Start with a blood test
By Mike Kocsis | 7 minutes read | Last updated: March 25, 2019 Categories: Men's Health Testosterone Testosterone levels Women's Health
Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
Testosterone, often referred to as the “male hormone,” plays a crucial role in your health and well-being. 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, exploring how they’re measured, and why maintaining optimal levels is essential for health and vitality. Whether you’re curious about your testosterone levels or just want to know more about hormonal health, join us as we uncover the fundamentals of testosterone and hormonal balance.
The role of testosterone:
Testosterone is a hormone that’s produced by your sex organs and adrenal glands. For men, it’s mainly produced in the testes and for women, in the ovaries. Testosterone has different roles at different life stages. For example, during fetal development, testosterone is largely responsible for the development of the reproductive system. Whereas during puberty, it’s responsible for increasing height, libido and body hair. Testosterone impacts a variety of different physical and emotional attributes during adulthood too…
In men, testosterone is important for:
- Fat distribution
- The creation of sperm
- Strengthening bones and muscles
- Mood regulation
- Red blood cell production
- Energy levels
- Libido and erectile function
- Hair growth
- Fertility
Despite differences in average levels of testosterone between genders, it serves similar functions in both men and women. Women experience all the functions listed above but there are some key differences.
In women, testosterone is key to:
- Ovarian function
- Follicle development
- Overall reproductive health
Normal Testosterone Levels in Men
Testosterone is measured in nanograms per decilitre of blood (ng/dl) and the following table illustrates healthy levels for different adult age groups. It’s important to note that healthy levels can vary from person to person.
| Age | Testosterone (nmol/L) | Testosterone (ng/dL) |
| 20-24 | 14.2-19.3 | 409-558 |
| 25-30 | 14.3-19.9 | 413-575 |
| 30-34 | 12.4-17.3 | 359-489 |
| 35-40 | 12.2-16.5 | 352-478 |
| 40-44 | 12.1-16.4 | 350-473 |
Source: J Urol. 2022 ‘What Is a Normal Testosterone Level for Young Men?‘
Normal levels of testosterone in males range from 240 to 950 ng/dl, with male testosterone levels peaking in the late teens or early 20’s. After the age of 30, the average man can expect to see their levels decline by 1% every year.
Measuring testosterone can be complex as levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day. Men aged 40 and under typically experience greater fluctuations than men in their 70s. For some context here, an average 40-year-old might have a testosterone reading at 8 a.m. that is 200 points higher than their reading at 8 p.m., whereas a 70-year-old might only see a difference of 50 points between these times.
Additionally, there are a variety of external factors that can impact testosterone readings. High-intensity workouts are known to increase testosterone and a 1998 study measuring testosterone levels among basketball fans found that supporters of winning teams saw their levels increase, whereas supporters of the losing teams experienced a marked decline in their testosterone levels. Gains and losses from these types of activity typically subside within an hour or so but there are factors such as obesity that will have a more lasting effect.
Signs of Low Levels of Testosterone in Men
Low testosterone is a widespread issue amongst men and recent studies have indicated that approximately 5% of men aged between 50 and 59 display some of the more common symptoms.
Most men with low testosterone will initially start to notice a general decline in their:
- Physical energy
- Stamina
- Strength
- Concentration and motivation
Additional indicators of low testosterone in men can include:
- Weight gain
- Reduced libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Aching joints
- Osteoporosis
- Insomnia
The number of men seeking treatment for low testosterone is significantly lower than the number of men thought to be affected. This can have health implications as low testosterone is a risk factor for a variety of health conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
An Overview of Typical Testosterone Levels in Women
| Age | Testosterone (ng/dL) |
| 10-11yrs | < 7–44 |
| 12-16yrs | < 7–75 |
| 17-18yrs | 20–75 |
| 19+ | 8–60 |
Source: American Journal of Epidemiology 2001
Normal levels of testosterone in women aged 19 and over typically range between 8 and 60 ng/dl. Testosterone is primarily produced in the ovaries of premenopausal women and after menopause levels often decline rapidly. This usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
Symptoms of Excess or Low Testosterone in Women
Oestrogen levels drop in women after menopause, which can increase levels of male hormones. Certain diseases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can increase testosterone levels.
Symptoms of excess testosterone in women can include:
- Acne
- Loss of hair on the scalp
- Increased facial and body hair
Similarly to men, low testosterone levels in women can cause a loss of libido, osteoporosis and fertility issues.
Testing Testosterone
You can get tested for low testosterone through the NHS or a private clinic like Balance My Hormones. There are pros and cons for both so be sure to do your research before choosing the path for you.
Testosterone levels are tested with a blood test. You can order blood tests online here or you can speak to one of our case managers who can arrange your blood tests for you. Our blood test kits are delivered in discrete packaging and are sent out to you to be administered in the comfort of your home. They are then processed in accredited labs and results analysed by our specialist doctors.
If you’re going via the NHS, your GP will perform your blood test and will invite you back to go through your results. If your testosterone levels are deemed ‘low’, you may be offered treatment such as Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). TRT is a treatment that replaces your depleted testosterone with bioidentical testosterone to alleviate low T symptoms. TRT comes in many forms such as gels, patches, injections and pellets. Depending on your lifestyle and circumstances, your doctor will suggest the best administration method for you.
A final thought
Understanding what normal testosterone levels look like is essential for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. By knowing the typical range of testosterone levels and recognising the signs of low or high levels, you can take proactive steps to address any imbalances and optimise your hormonal health. If you think you might have low testosterone levels, we urge you to get in contact with us where we can discuss your options. Reduced testosterone levels are often just a normal part of the ageing process, however, it might also be a sign of an underlying condition. It’s best to
References/Bibliography/Scientific studies/Further reading/
The highs and lows of testosterone, 2018. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/27/well/live/testosterone-supplements-low-t-treatment-libido.html
Bernhardt PC, Dabbs JM Jr, Fielden JA, Lutter CD. Testosterone changes during vicarious experiences of winning and losing among fans at sporting events. Physiol Behav. 1998 Aug;65(1):59-62. doi: 10.1016/s0031-9384(98)00147-4. PMID: 9811365.
Low testosterone: are you one in four?, 2022. Western Michigan Urological Associates. https://wmuro.com/low-testosterone-are-you-one-in-four/
MF. Sowers, J. L. Beebe, D. McConnell, John Randolph, M. Jannausch, Testosterone Concentrations in Women Aged 25–50 Years: Associations with Lifestyle, Body Composition, and Ovarian Status, American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 153, Issue 3, 1 February 2001, Pages 256–264,
Zhu A, Andino J, Daignault-Newton S, Chopra Z, Sarma A, Dupree JM. What Is a Normal Testosterone Level for Young Men? Rethinking the 300 ng/dL Cutoff for Testosterone Deficiency in Men 20-44 Years Old. J Urol. 2022 Dec;208(6):1295-1302. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000002928. Epub 2022 Oct 25. PMID: 36282060.
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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 Ltd 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 (TRT) 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: March 25th, 2019
