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DO YOU WONDER if your testosterone levels are within a healthy, normal range? It’s actually a pretty important question, since low testosterone can cause a lot of unpleasant effects, including everything from a low sex drive to muscle loss, and a tanking mood to low energy.
But, the tricky thing is that what’s considered “normal” varies from person to person. “Truthfully, it’s not really black or white,” says Justin Dubin, M.D., a urologist and men’s health specialist at Memorial Healthcare System. “Physicians have to understand the situation.”
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Testosterone is a hormone produced by your testicles that plays an essential role in your sex drive, sperm production, muscle growth, bone growth, hair growth, voice deepening, and red blood cell production.
Having low testosterone doesn’t necessarily require treatment. “There are guys who feel completely normal and may not want an intervention,” Dr. Dubin says. “There’s more to people than just numbers, so you treat someone based on their story and their labs.”
Plus, your levels fluctuate throughout the day, and what’s considered normal varies depending on several factors.
What Testosterone Level Is Considered Normal?
What’s considered to be a normal, healthy testosterone level is anything within a huge range. Healthy levels are typically between 264 and 916 ng/dL. Low testosterone is often considered to be 300 ng/dL or lower, while high testosterone is above 1,000 ng/dL.
“In general, testosterone levels tend to decrease with age, starting in the 30s.” says Brian Black, D.O., an American Osteopathic Association board-certified family medicine physician.” Testosterone levels can vary significantly from person to person and can fluctuate throughout the day even, with levels generally being highest in the morning.”
Since testosterone levels peak in the morning, that’s when doctors typically test your levels, Dr. Black says. Two tests are done on different days to get a good reading. If your testosterone is on the low end, your doctor will determine the best treatment plan, he adds. Testosterone therapy is a common treatment.
What Affects Testosterone Levels?
So many factors influence your testosterone levels. And even if your level is below 300 ng/dL, you might not experience the symptoms of low testosterone. “It’s not like if someone hits 300, automatically, you have low testosterone, or if you have 315, you don’t have low testosterone,” says Dr. Dubin.
Age is a big influencer. As you get older, you’ll likely see your total testosterone levels decline by about 1.6 percent a year.
Weight plays a role, too. There’s a link between obesity and low testosterone. Leptin, a hormone found in fat cells, is thought to inhibit testosterone production, Dr. Dubin says. Excess fat cells can also increase estrogen levels, which lowers testosterone.
Other factors that might lower your testosterone include:
● Medication, including chemotherapy
● Testicle injury
● Thyroid functioning problems
● Chronic diseases or infections, like HIV
● Opioid drug use
More Testosterone Isn’t Always Better
When it comes to your testosterone numbers, higher isn’t always better. Testosterone levels aren’t a measure of masculinity, doctors say.
“Just because your testosterone is very, very high doesn’t mean you have a better libido or anything,” Dr. Dubin says. “Everyone’s body is different.”
If you’re on the higher end, it can actually be harmful, depending on the numbers, says John Lynam, D.O., an endourogist who is board certified by the American Osteopathic Association. High testosterone can trigger a number of symptoms, like low sperm counts, high blood pressure, mood swings, insomnia, and high blood pressure.
It’s rare for men to naturally have high testosterone. If they do, it’s usually due to testicular tumors or adrenal gland conditions. Men who take anabolic steroids or use testosterone therapy without a doctor’s supervision could have high levels, too, Dr. Black says.
How to Know What Your Testosterone Levels Are
Many doctors don’t advocate that men get their testosterone checked routinely. Generally, they say, it’s not necessary to worry about your exact testosterone number—or even know what it is—unless you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, explains Dr. Black.
“My philosophy has always been more emphasis on treating the person and their symptoms over absolute numbers,” Lynam says. “If your testosterone levels are on the lower end, there are treatment options. If you are on the higher end, it can be harmful. Too much of a good thing can certainly not be a good thing.”
If you’re having symptoms of low testosterone—like low libido, fatigue, depression, erectile dysfunction, or difficulty concentrating—talk to your doctor about getting your testosterone levels checked. If your testosterone levels come back low and you experience symptoms of low testosterone, you may be a candidate for testosterone therapy.
“People are embarrassed many times to talk about these signs and symptoms because there’s a stigma associated with it,” Dr. Dubin says. “But we can’t help you unless you come to see us.”
For nearly 10 years, Christa has created health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness content that’s steeped in science but engaging enough that people actually want to read it. She’s tuned in to all the latest research that people with an athletic lifestyle need to know, and prides herself on helping her readers apply it to their everyday lives.
Erica Sweeney is a writer who mostly covers health, wellness and careers. She has written for The New York Times, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Parade, Money, Business Insider and many more.
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