Normal and Average Testosterone Levels by Age CHART Blog

Testosterone Levels by Age Chart

“Lifting also promotes muscle growth, reduces visceral fat, and further aids metabolism, which supports overall hormone health and well-being,” says Bailey. With that, he and Houman suggest that guys of all ages strength train 3 to 5 days per week. At EVOLVE, we specialize in hormone optimization and making sure that imbalances are properly treated. Because every person is different, it’s important to carefully review your test results to create the most effective treatment plan.

If you are showing signs of abnormal testosterone levels, your provider will likely perform a blood test to measure your testosterone levels. And 10 a.m., so your provider may ask you to come in for testing then. Low levels can lead to increased body fat, particularly in the abdominal area, and may contribute to obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Maintaining healthy testosterone levels helps ensure a healthier body composition and metabolic rate. Testosterone is often recognized as the primary male sex hormone, but its role in the body is vast and complex. It’s vital not just for sexual development and reproduction but also plays a crucial role in the maintenance of muscle mass, bone density, and red blood cell production.

A normal free testosterone level ensures optimal bodily function, while a high free testosterone level may indicate an underlying condition. Understanding these differences helps in accurately assessing testosterone levels and determining whether intervention is necessary. Total testosterone refers to the sum of all testosterone in the bloodstream, including both bound and unbound (free) testosterone. However, free testosterone levels are often a more accurate indicator of hormonal health since this fraction of testosterone is biologically active and readily available for the body to use. Normal free testosterone levels in men typically range between 5-25 pg/mL, though this can vary based on age and health status. During male puberty, testosterone spikes and remains higher than female testosterone levels throughout the lifetime.

You don’t have to live with the negative symptoms of low testosterone. If your practitioner doesn’t give you the support you need, it may be time to consult a specialist who can. 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. Since hormones can have patterns of secretion, afternoon testing can provide false information about low levels.

For high-risk individuals, such as those with a family history of prostate cancer, earlier and more frequent screenings are recommended. These ranges serve as key indicators of prostate health, aiding in early identification of potential issues. Still think testosterone therapy turns guys into roid-raging gym rats? One of the most persistent myths around TRT is that it makes men overly aggressive or “unnatural.” The reality?

In these cases, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be beneficial. Taking steps like eating a nutritious diet, exercising, and avoiding or quitting smoking can help improve your testosterone levels. These habits can also reduce your risk of or help manage health conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity. During infancy and childhood, testosterone levels are low in both males and females. Levels in both sexes are similar from ages 6-10 but higher in males from ages 11-20.

It is possible to treat males for low testosterone levels with an injection or prescription gel. People using this treatment over the long term could experience potentially severe side effects, such as an increased risk of heart problems. 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.

Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential micronutrients such as zinc and vitamin D can support hormonal health. Lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and supplements can help increase testosterone levels if they are mildly low. Testosterone is an essential hormone for health in both men and women. Men who have low testosterone levels can greatly benefit from testosterone replacement therapy. Men who have low testosterone levels will usually experience a range of symptoms that affect their sex drive and overall health and well-being. Depression, fatigue, and weight gain are just some issues men can experience when their testosterone levels start to dip below average.

While both men and women produce testosterone, men typically produce testosterone at a significantly higher rate. This is why men tend to see increased body fat, lose their libido, and experience other undesirable changes as the years go on. It can also help prevent obesity which is detrimental to maintenance of normal testosterone levels. Body fat causes reduction of testosterone and increases estrogen levels. In general, a man in his twenties without chronic conditions will have higher testosterone levels than a man in his fifties with medical issues.