Testosterone Test: Free & SHBG, High vs Low vs. Normal Levels

Normal Testosterone Levels In Men: Average By Age Chart

Testosterone injections are often the most popular form of TRT, and they’re pretty easy to do on your own (11). Research has shown this method of TRT is not just effective, but also ensures you administer the same dose every single time (3). During the ramp up, you should expect to test every 90 days until your levels get to a good therapeutic state, as determined by your doctor and how you feel.

“You don’t need to wait until something feels ‘off’ to check in with a doctor,” says Houman. Instead, you can talk to a healthcare provider if you’re just curious about your hormone health, he says. Well, to start, “testosterone is essential for sperm production,” he says. As T levels decline, so do sperm counts and semen quality, which can lead to issues in fertility, he says. For those who want to grow their family, this can lead to high levels of emotional stress on the individual and family levels. Zooming out, this can you do a testosterone test at home directly impact conception rates, says Bailey.

That is why it is imperative to seek out treatment from a hormone replacement specialist who will do more than just look at a number, but will, instead, assess the entire individual. Increased muscle mass, mood changes, and fertility problems are common. “This research follows T-cell function all through the monthly cycle, all the way through pregnancy and giving birth—which is when hormone levels really change,” says Dr. Reina-Campos. “This is part of trying to understand the underlying mechanisms of the immune system.” Scientists know these T cells have the power to kill tumor cells.

There are many reasons for this, like the influence of the media, but it’s also possible that testosterone deficiency is genuinely on the rise. Testosterone levels also fluctuate throughout the day and are usually at their highest in the morning, Black says. The Tanner scale tracks the visual development of children during puberty according to five fixed stages rather than a person’s specific age. Your doctor might order it if you have symptoms of low or high testosterone. Alternatively, you could share that your wife/girlfriend has threatened to leave. Saying they’re dissatisfied over your sex drive/impotence problems or recent lack of ambition.

Soy-based foods may negatively impact testosterone – including soy milk, tofu, miso, and edamame. Soy contains phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that mimic the function of estrogen in the body which could offset testosterone levels when consumed in large amounts. Soy is a debated topic when it comes to hormonal balance – some studies find that regular soy intake reduces normal testosterone levels in men, while others find no significant effects.

Research suggests that low testosterone levels may be more common among young men today compared to previous decades. Multiple large-scale studies have shown that average testosterone levels in men, including adolescents and young adults, have been on the decline over the past few decades, according to Houman. Increased body fat may have a negative impact on hormone signaling between the brain and the testes, leading to decreased production of testosterone. Lower testosterone levels in larger men may also be related to the increased risk of other chronic conditions that can impact your hormones. A landmark study published in 2017 examined the normal testosterone levels in men across four major cohorts with data from nearly 10,000 men in the United States and United Kingdom. Researchers established testosterone normal range values for men between the ages of years.

However, laboratories may report levels down to 264 ng/dL as within the normal range. Some research also suggests that high levels of prenatal testosterone levels may be linked to autism in children. However, more research is needed to see whether prenatal testosterone affects autism later in life.

Testosterone levels are typically measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Below is a general chart that outlines normal testosterone levels by age for men and women. Testosterone is a sex hormone that both males and females produce. During male puberty, testosterone spikes and remains higher than female testosterone levels throughout the lifetime. Testosterone levels naturally vary across different ages, reflecting significant changes in a man’s life.

Hone-affiliated medical practices are independently owned and operated by licensed physicians who provide services using the Hone telehealth platform. For more information about the relationship between Hone and the medical practices, click here. Dr. James R. Staheli is the Medical Director for Broad Health, Hone Health’s affiliated medical practice and a family medicine doctor in Atlanta, Georgia. Mike McAvennie is an editorial director and writer with extensive experience driving original content production on a global scale.

Once you receive your test results, you’ll have an in-depth online consultation with an experienced Opt Health professional. You’re considering Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), but you’re not sure where to start. Treatments for low or high testosterone will depend on the underlying health condition.