Male Testosterone Levels by Age: Whats Normal, Whats Not, and How to Check Yours

Testosterone Levels by Age: Whats Normal, Whats Optimal, and When to Act

To support hormone balance, Houman recommends cutting back on these substances or discussing a reduction plan with your healthcare provider. Meanwhile, a 2021 study in European Urology Focus compared the testosterone blood serum levels of young men ages 15 to 40 in 2016 to those of the same age from 1999. After controlling for confounding factors such as participant race, BMI, comorbidity status, alcohol and smoking use, and physical activity, the researchers found average testosterone levels were lower.

Normal testosterone levels support sexual development, libido, healthy muscles and bones, and mood. Guidelines vary, as do factors like age or medication use, but a normal level for an adult male typically ranges between 450 and 600 nanograms (ng) per deciliter (dL). Levels at 300 ng/dL or less are considered low and above 1,000 ng/dL is high. Testosterone levels naturally vary across different ages, reflecting significant changes in a man’s life. Understanding your testosterone levels is key to managing your health as you age, as these levels can impact everything from muscle mass and libido to mood and energy levels. Males are more likely to experience symptoms from low testosterone levels, while females are more likely to have negative effects from high testosterone levels.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has a CDC Hormone Standardization Program to increase the accuracy of laboratory tests. John Harvey, M.D., M.P.H., is an Internal Medicine physician and professor of public health. His work focuses on improving healthcare quality and cost efficiency through policy-driven research. He holds both a Doctor of Medicine and a Master of Public Health, and completed advanced fellowship training in health policy and healthcare delivery.

Prenatal exposure to testosterone – the primary sex hormone in males – is needed for fetal development and is thought to affect neurodevelopment and muscle strength in children later in life. During pregnancy, the levels of testosterone increase, but these levels are similar in mothers carrying a boy or a girl. However, testosterone levels are even higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a common condition of the ovaries that typically affects up to 13% of women of reproductive age. Testosterone supports muscle mass, libido, energy levels, mood, focus, sleep quality, bone density, metabolic health, and more, says Houman. So, having lower-than-optimal testosterone levels can lead to a range of physical, mental, and emotional side effects, he says. If you’re experiencing symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels, consult a healthcare professional to explore testing and treatment options tailored to your needs.

Men with low testosterone usually experience sexual symptoms and other general health issues. Such findings underscore the importance of a tailored approach to health assessment, where both the numbers and individual experiences are considered. As research in this field progresses, our understanding of testosterone’s impact on men’s health will continue to evolve, potentially leading to more personalized healthcare strategies. As men get older, the level of testosterone naturally begins to decrease.

Licorice root may significantly decrease testosterone levels in as little as one week if taken in large quantities. Processed foods high in trans fats may also decrease testosterone and may even reduce sperm count. Testosterone peaks in your 20’s; after that, it’s a slow slide down into tiredness, weight gain, and sexual health issues, but testosterone therapy is an effective solution..

However, once you’re in your late 20s, you’ll want a baseline to compare against as you age, says McDevitt. «Guys tell me they feel a little anxious, which is completely new,» says McDevitt. «Testosterone has a mood stabilizing effect, so as it decreases, anxiety can arise.» There are a couple of science-backed ways to help you boost testosterone levels naturally. «Many studies [that look at testosterone levels] take an amount of people across these ages and test them for their T levels,» says McDevitt. The researchers don’t factor in pre-existing conditions or peoples’ lifestyles, which can skew the results, she notes. McDevitt says she sees older men who live a healthy lifestyle in their fifties who have the testosterone levels of a man in his thirties.

Male testosterone levels by age decrease at an average rate of 1% per year after 30. The testosterone range by age varies significantly, influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Understanding the normal testosterone levels by age can help men assess whether their levels are declining at a typical rate or if medical intervention is needed. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including strength training and adequate sleep, can help slow down testosterone decline. Clinical oversight ensures that any hormonal supplements are administered safely, optimizing dosage and minimizing potential side effects. Understanding male testosterone levels by age and knowing how to check test levels is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being.

Your healthcare provider can help you determine which formulation of testosterone is most suitable for you. You could fill a whole refrigerator with the variety of hormone-healthy foods you can add to your plate. Focus on eating a high-protein diet, and consider adding these 14 testosterone-boosting foods to your grocery list.

Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential micronutrients such as zinc and vitamin D can support hormonal health. In this blog, we’ll explore the role testosterone plays in different phases lack of testosterone symptoms life, how it changes over time, and the typical levels expected by age for men and women. We’ll also address the symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels and tips for maintaining hormonal balance.