Healthy testosterone levels on mass spectrometry are 10.4-30.1 nmol/L in men 21 to 35 years with healthy reproductive function, and 7.4-28 nmol/L in unselected young men, the guidelines say. Very healthy men aged 70 to 89 have a healthy range of 6.4-25.6 nmol/L.
Doctors measure testosterone in nanomoles per litre (nmol/l) and the reported “normal” healthy range in males is anywhere from 9.2 to 31.8 nmol/L.
18 In men aged 21–35 years with normal reproductive function (ie, proven normal testes and semen analysis), the reference interval for total testosterone measured using mass spectrometry is 10.4–30.1 nmol/L. 12 The reference interval using mass spectrometry in unselected young men is 7.4–28.0 nmol/L.
Age-specific middle tertile levels were 409-558 ng/dL for men 20-24 years old, 413-575 ng/dL for 25-29 years old, 359-498 ng/dL for 30-34 years old, 352-478 ng/dL for 35-39 years old, and 350-473 ng/dL for 40-44 years old.
American consensus statements say above 11.1 nmol/L is normal, below 6.9 nmol/L is diagnostic of hypogonadism, and 6.9–11.1 nmol/L is equivocal.
While normal is defined as total testosterone of 300–1000 ng/dL, patients in the 300–350 ng/dL range are viewed as borderline low, Dr. Eleswarapu says.
Most doctors agree that a “normal” reading falls anywhere between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). About 40% of men over age 45 will have levels that come in below that range. But a low reading by itself isn't enough to warrant alarm.
“Exercise will boost testosterone, though certain types of exercise increase testosterone more than others,” says Richard Jadick, D.O., a Piedmont urologist. Exercise can raise testosterone because it promotes: Muscle building. The more muscle you have, the higher your testosterone levels.
Diagnostic Tests
Men older than age 65 should have a testosterone level of about 300–450 ng/dL. Testosterone levels below 300 affect approximately 40 percent of men older than age 45, including 2 out of 10 men over 60, 3 out of 10 men over 70, and 3 out of 10 men over 80 years old.
The American Urology Association (AUA) identifies low blood testosterone (Low-T) as less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). These symptoms or conditions may accompany Low-T: Low sex drive. Fatigue.
Normal Results
Normal measurements for these tests: Male: 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or 10 to 35 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) Female: 15 to 70 ng/dL or 0.5 to 2.4 nmol/L.
How can I get my testosterone levels tested? Your doctor can check your testosterone levels with a blood test. Testosterone levels can vary, so if you have a low level on one blood test, you should have a second test to confirm it.
According to recent guidelines from the American Urological Association (AUA), a testosterone level of at least 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) is normal for a man. A man with a testosterone level below 300 ng/dL should be diagnosed with low testosterone.
Total testosterone levels of less than 8 nmol/l highly support a diagnosis of hypogonadism whereas levels greater than 12 nmol/l are likely to be normal. The grey zone between 8 and 12 nmol/l requires further evaluation and assessment of free or non-sex hormone-binding globulin-bound (bioavailable) testosterone.
Resistance training like weightlifting is the best type of exercise to boost testosterone in both the short and long term. It's been found to be especially helpful for men.
Testosterone levels depend largely on age, genetics and existing medical conditions. Adult males under 50 years of age with testosterone levels between 230-350 ng/dL and adult males over 50 years of age with testosterone levels between 300-500 ng/dL are typically diagnosed with Low T.
A score below 300 is considered low testosterone or male hypogonadism. Doctors expect a slow, gradual decline in the hormone with age. Men over 50, in particular, can expect to lose 0.4% of testosterone production yearly.
Most older men don't need testosterone replacement, new guidelines say. (Reuters Health) - Older men whose testosterone levels have dropped over the years should only be given testosterone replacement to treat sexual dysfunction, according to new guidelines from the American College of Physicians released on Monday.
A lack of testosterone can sometimes have long-term, serious effects on the body. In men with very low levels, the bones can become weak, potentially causing a condition called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes people considerably more prone to injury.
Low testosterone can cause you to lose some facial hair, pubic hair, and hair on your arms and lower legs. But one thing you should know. There's a link between testosterone therapy and male-pattern balding. Your doctor can talk to you about any side effects of testosterone treatment.
There may be certain lifestyle changes to help increase testosterone levels, such as adding resistance exercise and losing weight. Research indicates that resistance exercise, such as lifting weights, is related to temporary increases in testosterone levels.