By Mike Kocsis | 10 minutes read | Last updated: February 10, 2025 Categories: Men's Health Testosterone Testosterone levels TRT Women's Health
Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
Testosterone, often referred to as the “male hormone,” plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of both men and women. From regulating libido and maintaining muscle mass to influencing mood and energy levels, testosterone has a significant impact on the overall quality of life for both men and women. Research suggests as many as 1 in 4 men over 30 years old have low testosterone levels so it’s beneficial to have an idea of what normal testosterone levels look like.
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. Whether you’re curious about your testosterone levels or want to know more about hormonal health, join us as we uncover the fundamentals of testosterone and hormonal balance.
What influences normal testosterone levels
Testosterone is a hormone and it is also known as androgen. Most people associate it with men and although it’s primarily known as a male sex hormone, females also need a certain amount of testosterone which mainly converts into the sex hormone estradiol in the female body.
- Age
- Sex
- Lifestyle
- Health
In males, the testicles produce testosterone, and the ovaries produce testosterone in females. Testosterone levels are also controlled by the adrenal glands and pituitary gland which work together to regulate hormone production in both sexes.
What testosterone is used for in males:
- Body development through puberty
- Sperm creation and development
- Increased muscle mass
- Sex drive and libido
What testosterone is used for in females:
- Balancing other female hormones
- Creating new blood cells
- Sex drive and fertility
- Correct menstrual cycles
Testosterone plays a key role in libido and fertility for both men and women. By contrast, It’s more common for men to have too low testosterone while women are more likely to have too high testosterone levels.
Factors that can impact normal testosterone levels include:
- Chemotherapy / cancer treatments
- Metabolic disorders such as hemochromtosis
- Trauma to the testes or other testicular issues
- Age (testosterone productions slows in men after 30 years of age)
- Alcohol abuse
- Supressed immune system (HIV/AIDS)
- Chronic kidney failure
- Certain medication
- Obesity
- Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
How are testosterone levels measured?
Doctors most commonly measure testosterone levels in a unit known as nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). If your doctor suspects you have low testosterone, they’ll want to perform a blood test to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Your GP will take a blood sample and send it off to an endocrinologist for testing. Alternatively, you can order a discrete at-home blood test from us by clicking the button below.
What are normal testosterone levels by age?
Testosterone normally peaks around age 20 and then drops by 3-10% each decade after. Shbg levels are at their lowest at age 20 and tend to increase with age. The exception is that metabolic syndrome tends to have a lower amount of Shbg usually non the teens or single digits.
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.
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 |
Normal testosterone levels in men
Testosterone levels by age chart male
| Age | Male (in ng/dl) |
| 17 to 18 years | 300-1,200 |
| 19 years and older | 240-950 |
Normal testosterone levels in women
Testosterone levels by age chart female
| Age | Female (in ng/dl) |
| 17 to 18 years | 20-75 |
| 19 years and older | 8-60 |
Doctors may also measure testosterone levels alongside Tanner staging, this is where the Tanner scale will track the visual development of 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. You can use our testosterone calculator to convert the above units.
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 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 include:
- 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 include:
- Lower sex drive (libido)
- Weak bones
- Irregular or missed periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Fertility problems
Hormone levels change for men and women as we age. 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.
Generational changes 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 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 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 testosterone supplementation may be an option to overcome these chemicals responsible for disrupting our natural hormone balance.
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.
Steroid use
If you are a man or woman and are using steroids, you are at greater risk of having higher than normal levels of testosterone in your body.
Both men and women may experience excessive hair growth on the face and body from high levels of testosterone, alongside greasy skin and a host of other problems. Women specifically may get a deeper voice and experience irregular periods along with male pattern baldness.
Coming off steroids may cause serious problems with your body’s natural ability to produce testosterone, please check out our Youtube video on how to recover from anabolic steroid suppression.
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
Normal testosterone levels in the UK
Testosterone levels can be affected by the efficiency of your testes to produce testosterone, your body’s ability to metabolise testosterone, the rate at which you clear the testosterone from your body, the amount of gonadotropins LH (Luteinizing Hormone) or FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) required to stimulate your testes to make testosterone in the first place, and the number of binding proteins, in particular SHBg which can determine the amount of free or bioavailable testosterone you have.
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 optimization 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 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 testosterone 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 more 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. 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 wait 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.
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.
Free Testosterone: 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, calculated free testosterone levels are given in nanomoles per litre. Nmol/l. A normal range is anything above 0.300 and an optimal range is above 0.45nmol/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.
How to get your testosterone levels tested
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.
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 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 above and we will get you tested as soon as possible and put you on the path to optimal hormone balance.
Scientific References / Resources / Further Reading / Study Material
The below links are scientific references, resources to perform further analysis and reading along with studies that have been conducted:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323085
https://www.medicinenet.com/high_and_low_testosterone_levels_in_men/views.htm
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/testosterone_aging_and_the_mind
https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/services/pathology/tests/testosterone/
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
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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: February 10th, 2025
