What is a normal level of testosterone in males by age?

It’s essential to understand the normal testosterone level in men by age. Testosterone is an important male hormone in the body. When the testosterone level drops, it can decrease sperm production, low energy, less muscle mass, and even loss of your sex drive.

The man’s body produces testosterone through the testicles. This hormone takes part in the person’s appearance and sexual development. For example, a man with healthy testosterone levels will make facial hairs. Muscle mass and testosterone levels also have a relation between them.

Now the big question arises: What is a normal level of testosterone in males? You must know what it is, what it does, and what to do when it’s low. So without any delay, let’s dig into the details.

The normal level of testosterone

The normal and healthy testosterone level in the bloodstream varies according to protein status, thyroid function, and other factors. According to the American Urological Association guidelines, the normal level of testosterone in males is 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).

Men who have testosterone below 300ng/dl are diagnosed with low testosterone. For women, the normal level ranges from 8 to 60ng/dL. At 18, the testosterone level reaches its peak before declining throughout adulthood.

Normal testosterone levels in males by age

Testosterone is measured in ng/dL. According to the AUA, the average testosterone level in men should be at least 300ng/dL. The results below the number show that the person has low testosterone. The level peak point is usually at the age of 18.

The body starts producing testosterone even during infancy, as it results in the development of the male reproductive system.

• In the womb

During pregnancy, testosterone is essential for normal fetal development. It also controls the development of the male reproductive system in the womb. Research that involved 60 children stated that testosterone also affects the functioning of the left and right brains.

The testosterone level is narrow so that the fetal brain can develop healthily. A high level of testosterone is linked to autism.

• Adolescence to early adulthood

During early adulthood and adolescence, testosterone levels are at their peak. The first physical signs of androgen and testosterone in males are their voice change, broad shoulders, more masculine features, and body hair.

Here is the normal level of testosterone in males by age group.

• Children

During the first couple of months, the male baby produces around 75-400 ng/dL. When he ages 10 to 11 years old, it changes to 7-130 ng/dL.

• Early teens

Between 12 to 13 years of age, a male body has around 7-800 ng/dL. By the age of 16 years, it comes to 100 to 1200 ng/dL.

• Late teens

Anyone around 17 to 18 years old should have a testosterone level between 300 to 1200 ng/dL.

• Adults

An adult 19 years or older must have a testosterone level between 240 and 950 ng/dL.

To confirm the testosterone level, a doctor can perform a blood test. The ideal time to test the testosterone level is 7 to 10 a.m. as, at this time, the testosterone levels are at their peak.

Test and diagnosis

The best way to get a low testosterone diagnosis is by visiting the doctor for a physical examination or a blood test. The doctor will look at sexual development and physical appearance. The blood test should be performed in the morning as the testosterone levels are high before 10:00 a.m. Men over 45 can be tested any time till 2:00 p.m.

Risks linked with the blood test are rare but may include bleeding, infection, or pain at the injection site.

Symptoms of low testosterone

A testosterone test measures the hormone level in the blood. Some people are born with certain conditions those results in a low level of testosterone in the body. Some illness and testosterone killing food can result in a low level of testosterone and damages the ovaries or testicles that produce the hormones.

Besides, the level may also start dropping with age. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advice against the low testosterone replacement theory as it benefits low levels due to aging.

Low level of testosterone causes changes in sexual functioning and includes;

Some other signs of low testosterone include:

If you feel the above symptoms, consult the doctor and have a test.

Side effects of Low Testosterone

When a man’s testosterone gets too low, they may experience some side effects like:

Erectile dysfunction in men with low testosterone

Testosterone doesn’t impact erections. However, it does stimulate the receptors of the brain that triggers arousal. A study states that low testosterone is directly linked with chronic diseases, even in 40 years old men and younger. The latest study also reveals that low testosterone levels are linked to severe cases of Covid-19.

Having trouble maintaining an erection isn’t always connected to low testosterone levels. There can be many different reasons, like high blood pressure, etc.

Low testosterone treatment for men

If you have low testosterone production, the doctor recommends different solutions like testosterone therapy. It comes in other arms, like patches, gels, creams, and pallets. People who are interested in testosterone therapy must consult a doctor beforehand.

Though it’s normal to have low testosterone levels in the body as we age, the low level can result in some severe health problems. For example, the low energy levels in the body make it difficult for people to lose weight.

You can take actions to improve testosterone levels that also support medical treatments like the testosterone replacement theory.

1. Regular Exercise

Daily exercise can improve testosterone levels and raise them back to recommended levels. According to the research, people who exercise daily have higher testosterone levels.

The research states that there was a difference in the testosterone level of the men who live a sedentary life to the man who has an active lifestyle. Weight lifting is the ideal exercise for weight loss, muscle gain, and boosting testosterone levels.

2. Dietary Changes

In male adults losing extra fat can improve testosterone levels. So, if you are overweight and have testosterone deficiency, then switching to the weight loss diet is the best option. Doctors also recommend eating a healthy amount of protein.

Following high-resistance training, you can add more carbs to your diet plan.

3. Low The Stress Levels

Stress can raise cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that lowers testosterone production in the body. You need to make every possible change to reduce stress levels. The changes can be living a balanced lifestyle and getting proper sleep.

Spending time under the sun will give the body the required vitamin D to benefit testosterone production.

Conclusion

According to the experts, men should have a check on their testosterone levels once they reach the age of 35. You can have a check every 5 years after 35. But if the patient has gone through the testosterone replacement theory, he must keep a close eye on the levels to avoid a sudden spike.

Please take the necessary precautions to avoid the sudden rise or drop in testosterone levels. It also shows the importance of the average level of testosterone in males.

FAQ’s

• What should a 50-year-old man’s testosterone level be?

Most doctors agree that an average level falls anywhere between 300 to 1000 ng/dL. About 40% of men who are over 45 will have levels that fall below the range.

• Does masturbating reduce testosterone levels?

The short answer is no. Ejaculation and masturbation don’t have adverse or long-term effects on testosterone levels.

• What level is low for testosterone?

According to American urology, any level below 300 ng/dL is too low for the testosterones. Consult the health specialist to overcome the issue.

• How to increase the cholesterol level quickly?

Here are a few expert tips that can help improve cholesterol levels.

References:

• https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/testosterone-levels-by-age
• https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/JU.0000000000002928#:~:text=Age%2Dspecific%20middle%20tertile%20levels,350%20ng%2FdL%2C%20respectively.
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323085
• https://www.webmd.com/men/features/keep-testosterone-in-balance
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36282060/
• https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/testosterone