By Mike Kocsis | 10 minutes read | Last updated: June 17, 2025 Categories: Menopause Testosterone
Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
Testosterone levels fluctuate with age in both men and women. They are generally the highest during adolescence.
Testosterone starts declining gradually in men when they enter their 30s and in women between the ages of 45 and 55. This decrease in testosterone levels is a part of ageing so it is totally normal.
However, abnormal testosterone levels – levels that are either too high or too low for your age – can produce certain symptoms in some individuals, requiring treatment.
In this article, we’ll talk about average testosterone levels, how they’re measured, and why maintaining optimal levels is essential for health and vitality.
Normal testosterone levels by age in the UK
Testosterone normally peaks around age 20 and then drops by 3-10% each decade.
As testosterone decreases with age, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels, which bind to testosterone and render it inactive, tend to increase.
This increase in SHBG can lead to a lower amount of testosterone as men age.
The following graph highlights the significant rise in SHBG levels, as well as the decline in total testosterone (TT), as men grow older.
Testosterone levels by age chart
The following outlines testosterone levels by age in chart format so you can understand normal testosterone levels by age range in both male and females.
Normal testosterone levels in infants and children
| Age | Male (in ng/dl) | Female (in ng/dl) |
| 0 to 5 months | 75-400 | 20-80 |
| 6 months to 9 years | Less than 7-20 | Less than 7-20 |
| 10 to 11 years | Less than 7-130 | Less than 7-44 |
Normal testosterone levels in Adolescents
| Age | Male (in ng/dl) | Female (in ng/dl) |
| 12 to 13 years | Less than 7-800 | Less than 7-75 |
| 14 years | Less than 7-1,200 | Less than 7-75 |
| 15 to 16 years | 100-1,200 | Less than 7-75 |
What are normal testosterone levels in men?
In a 2022 study, researchers analysed testosterone levels of 1,486 men aged 20 to 44. They used the average testosterone levels for most men in each age group to define what’s typical.
According to this latest study on normal testosterone levels in men, here is what may be considered healthy T levels:
| Age | Total testosterone (ng/dL) | Total testosterone (nmol/L) |
| 20–24 | 409–558 | 14.2–19.3 |
| 25–29 | 413-575 | 14.3–19.9 |
| 30–34 | 359-498 | 12.4–17.3 |
| 35–39 | 352-478 | 12.2–16.5 |
| 40–44 | 350-473 | 12.1–16.4 |
These hormone level ranges may be too narrow. In general, 300-1,200 ng/dL is considered normal for 17 to 18 years old males and 240-950 ng/dL is considered healthy for older men.
What are normal testosterone levels in women?
Women have lower testosterone levels than men but still maintaining these levels is crucial for overall health.
Here is the normal testosterone levels in women chart (according to top labs):
| Age | Total testosterone (ng/dL) |
| 19 years and older | 15.0–70.0 |
| Premenopausal | 10.0−55.0 |
| Postmenopausal | 7.0−40.0 |
Use our Testosterone Units Conversion Tool to convert these testosterone units into other units.
Doctors may also measure testosterone levels alongside Tanner staging, this is where the Tanner scale will track the visual development of male and female children during puberty according to five stages rather than a person’s specific age range.
An example of this stage II, relates to when the growth of a boy’s testicles or the development of breast buds in a girl, it does not refer to the age of the boy/girl.
The Tanner scale indicates the following levels of testosterone as healthy:
| Tanner stage | Male (in ng/dl) | Female (in ng/dl) |
| I | Less than 7-20 | Less than 7-20 |
| II | 8-66 | Less than 7-47 |
| III | 26-800 | 17-75 |
| IV | 85-1,200 | 20-75 |
| V | 300-950 | 12-60 |
What is the difference between free testosterone and total testosterone?
Testosterone in the blood exists in two forms:
Total Testosterone: The overall testosterone level, including:
Bound Testosterone: Attached to SHBG (inactive) or loosely to albumin (bioavailable).
