Normal & Average Testosterone Levels by Age

Testosterone is the primary androgen or male hormone. While it is classified as a “male hormone,” women make and need testosterone, too, although to a lesser extent than men do.

In males, testosterone production begins in the womb. In fact, it is testosterone production and release that leads a fetus to develop as a male. In men, testosterone is responsible for the development of male sexual organs and all of the characteristics we think of as male, i.e., larger muscles, deeper voice, and more extensive body hair.

Women need testosterone to help maintain muscle and bone health. In women, testosterone levels also relate to sex drive, hair health, skin health, and cognitive abilities. If a man or woman has lower than normal testosterone levels, it can lead to many health issues that can impact your ability to enjoy your life to its fullest.

The Average Testosterone Levels by Age

The normal testosterone levels for men and women vary by age. Testosterone level is measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).

The following are the average normal testosterone levels for men and women per age.

• Between the ages of six months and nine years, males and females each have less than between 7 to 20 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of testosterone
• Between the ages of 10 and 11 years, males have less than seven to 130 ng/dL and females have less than seven to 44 ng/dL
• Between the ages of 12 and 16, females have less than 75 ng/dl
• Between the ages of 12 and 13, males have less than 7 to 800 ng/dl and less than 7 to 1,200 ng/dL at the age of 14
• Between the ages of 15 and 16, males have between 100 to 1,200 ng/dL of testosterone

Between the ages of 17 and 18, males have between 300 to 1,200 ng/dL of testosterone, while females have between 20 to 75 ng/dL of testosterone.

Normal testosterone levels in males aged 19 years and older are between 240 to 950 ng/dL, while normal testosterone levels in females aged 19 years and older are between 8 to 60 ng/dL.

Age-Related Testosterone Decline in Men

Testosterone levels in men increase dramatically at puberty and ramp up to their peak levels at about 20. After the age of 30, testosterone levels in men start a steady decline. On average, for men over 40 but under 50, normal testosterone levels range from 252 to 916 ng/dL. Once a man I over 50, that range drops to between 215 to 878 ng/dL.

There are two things to take away from this. One that the older you get, the lower your testosterone levels can drop. More importantly, normal testosterone is not a fixed level; it is always a range. This is because what could be “normal” for you could be a high or low testosterone level for someone else.

The following charts illustrate the normal testosterone level ranges per age for men and women.

What is Considered Low Testosterone?

It can be hard to say what is considered “low testosterone.” This is simply because how much testosterone is right for you may be too low for someone else. What is “normal” can and does vary from patient to patient.

However, generally speaking, low testosterone levels in men are identified as 300 ng/dL or less. For middle-aged women, testosterone levels are considered below normal at levels of around 25 ng/dL or less.

When considering if you have low testosterone, rather than talking in terms of what may be considered clinically “normal,” it’s better to talk about how you feel. The signs of low testosterone in men include:

• Sex health issues such as low libido drive and erectile difficulties
• Low sperm count and/or fertility issues
• Lack of energy
• Disrupted sleep
• Lowered bone density
• Reduced ability to build muscle, even when working out
• Weight gain, particularly increased belly fat
• Mood swings
• Anxiety and depression
• Memory loss and other cognitive difficulties

Low testosterone in women may be indicated by the following:

• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Osteoporosis
• Low sex drive, vaginal dryness, and painful intercourse
• Weight gain
• Worsening menopausal symptoms

How Can I Tell If My Testosterone Levels are Normal?

Any or all of the symptoms above could mean that you have suboptimal testosterone levels. However, the only way to know for sure is with a testosterone blood test. Testing your testosterone level is as simple as any other blood test.

How Is Low Testosterone Treated?

If the results of your tests indicate that your testosterone levels are indeed low, the best form of treatment is testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy is available in many forms. Testosterone can be administered as topical creams, skin patches, sub-dermal pellets, or testosterone injections.

Your doctor will decide which is right for you, depending on your test results, your presenting symptoms, and your individual needs and lifestyle. Often testosterone therapy is combined with other hormone replacement therapies, such as estrogen replacement for women or growth hormone therapy for men or women.

How Do I Find The Right Doctor for Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is as much of an art as a science. You want to get your testosterone therapy from a facility with a proven track record in understanding the nuances of prescribing hormone replacement for your unique needs and lifestyle.

At Hormone Logics, we look at each patient as the individual he or she is. We take a holistic approach to HRT that looks beyond just your hormone levels. We look at your overall health, lifestyle, and wellness goals, to design a hormone replacement therapy program customized to help you achieve your unique personal best!

Now that you know a little bit more about normal testosterone levels by age, why not call us today at (800) 754-1481, or request an appointment online.