What Are Normal Testosterone Levels?

Normal testosterone levels support sexual development, libido, healthy muscles and bones, and well-regulated moods. A hormone that acts as a chemical messenger, testosterone is important for both men and women. Too much or too little testosterone can lead to unwelcome symptoms.

This article discusses normal testosterone levels, how do determine your testosterone levels, and treatment for testosterone-related problems.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is an androgen hormone that’s produced by the adrenal cortex, the testes, and the ovaries.

The endocrine glands make hormones. Men produce hormones in their testes, and women make them in their ovaries.

Testosterone and estrogen are two of the most well-known hormones. Though testosterone is typically recognized as the “male hormone” and estrogen is often referred to as the “female hormone,” they’re both found in people of any sex. Both men and women can experience health problems if their testosterone levels are out of the normal range.

Normal Testosterone Levels

Under normal circumstances, testosterone performs many important functions in your body.

 In men, the hormone plays a key role in:

• Sex drive
• Sperm production
• Muscle and bone growth
• Deepening of the voice and hair growth
• The development of male sex organs
• Mood

Generally, healthcare providers consider normal testosterone levels in men to be between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). These ranges may vary slightly depending on the criteria used by your provider or laboratory.

Your testosterone levels may be higher or lower based on your age, sex, medications you take, and other health conditions you have.

Testosterone production tends to slow as a person ages.

Testosterone in Women

Though women produce less testosterone than men, the hormone still plays a vital role in how a woman's body functions.

In women, testosterone helps with:

• Bone strength
• Ovarian function
• Sex drive

A normal level of testosterone in women is considered to be between 15-70 ng/dL.

Symptoms of High or Low Testosterone

You might start to notice changes if your testosterone levels become too high or low.

Symptoms of High Testosterone in Men

Having too much testosterone isn’t a common problem for men. However, males who do have too much testosterone may experience:

• Low sperm counts
• Prostate enlargement
• Heart muscle damage
• Liver disease
• Acne
• Weight gain
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Fluid retention
• Stunted growth (in teens)
• Aggressive behavior or mood swings
• Headaches
• Increased muscle mass
• Higher risk of blood clots

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men

Low testosterone is more common among men. This condition may cause the following symptoms:

• Breast enlargement
• Low sex drive
• Trouble getting an erection
• Low sperm count
• Fertility issues
• Bone weakness
• Irritability or trouble concentrating
• Hair loss
• Depression
• Loss of muscle mass
• Fatigue
• Hot flashes

Symptoms of High Testosterone in Women

The correct balance between testosterone and estrogen is crucial for the ovaries to work properly. Women with too much testosterone may experience a deep voice or a decrease in breast size.

One of the most common causes of high testosterone in women is a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by enlarged ovaries with small cysts.

Symptoms of high testosterone in women may include:

• Infertility
• Acne
• Irregular periods
• Obesity
• Blood sugar issues
• Extra hair growth
• Male-pattern baldness
• Depression or anxiety

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women

Women can also have a testosterone deficiency, which may cause:

• Irregular periods
• Fertility issues
• Osteoporosis
• Low sex drive
• Vaginal dryness
• Breast changes
• Depression or poor concentration

Checking Testosterone Levels

If your healthcare provider suspects your testosterone levels might be too high or low, they may recommend a blood test to measure the amount of the hormone.

Most of the testosterone in your blood is attached to two proteins, but some testosterone, called free testosterone or bioavailable testosterone, is not attached to proteins.

The two main types of testosterone blood tests are:

• Total testosterone: This test measures both free testosterone and attached testosterone in the blood.
• Free testosterone: This test only measures free testosterone.

You’ll likely have the test in the morning (testosterone levels are highest at this time), but because testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, you may have to have the blood test more than once to confirm your levels.

Some studies have shown that saliva tests might also be used to accurately measure testosterone levels in the body.

Treatment for Abnormal Testosterone Levels

If you and your healthcare provider decide to treat low testosterone levels, you may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). With this treatment, you are essentially supplementing your body with the testosterone it’s missing.

 Testosterone is available in the following forms:

• Oral capsules, including Kyzatrex, Jatenzo, and Tlando
• Gel
• Topical solution
• Patch
• Injection
• Implantable pellet (implanted under the skin)
• Intranasal gel (in the nose)

Your healthcare provider can help you determine which formulation of testosterone is most suitable for you.

Recent studies have shown that the use of TRT is increasing, and more than half of prescriptions for testosterone are written by primary healthcare providers. Healthcare providers may also prescribe:

• Antiandrogen medications like Aldactone (spironolactone)
• Diabetes drugs like Actos (pioglitazone)
• Oral contraceptives to help lower testosterone levels

Treatments for high testosterone levels may include lifestyle changes, including exercise to improve symptoms. Some research has shown that certain lifestyle habits may help boost testosterone levels. Exercise, particularly weight-lifting, may be one way to increase levels, though more research is needed on the type of exercise, duration, and other variables.

Other studies have found eating a healthy diet, minimizing stress, and getting enough sleep can increase testosterone levels or help normalize hormone levels.

Summary

Testosterone is an important hormone for both men and women. If your testosterone levels are too low or high, you might develop symptoms that interfere with your daily life. A simple blood test can help you determine if your levels are in the normal range, which are 300–1,000 ng/dL for men and 15–70 ng/dL for women. Treatments are available if your testosterone levels are abnormal.

If you feel like your testosterone levels might be too high or too low, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you decide if a blood test is warranted. If you need treatment, your provider can also help you understand the risks and benefits of different therapies.