Free Testosterone: The active form. The unbound, biologically active portion (1-2%) that directly affects energy, mood, libido, and muscle growth.
Free testosterone is a better indicator of hormonal health, while total testosterone provides a broader overview. Most private clinics will test both which offers a clearer picture of potential imbalances.
What is the normal range of free testosterone?
In the UK, a healthy range is anything above 0.300 nmol/L and an optimal range is above 0.45 nmol/L. Your free testosterone should be at least 2% of your total testosterone levels.
Different countries and labs use different ranges and units of measure. To convert your testosterone results, click here.
What affects testosterone levels?
The above-mentioned testosterone levels are normal. However, various factors can impact these levels, including:
- Age
- Sex
- Lifestyle
- Health
People with certain medical conditions and those going through certain treatments also have abnormal testosterone levels. These include:
- Chemotherapy/cancer treatments
- Metabolic disorders such as hemochromatosis
- Trauma to the testes or other testicular issues
- Alcohol abuse
- Suppressed immune system (HIV/AIDS)
- Chronic kidney failure
- Certain medication
- Obesity
- Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
What are high testosterone levels?
High testosterone levels are far less common than low levels in adult males.
In children, elevated testosterone may lead to early puberty or growth spurts. Excess testosterone can be harmful for both males and females, particularly as it can negatively impact fertility.
Symptoms of high testosterone levels in men
Men with high testosterone levels may face these signs:
- Increased aggression or irritability
- Acne and oily skin
- Increased muscle mass
- Male pattern baldness
- Sleep apnoea
- Enlarged prostate
- Increased libido
- Aggressive behaviour or risk-taking
- Mood swings and anxiety
Symptoms of high testosterone levels in women
Here is what females may experience if they have abnormally high testosterone levels.
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
- Acne and oily skin
- Male-pattern baldness
- Deepening voice
- Irregular periods
- Enlarged clitoris
- Increased muscle mass
- Mood changes
Common cause of high testosterone in males: Steroid use
If you are a man and are using steroids, you are at greater risk of having higher-than-normal levels of testosterone in your body.
Men may experience excessive hair growth on the face and body from high levels of testosterone, alongside greasy skin and a host of other problems.
Coming off steroids may cause serious problems with your body’s natural ability to produce testosterone.
Common cause of high testosterone in females: Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects females and their fertility. When the ovaries produce too much testosterone through having PCOS, they may have the following symptoms:
- Oily skin
- Acne
- Irregular or missed periods
- Increased hair growth on the face, back or chest
What are low testosterone levels?
A low testosterone level typically falls below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for men and 15 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for women.
At this level, the body may struggle to perform essential functions regulated by testosterone, such as maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and energy levels.
Symptoms of low testosterone levels in men
Men with testosterone deficiency may experience the following signs:
- Decrease in muscle mass and tone
- Lower sex drive (libido)
- Disturbed mood and sleep patterns
- Concentration and memory problems
- Hair loss on the body and face
Symptoms of low testosterone levels in women
Here are the top signs of low testosterone in women:
- Lower sex drive (libido)
- Weak bones
- Irregular or missed periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Fertility problems
Women can experience dramatic changes in hormones, with levels falling until they reach menopause. For men, the decrease in testosterone levels is more gradual, with losses starting at just 30 years of age.
Interesting fact: Generational decrease in testosterone levels
It’s been reported that sperm count and testosterone levels are declining compared to previous generations as are sperm counts.
It’s fair to say that your Grandad probably had higher levels of testosterone than you do now!
The decline of testosterone levels is partly due to lifestyle but also due to exposure to endocrine disrupters, both in the womb and throughout life.
In Sex, Love, and Listen to Your Hormones, Dr. Kryger highlights how endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in pesticides contaminate crops and animal feed, accumulating in animal body fat and eventually entering the human food chain.
This vicious cycle may be responsible for the decline in testosterone levels as well as fertility rates globally.
It’s fair to say that testosterone supplementation may be an option to overcome these chemicals responsible for disrupting our natural hormone balance.
