mass, and low bone density are all symptoms of hypogonadism. The levels of testosterone should be checked if you experience any of these symptoms; discuss them with your doctor.
What is Considered Low Testosterone Levels?
Low testosterone levels, also known as hypogonadism, is a medical condition where the body is unable to produce enough testosterone. Total testosterone levels below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for adult males are typically considered low, but this can vary based on age, health, and other factors. Symptoms of low testosterone can vary in severity and may include:
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Increased body fat
- Fatigue
- Decreased bone density
- Mood changes such as depression or irritability
In some cases, low testosterone levels can also cause infertility and contribute to the development of certain medical conditions such as osteoporosis and diabetes. While aging is a common cause of low testosterone levels, other factors such as injury or infection to the testicles, chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer, chronic illnesses, and certain medications can also contribute to the condition.
What is Considered High Testosterone Levels?
When the body produces an abnormally large amount of testosterone, a medical condition known as hypergonadism results. There is no hard and fast rule for what constitutes "high testosterone levels," but most experts agree that levels over 1,000 ng/dL in adult males are unusually high. Also, high testosterone levels can cause a wide range of symptoms. Some of them are:
- Acne
- Oily skin
- Excess hair growth
- Mood swings
- Aggressiveness
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Decreased body fat
- Infertility
- Erectile dysfunction
However, high testosterone levels have been linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Sadly, the condition's etiology is often unclear and may be influenced by environmental, dietary, or pharmacological factors, among others. As a result, it is crucial to keep a close eye on your health and testosterone levels.
Factors that Affect Testosterone Levels
Testosterone levels decrease as men age due to a variety of factors. Some of these factors include:
1. Aging Process: Testosterone production naturally decreases in men as they get older. This occurs because the testosterone-producing Leydig cells in the testicles gradually deplete over time.
2. Illnesses: diabetes, obesity, and hypothyroidism are just some of the diseases that can lower your testosterone levels.
3. Medication: corticosteroids and opioids, for example, can lower testosterone levels.
4. Lifestyle Factors: Low testosterone levels may also be caused by other lifestyle factors, such as an inactive or unhealthy lifestyle, an unhealthy diet, or heavy alcohol use.
Testing for Low Testosterone
The most common test for low testosterone is a blood test that measures the amount of testosterone in your bloodstream. Your healthcare provider may also conduct a physical exam and ask about your symptoms to determine if you have low testosterone levels.
In conclusion, maintaining healthy testosterone levels is essential for overall health and well-being. Testosterone levels vary by age if low testosterone may be the cause of your symptoms.
Treatment for Low Testosterone
Experiencing low testosterone symptoms? If you have low testosterone, a viable option for you could be a treatment called testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). It involves administering testosterone in the form of gels, patches, injections, or pellets. As a result, TRT can help improve symptoms of low T, such as low sex drive, fatigue, and reduced muscle mass in no time.
However, do keep in mind that TRT is unfortunately not suitable for everyone. TRT may not be appropriate for men with prostate or breast cancer, high red blood cell count, or a history of blood clots. Plus, TRT may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and it may take several weeks or months to see the full benefits of TRT.
Conclusion
It's common knowledge at this point that testosterone is crucial to men's health, both physically and mentally. Male testosterone levels naturally decline with age, which can have negative effects on a man's vitality, libido, bone density, and muscle mass. Therefore, it's advised that you get your testosterone levels checked if you experience low testosterone symptoms like fatigue, low sex drive, or a lack of muscle mass.
Enjoy reading? Check out this related article: 11 Natural Energy Boosters That Give You "Superpowers"
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References
- Barrett-Connor E. Male testosterone: what is normal?. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2005;62(3):263-264. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2265.2005.02232.x https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15730406/
- Yeap BB, Almeida OP, Hyde Z, et al. Healthier lifestyle predicts higher circulating testosterone in older men: the Health In Men Study. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2009;70(3):455-463. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2265.2008.03372.x https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18691270/
- Li JY, Li XY, Li M, et al. Decline of serum levels of free testosterone in aging healthy Chinese men. Aging Male. 2005;8(3-4):203-206. doi:10.1080/13685530500356010 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16390747/