What are Average Testosterone Levels?

Want to know if your testosterone levels are average? This article will cover average testosterone levels by age and gender. You’ll learn how these levels affect your health and what different levels mean for you.

Quick Facts

• Testosterone is essential for sexual development, muscle and bone health, and mood regulation for both men and women, with levels varying by age and gender.
• Men and women have different testosterone ranges; men average 300-1000 ng/dL and women 15-70 ng/dL, so we need to monitor health by gender.
• Abnormal testosterone levels can cause health issues, and recognition of symptoms along with proper testing and treatment – therapy and lifestyle changes – is critical.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is an androgen male hormone. The adrenal glands, testes, and ovaries produce it. In men, the testes are the primary source of testosterone, which is way more than the adrenal glands. Women produce testosterone in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands, so it’s essential for both. This powerful hormone is responsible for sexual development, libido, muscle and bone health, and mood regulation.

Abnormal testosterone levels can cause health issues. In men, it affects muscle mass, sexual drive, sperm production, and even competitiveness and aggression.

Types of Testosterone

Testosterone in the body comes in different forms. Free testosterone is the active form that can enter cells and have physiological effects. This is important because only free testosterone can directly affect the body. Total testosterone includes free testosterone and the testosterone bound to blood proteins, like sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.

Bioavailable testosterone is free testosterone, and the fraction is loosely bound to albumin, so it’s available for biological activity. Knowing these types is important because different tests measure different forms. To get an accurate diagnosis and treatment, you need to know whether your testosterone levels are free, total, or bioavailable.

Testosterone Levels by Age

Testosterone levels change throughout life stages. From childhood to adolescence and into adulthood, these levels change significantly. Knowing these changes helps in diagnosing and planning treatment. Testosterone levels tend to decline with age and affect many aspects of health. Ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) is used in blood tests to measure these levels.

Testosterone levels by age give you a better idea of what to expect at each stage of life. This is important for preventing and addressing any underlying issue.

Testosterone Levels in Children

Testosterone levels are high in newborn boys at birth but drop shortly after. In early childhood, from 1 to 10 years old, testosterone levels are stable but lower than later in life. As children approach adolescence, testosterone levels start to rise again, and this is the start of puberty.

This rise in testosterone is essential for growth spurts and other developmental changes. Monitoring these levels in children can help detect early signs of hormonal imbalances and other health issues.

Testosterone Levels in Adolescents

Adolescence is a time of significant hormonal changes. Boys 12 or 13 years old have testosterone levels between 7 and 800 ng/dL, and then it rises dramatically during the teenage years. By 15 to 16 years old, levels can be between 100 and 1,200 ng/dL as the body prepares for adulthood.

In late adolescence, testosterone levels stabilize between 300 to 1,200 ng/dL. This surge of testosterone during adolescence affects physical and psychological development.

Testosterone Levels in Adults

Testosterone levels peak during adolescence and early adulthood and then decline gradually. This decline is about 1-2% per year after 30 years old. For men 40 to 49 years old, the average testosterone level range is 252 to 916 ng/dL, which is a natural decline with age.

Knowing this decline, it is essential to know when levels fall out of range and may indicate male hypogonadism or other health issues. 

Testosterone Levels by Gender

Testosterone levels differ between men and women, which is why each gender has different physical and psychological traits. Men have higher testosterone levels, which affect muscle mass, red blood cell count, and libido. Although the levels in women are lower, testosterone still plays a big role in health and well-being.

These differences can lead to different health implications, such as other risks of certain diseases between genders. Knowing these gender-specific differences helps in diagnosing and treating testosterone deficiency.

Testosterone in Men

Normal testosterone levels in men 19 years old and above are between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL. Age, lifestyle, and health conditions can affect these levels. Testosterone is important for male characteristics like spermatogenesis and libido. It also supports muscle growth and higher red blood cell count due to its role in erythropoiesis, and serum testosterone plays a big role in maintaining these functions.

Men produce more testosterone than women, a difference mainly because the testes produce about 30 times more testosterone than prepubescent levels. Low testosterone levels can lead to loss of muscle mass and strength, so it’s essential to keep them high.