How to check testosterone levels?
You can check your male hormone testosterone levels with the help of a testosterone blood test done through a reputable laboratory.
You can also use a finger-prick test kit to measure your serum testosterone concentrations at home. These kits involve taking a small blood sample from a fingertip, which you then send to a lab for analysis.
Consult with a healthcare provider to interpret your testosterone levels test results.
How to diagnose abnormal testosterone levels?
Consult your GP or doctor
Book an appointment with your GP or healthcare provider.
Discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing (e.g., fatigue, low libido, or mood changes) and request a testosterone test.
Blood test
Testosterone is most commonly measured through a blood test, typically done in the morning when levels are at their highest.
If you test with a private clinic like Balance My Hormones, they may test total testosterone and, in some cases, free testosterone or SHBG.
How to treat abnormal testosterone levels?
Men mostly have low testosterone (male hypogonadism) rather than high testosterone. Low T is generally treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) if you are the right candidate for the treatment.
TRT in the UK involves administering man-made testosterone via injections, creams, gels, skin patches, etc., to raise serum testosterone levels.
In females, high testosterone is more common than low testosterone. High testosterone levels are typically treated with medications like oral contraceptives and glucocorticosteroids.
Will my doctor tell me my testosterone levels are normal even though I don’t feel normal?
It’s common to feel like something is off, ask your GP to test your testosterone levels, and be told everything is “normal.”
But what does “normal” really mean when you’re still experiencing symptoms and don’t feel right?
Many GPs and even some endocrinologists may lack the expertise in modern testosterone optimisation therapy and rely solely on measuring “total testosterone” levels.
This approach can be risky.
Low testosterone has been linked to prostate cancer, including the most aggressive forms.
Standard PSA tests might not detect this if your “normal” testosterone levels are masking a rapidly growing cancer.
What’s considered “normal” often isn’t optimal, and to complicate matters further, testosterone reference ranges have been steadily declining over the decades.
In the UK, most labs don’t adjust testosterone levels for age, potentially leaving important issues undetected.
What testosterone levels does the NHS treat?
The NHS has established guidelines for hormone replacement therapy – TRT – that prioritise cost-effectiveness and efficiency, which can make access to treatment more challenging for some individuals.
Private clinics like Balance My Hormones often provide quicker and tailored testosterone therapy.
Currently, NHS treatment for testosterone deficiency is typically offered for levels below 7 nmol/L, though there have been instances where patients at this threshold have been denied treatment.
In some cases, follow-up tests showing slightly higher levels can result in patients being deemed ineligible (even if they are suffering from low T symptoms).
The process can also be lengthy, sometimes taking up to a year for blood tests and evaluations.
While a low testosterone diagnosis does require thorough testing, the long NHS wait times can create obstacles for those seeking timely TRT support.
The NHS typically focuses only on total testosterone levels, often overlooking free testosterone and SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin).
In most cases, SHBG isn’t tested, and if a free testosterone test is conducted, it’s often an unreliable test.
Additionally, NICE guidelines are treated as strict rules rather than flexible guidance, largely due to cost-saving measures.
For individuals seeking treatment for testosterone deficiency, the NHS might not always be the first choice for comprehensive care.
Read this article on NHS vs private TRT for more details.
Do I need TRT?
Low testosterone does not always mean you need TRT. What we mean by that is, let’s say you are in your 40s with low testosterone levels and no low T signs.
In this particular case, getting TRT may not be of any help as you are not experiencing symptoms that significantly affect your quality of life.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is generally recommended for individuals who exhibit clear signs of low testosterone, such as fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, and mood changes.
If you’re not experiencing these symptoms, a healthcare professional may suggest natural ways to increase testosterone, such as lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sleep) or monitoring testosterone levels over time.
Book a free consultation with our professionals to discuss your case and determine whether you should choose the TRT option or not.
FAQ about normal testosterone levels in the UK
Is 500 a good testosterone level?
