Male Testosterone Levels by Age: Whats Normal, Whats Not, and How to Check Yours

What are Normal Testosterone Levels in Men by Age? Rebalance Health

Research suggests that females produce three times more testosterone than estrogen before menopause. You could fill a whole refrigerator with the variety of hormone-healthy foods you can add to your plate. Focus on eating a high-protein diet, and consider adding these 14 testosterone-boosting foods to your grocery list.

Consulting with our specialists can guide you to the best treatment options. Such findings underscore the importance of a tailored approach to health assessment, where both the numbers and individual experiences are considered. As research in this field progresses, our understanding of testosterone’s impact on men’s health will continue to evolve, potentially leading to more personalized healthcare strategies.

Sleep quality is another critical factor, as testosterone production occurs predominantly during deep sleep cycles. Managing stress levels through mindfulness practices, exercise, and adequate relaxation also helps regulate cortisol, a hormone that, when elevated, can suppress does testosterone cause high red blood cell count production. While it is typically more effective in younger men who have low testosterone levels, TRT can also be beneficial for older men seeking to address their low testosterone symptoms.

Testosterone levels begin to gradually decline in males, starting in their 40s and 50s. Both males and females have similar testosterone levels in childhood. As puberty approaches, testosterone levels rise significantly in people assigned male at birth.

But many men experience symptoms at much higher levels, depending on factors like receptor sensitivity, thyroid function, and free testosterone. Foods that are high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) like flaxseed, some vegetable oils, and nuts may also decrease testosterone levels. If you drink herbal teas or other flavored drinks, you might have seen licorice root as an ingredient on the label. Licorice root may significantly decrease testosterone levels in as little as one week if taken in large quantities. Processed foods high in trans fats may also decrease testosterone and may even reduce sperm count. Opt Health physicians see men who struggle with symptoms of low T every day.

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. The Tanner scale tracks the visual development of children during puberty according to five fixed stages rather than a person’s specific age. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against getting TRT for low levels caused by aging alone. Testosterone levels reach their peak around age 18 before declining throughout the remainder of adulthood. Healthcare professionals recognize the wide variability of laboratory ranges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has a CDC Hormone Standardization Program to increase the accuracy of laboratory tests. We source research from peer-reviewed medical journals, top government agencies, leading academic institutions, and respected advocacy groups.

The lower your testosterone levels, the likelihood of experiencing these side effects increases significantly. Hearing about the consequences of having low testosterone may have you thinking that perhaps more is better. As you will learn in this article, symptoms are a critical factor in determining whether a particular testosterone level is normal.

To diagnose low or high testosterone, a healthcare professional will ask about a person’s medical history and perform a physical examination and order tests. In males, the testes produce testosterone, while the ovaries produce testosterone in females. The adrenal glands also produce small amounts of testosterone in both sexes. As you grow older, the level of testosterone in your body naturally decreases, leading to a variety of changes. James Harrington stands as a leading authority in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

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. The top 1 percent testosterone levels are generally well above the standard reference range, often exceeding 1,100 ng/dL.

In males, these levels tend to peak in adolescence and young adulthood and level out in adulthood. Finally, testosterone is critical for maintaining energy levels and overall vitality. Low levels can lead to fatigue, reducing your ability to engage in daily activities and enjoy life.