Testosterone in Women

In women, normal testosterone levels are between 15-70 ng/dL. High testosterone levels can cause health issues like polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, and irregular menstrual cycles. Concerns about high testosterone levels should be addressed by consulting a doctor for testing and treatment.

Monitoring and maintaining normal testosterone levels in women is essential for overall health, so awareness and proactive healthcare are critical.

Symptoms of Abnormal Testosterone Levels

Abnormal testosterone levels can manifest through different symptoms and affects men and women differently. High testosterone levels can cause mood swings, increased irritability, and aggression. Low testosterone levels can cause fatigue, decreased libido, and mood swings. 

Testosterone tests can help detect these symptoms and diagnose and manage abnormal testosterone levels.

High Testosterone Symptoms

High testosterone in men can cause aggression, acne, and body hair. Women with high testosterone can experience irregular menstrual cycles, changes in sexual health, deep voice, and a decrease in breast size.

These symptoms can be underlying health issues that need medical attention.

Low Testosterone Symptoms

Symptoms of low testosterone are fatigue, decreased libido, and mood swings. Low levels in men can affect sexual drive and mood. Also, it can affect muscle mass. Women can also experience testosterone deficiency due to health conditions, medications, injuries, or age.

Addressing these symptoms through medical consultation and treatment can improve quality of life and overall health.

Testing and Measuring Testosterone Levels

Testing testosterone levels involves a blood test where a sample is taken from a vein. The test measures the overall level of testosterone in the blood, giving a measurement of total testosterone levels. Although useful, the free testosterone test is not very accurate. SHBG binds a large portion of the testosterone in the blood, which can affect the measure of free testosterone.

They know the testing procedure and what the tests measure for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Blood Test Procedure

A blood sample for testosterone testing is taken from a vein using a needle. It usually takes less than 5 minutes. Samples are usually taken in the morning when testosterone levels are highest. Testosterone levels vary throughout the day, so multiple tests may be needed for an accurate assessment.

Patients may need to stop taking certain medications before the test to avoid affecting the results. 

Factors that Affect Test Results

Timing is critical in testosterone test results. For the most accurate results, tests should be done between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Measurements vary from one laboratory to another and are affected by age, gender, and health history.

Since testosterone levels fluctuate daily, multiple tests may be needed to get an accurate assessment. Knowing these factors is essential for correct diagnosis and treatment planning.

Abnormal Testosterone

Treatment options for abnormal testosterone levels are medication, lifestyle changes, and hormone monitoring. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a standard treatment available in the form of injections, patches, and gels.

Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet can also help balance testosterone levels. Both medical and natural treatments are essential in managing testosterone levels.

Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy supplements missing testosterone and helps restore normal levels. Weightlifting, a healthy diet, and minimizing stress can boost TRT. Adequate vitamin D levels, reduced alcohol intake, and resistance training are also suitable for testosterone.

Minimizing stress and getting enough sleep is essential for healthy testosterone levels.

Natural Ways to Balance Testosterone

Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, healthy diet, and exercise can boost testosterone. These changes are good for overall wellness and can affect many bodily functions.

Implementing these lifestyle changes can lead to higher testosterone levels and better health and vitality.

Conclusion

Knowing testosterone and its effects across ages and genders is essential for overall health. 

Take control of your testosterone levels by consulting with your doctor and making informed lifestyle choices. You deserve it.

FAQs

Is 1200 testosterone too high?

A 1200 ng/dL is within the upper range for late teens and is high for adults who should have 240-950 ng/dL. 

What are normal testosterone levels for men?

Normal testosterone levels for men 19 years and above is 300-1000 ng/dL. Consult a healthcare provider for personal assessment and advice.

How do testosterone levels change with age?

Testosterone levels decline gradually with age. They peak during adolescence and early adulthood and then decline by 1-2% per year after 30. This is a natural part of aging.

What are the symptoms of high tests?

High testosterone in women can show up as irregular periods, deep voice, excessive body hair, and small breasts. These symptoms mean an imbalance that needs to be evaluated.

How is testosterone tested?

Testosterone is tested through a blood sample, usually taken in the morning when testosterone levels are highest.