Yes, 500 ng/dL is considered a healthy testosterone level for healthy men. However, individual needs may vary. And it’s essential to consider symptoms and overall health when determining if it’s optimal for you.
In which units are testosterone levels measured?
In the UK, testosterone levels are measured in nanomoles per litre (nmol/L) while in the US, they are measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
What is the role of testosterone in males?
Male sex hormone testosterone is involved in various functions in men, including but not limited to:
- Body development through puberty
- Sperm creation and development
- Increased muscle mass
- Sex drive and libido
What is the role of testosterone in females?
Testosterone plays various roles in females, such as:
- Balancing other female hormones
- Creating new blood cells
- Sex drive and fertility
- Correct menstrual cycles
Summing it up
Understanding your testosterone level is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being for both men and women.
Testosterone plays a vital role in various bodily functions, from libido and fertility to muscle maintenance, low energy and mood regulation.
By recognising the factors that influence testosterone levels, how they are measured, and what constitutes normal and abnormal ranges, you can take the necessary steps toward hormonal balance.
If you are concerned you might have low or high levels of testosterone, click the button below, and we will get you tested as soon as possible and put you on the path to optimal hormone balance.
References
El-Osta, A., Liu, V.N., Huang, D., Foster, J., Johnson, H., Alaa, A. and Hayhoe, B., 2025. A cross-sectional survey of experiences and outcomes of using testosterone replacement therapy in UK men. Translational Andrology and Urology, 14(5), pp.1295307-1291307.
Corona, G. and Maggi, M., 2022. The role of testosterone in male sexual function. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 23(6), pp.1159-1172.
Zhu, A., Andino, J., Daignault-Newton, S., Chopra, Z., Sarma, A. and Dupree, J.M., 2022. What is a normal testosterone level for young men? Rethinking the 300 ng/dL cutoff for testosterone deficiency in men 20-44 years old. The Journal of urology, 208(6), pp.1295-1302.
Evidence Based Research
This article has been researched and written based on scientific evidence and fact sheets that have then been crossed checked by our team of doctors and subject matter experts.
References, sources and studies used alongside our own in-house research have been cited below, most of which contain external clickable links to reviewed scientific paper that contain date stamped evidence.
Our team of healthcare experts and GMC registered doctors are licensed to UK GMC standards. We strive to provide you with the latest evidence based, researched articles that are unbiased, honest and provide you with accurate insights, statistics and helpful information on the discussed topic to ensure you gain a better understanding of the subject. You can read more about our Editorial Process by clicking here.
We value your feedback on our articles, if you have a well-researched paper you would like to share with us please contact us.
Quick Low Testosterone Test
If you know your total testosterone reading from a previous blood test input the results to the left above to see if your testosterone levels are normal.
Low Testosterone Levels
You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help.
Please Retry
The Total Testosterone Level You Entered Is Incorrect. Figure Must be in nmol/L you can use our converter here.
Normal Testosterone Levels
Your testosterone levels appear to be in the normal range.
LOOKING GOOD!
You must be over 38, have had your ovaries removed or have suffered with premature menopause to warrant further hormone tests.
Further investigation needed
Please contact us to discuss your hormones, we need your total testosterone levels to validate your hormone deficiency. You can order a blood test here.
Low Testosterone Levels
You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help.
High Testosterone Levels
You appear to have higher than normal testosterone levels, please contact us for further investigation.
Normal Testosterone Levels
You appear to have normal testosterone levels. Contact us if you have any concerns.
About the Author: Mike Kocsis
Mike Kocsis has an MBA with a focus on healthcare administration and is an entrepreneur and medical case manager for Balance My Hormones which offers medical services in the UK and Europe. Mike has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, much of that working with people who have hormone imbalances. Mike has appeared on podcasts and radio and is an expert speaker on the subject of hormone imbalance. He specialises in Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and has helped thousands of people suffering from hormone imbalances recover and regain control of their lives. You can follow him on LinkedIn and on the Balance My Hormones YouTube Channel.
Last update: June 17th, 2025
