Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age, but there is no definitive threshold that distinguishes "low" from "healthy" testosterone levels. However, in general:
- Young men (ages 19-39) should have testosterone levels between 300-1,000 ng/dL with an average around 680 ng/dL
- Middle aged men (ages 40-59) should have testosterone levels between 240-700 ng/dL with an average around 520 ng/dL
- Older men (60 ) should have testosterone levels between 212-640 ng/dL with an average around 410 ng/dL
The Endocrine Society provides the following clinical guidelines for diagnosis of low testosterone:
- Symptomatic men under age 35: less than 300 ng/dL
- Symptomatic men over age 35: less than 250 ng/dL
However, some men can have low-normal testosterone levels and still experience symptoms of low T. Each person's optimal testosterone range is influenced by genetics, lifestyle factors, and specific symptoms.
Factors that impact testosterone levels include:
- Age
- Fitness level and obesity
- Sleep quality
- Stress
- Alcohol and drug use
- Chronic conditions
- Medications
Some symptoms of low testosterone include:
If experiencing these symptoms, have testosterone levels tested to determine if supplementation may help. This involves a simple blood test that measures total and free testosterone levels.
There are treatment options available from clinics like Optimal Hormone Solutions() if testosterone levels come back lower than normal. Depending on lab results, Optimal Hormone Solutions physicians may recommend:
- Lifestyle changes: improved diet, exercise, sleep habits
- Testosterone replacement therapy via injections, gels or pellets
- Medications that stimulate natural testosterone production
Testosterone therapy is customized to the patient’s lab results, symptoms, and health history. When administered properly and monitored regularly, testosterone replacement can help restore levels, energy and quality of life.
I hope this overview on what constitutes healthy testosterone levels by age provides some helpful insight. Don't hesitate to reach out to a men's health clinic like Optimal Hormone Solutions if you have any other questions! Their physicians have extensive training and experience optimizing testosterone levels in men as they age.