Testosterone levels are at their highest during adolescence and early adulthood. Testosterone levels may start to decline after age 30 years in males and between ages 45 and 55 years in females.
Testosterone is a hormone in both males and females that plays a key role in several bodily functions,
- sex drive
- sperm production
- bone health
- cognitive performance
- muscle mass
- energy levels
As you grow older, the level of testosterone in your body naturally decreases, leading to a variety of changes.
Learn more about testosterone levels by age, as well as symptoms and management tips for abnormal testosterone levels.
Language matters
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Testosterone is measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
According to the American Urological Association (AUA), healthy male testosterone levels range between 450 and 600 ng/dL, and low testosterone is below 300 ng/dL.
However, there’s no official consensus on healthy testosterone levels.
Healthcare professionals recognize the wide variability of laboratory ranges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has a
The chart below outlines the testosterone levels recorded from the largest medical labs in the United States:
| Age (years) | Male (ng/dL) | Female (ng/dL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 10 | 2.5 to 10 | 2.5 to 10 |
| 10 to 18 | 100 to 970 | 15 to 38 |
| 18 and older | 264 to 916 | • premenopausal: 10 to 55 • postmenopausal: 7 to 40 |
Testosterone levels reach their peak around age 18 before declining throughout the remainder of adulthood.
Testosterone is necessary for fetal development during pregnancy because it helps control the development of the male reproductive system.
A 2018 study in 60 children found that testosterone levels in the womb may also affect how your right and left brain function.
Testosterone levels are at their highest during adolescence and early adulthood.
In males, the first physical signs of testosterone are those associated with puberty,
- deepening voice
- growth of hair, such as facial hair
- muscle growth
As males age, their testosterone levels may decline by up to
In people who are premenopausal, testosterone is made mainly in the ovaries. Research suggests that females produce
After menopause, usually between ages 45 and 55 years, testosterone levels begin to decrease.
According to the AUA, low testosterone for adult males who don’t have obesity is below 300 ng/dL. However, laboratories may report levels down to 264 ng/dL as within the normal range.
Low testosterone levels for adult premenopausal females are 10 to 55 ng/dL, and for postmenopausal females, 7 to 40 ng/dL.
Signs and symptoms of low testosterone may include:
- reduced sexual desire, or low libido
- fewer spontaneous erections
- impotence
- erectile dysfunction (ED)
- infertility
- changes in sleep patterns
- difficulty concentrating
- lack of motivation
- reduced muscle bulk and strength
- decreased bone density
- large breasts in males
- depression
- fatigue
Testosterone is the main male hormone, but females also need it for healthy body functioning. Females typically have much lower testosterone levels than males.
When people enter menopause, their estrogen levels typically drop. This, in turn, makes their male hormones, also known as androgens, somewhat higher.
Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may also
High testosterone levels in females may lead to several symptoms,
Low testosterone in females may
- cognition changes
- decreased libido
- bone loss
- decreased muscle mass
- fatigue
- changes in mood
The best way to check for low testosterone is to visit a doctor for a physical exam and a blood test.
The most common type of testosterone test is a total testosterone test, which measures the free testosterone in your blood and testosterone attached to proteins. Other tests measure these factors individually.
Testosterone tests should be performed before 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. when testosterone levels are highest.
Some at-home testosterone testing kits are also available.
Testosterone levels naturally decrease as you age.
However, other factors may also play a role in decreasing testosterone levels, such as:
- some chronic conditions, such as kidney and liver diseases
- thyroid gland disorders
- ovary disorders
- obesity
- HIV infection
- testicle injury
- early or delayed puberty
- excessive alcohol use
- genetic conditions that appear at birth, such as Klinefelter syndrome
Testosterone levels that are higher than the healthy range may be caused by:
- PCOS
- using anabolic steroids
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
- testicular or adrenal tumors
Learn more about the causes of low testosterone.
Treatment for abnormal testosterone levels will depend on several factors.
If your testosterone level is too low, a doctor may suggest testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which is available as:
The
Some medications used to treat high testosterone levels in females
Is 500 a good testosterone level?
The designation of “healthy range” for testosterone levels depends on age and laboratory assay. Professional organizations have not set a target range, but 500 ng/dL falls within the AUA’s normal testosterone range of 450 to 600 ng/dL.
What is considered low testosterone in males?
According to the AUA, low testosterone is below 300 ng/dL.
Should a 70-year-old male take testosterone?
Speak with a healthcare professional about whether you should take testosterone. They will assess your symptoms and test your testosterone levels to help provide a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan, if necessary.
It’s natural to be concerned about lower testosterone levels.
However, a gradual decrease is a normal part of aging.
Speak with a doctor if you’re worried or experiencing abnormal symptoms. They could measure your testosterone levels and help develop a treatment plan, if necessary.