High, Low and Healthy Testosterone Level in Men

Also known as “the male hormone,” testosterone has a large impact on sex drive, confidence, and energy levels in men. As we age, testosterone levels can naturally begin to decrease.

When T levels dip below a healthy level, men can experience a variety of symptoms in their sexual, psychological, and overall health. In this article, you’ll find out:

  • The healthy average testosterone levels by age for all men
  • How to determine if you have clinically low T levels
  • What men can do to treat low testosterone

How Testosterone Levels are Measured

The easiest and most effective way to measure T levels in men is through a simple blood test. This reveals what’s known as “Serum Testosterone Levels,” or the amount of T freely flowing in your blood. Results usually take around 2-7 days to find out.

Normal Testosterone Levels in Men

Each man has a specific amount of testosterone inside his body. If a man has testosterone within normal ranges, he should feel normal and healthy. However if a man is outside of normal ranges, he can experience different several negative health effects.

The Impact of High T Level on Health

High testosterone (significantly above the normal, healthy range) is not particularly common, but it does happen. Men experiencing abnormally high T levels can experience adverse effects, including:

  • Increased breast size, gynecomastia
  • Poor sleep
  • Prostate swelling
  • Acne or oily skin
  • Fluid retention
  • Decreased sperm count

The Impact of Low T Level on Health

Low testosterone is very common among aging men. It can lead to a range of symptoms, such as:

  • Lower sex drive or libido
  • Difficulty achieving erections / decreased erectile function
  • Less muscle mass, reduced strength
  • Reduced energy
  • Weight gain
  • Lower bone density
  • Feeling low, sad, or lacking in confidence

Testosterone Levels in Men by Age

T levels vary widely in men dependent on their age. Generally, males don’t have much testosterone before reaching puberty. Men typically reach their peak T levels around age 18. From there, T levels tend to steadily decline.

Changes in Testosterone Levels with Age

Infants

7-20 ng/dl

Children

8-66 ng/dl

Adolescents

26-800 ng/dl

Young Adults

85-1200 ng/dl

Adults

300-950 ng/dl

Normal T Levels in Infants and Children

Infants and children usually have low levels of testosterone, less than 66 ng/dl. This is because males don’t produce most of their testosterone until after reaching puberty.

Normal T Levels in Adolescents

There’s a wide range of acceptable testosterone levels for adolescent men, typically between 26 and 800 ng/dl. Once an adolescent reaches puberty, T levels begin to increase substantially, to above 300 ng/dl.

Normal T Levels in Adult Men

While this number can range widely, healthy T levels in men typically falls above 300 ng/dl. Many men have testosterone levels significantly higher than this, but certain factors like aging can lead to T levels dropping to lower than 300 ng/dl.

How to Treat Low T Levels

For men with low testosterone, treatment options are available in the form of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). TRT is prescribed by a doctor, typically one specializing in men’s health. The two most popular methods for TRT are biweekly injections or with a daily prescription cream.

Many men prefer to use a testosterone cream because it’s less invasive and requires no needles. It also allows men to administer treatment themselves at home, rather than having to visit a clinic (or learning the process of self-injections). This way, you can restore your testosterone to healthy levels simply by rubbing a prescription cream on your shoulder once per day.

Currently, FountainTRT offers treatment including prescription testosterone cream to men who qualify for a prescription. By taking our free online testosterone assessment, you can find out if you have low T like the millions of other men. FountainTRT offers free online video visits with doctors specializing in men’s health, where patients can be prescribed this easy-to-use testosterone cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Causes Testosterone Levels to Decrease?

T levels in men are subject to a wide array of variables. Here are some common factors that can contribute to lower testosterone:

  • Aging
  • Being overweight
  • Chronic heavy alcohol consumption
  • Poor sleep / sleep apnea
  • Various medications / health conditions
  • Pituitary gland malfunction
  • Testicular injury

What Are Considered Clinically-Low Testosterone Levels?

For adult men, testosterone levels under about 300 ng/dl typically are considered clinically-low. T levels around this point usually come with symptoms, including low sex drive, weight gain, and decreased muscle mass.

How Often Should a Man Check His T Levels?

Men experiencing any of the typical symptoms of low testosterone should have their T levels checked. Low testosterone is very common among adult men and can be treated with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). For more information, visit FountainTRT.com.

What Are Some Reasons a Man Shouldn’t Do Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a safe, effective method that involves prescription treatment from a medical professional. This said, there are a few reasons why a man shouldn’t do TRT:

  • He is not experiencing symptoms of low testosterone
  • His serum testosterone levels are not clinically-low
  • He is looking to have children in the near future (though there are potential options here that can be discussed with a doctor)

Certain medical conditions may also prevent a man from starting TRT, including:

  • Erythrocytosis
  • Prostate cancer
  • Blood clots
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Heart attack / risk of heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Lower extremity edema
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

What Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Feel Like?

TRT offers a wide array of noticeable positive outcomes. Many men report feeling at least one of the following beneficial effects:

  • Increased sex drive
  • Higher energy
  • Restored sexual function
  • An easier time achieving an erection
  • Elevated focus
  • Greater muscle mass / lean body mass
  • More confidence
  • Lower body fat

I’m Around 50 Years Old. What Should My Testosterone Levels Look Like?

Healthy men in their 50s should have T levels above 300 ng/dl, typically. Less than this may indicate clinically-low testosterone levels.

For more information regarding healthy testosterone levels in men and Testosterone Replacement Therapy, visit our homepage.