Is Your Testosterone Level Normal?

November 9, 2023

3 min read

It’s not just men that have testosterone, women have testosterone too. This powerful hormone is tasked with a variety of important functions for everyone, regardless of age — or sex! It plays a vital role in sex drive, promotes muscle growth, increases energy levels, and regulates sperm production.

Due to its essential functions in the body, it’s worth checking out if you think your testosterone levels are out of whack.

So how do you know if your testosterone levels are normal? And how can low testosterone affect you? Are there ways to increase testosterone levels? Below, we’ll answer all of these questions and more.

What is Low Testosterone?

Testosterone is produced in the testicles and ovaries. For males, testosterone levels are very important for ensuring normal functions and sexual development. Testosterone levels vary depending on age and never disappear completely. Testosterone peaks between ages 25 and 29 and often decreases at or around age 30 for men.

Low testosterone, or low T, in young boys can result in problems with sexual development and masculinization. With low T, they may not go through puberty the same way other boys do. For example, they may not grow facial hair, their voice may not deepen, their genitals may not enlarge, and they may experience lower libido.

Low testosterone doesn’t just render physical problems, in fact, it can also cognitive health and function.

Females also require certain levels of testosterone to maintain a normal and healthy body and mind. However, males require far more testosterone than females do.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

For males, low testosterone can result in the following:

Hair loss
Fragile skin
Less muscle
Reduced libido
Concentration and memory issues
Mood disturbances

In females, low testosterone can result in:

Low libido
Fertility issues
Reduced bone density, or osteoporosis
Vaginal dryness
Irregular or missed periods

Causes of Low Testosterone

There are many potential causes of low testosterone including:

Infection or injury to the testicles
Diseases and tumors of the pituitary gland
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Obesity
Long-term use of some medications like opioids
HIV and AIDS

It’s not uncommon for people to have low testosterone and their healthcare professional can’t pin it on a specific cause. It’s common for older men to have low testosterone, even if the reason is unknown. Luckily, there are treatments for it.

Treatment of Low Testosterone

If you or your doctor suspects you have low testosterone, they will first test you to measure the testosterone levels in your blood.

Normal levels of testosterone in males are 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl) and 15 to 70 ng/dl for females.

Treatment will depend on what’s causing low testosterone levels. For example, if it’s an infection or injury, treatment of the infection or injury may help return testosterone to normal levels. If you’re overweight, you may regain normal testosterone levels by exercising more, improving your diet, and losing weight.

Testosterone therapy may be an option if changes to your lifestyle aren’t applicable or effective.

High Testosterone

While low testosterone is far more common for men, high testosterone comes with its problems too. High testosterone can result in early puberty or growth spurts. In all sexes, it can result in obesity, metabolic disorders, and infertility.

Takeaway

Testosterone is a vital hormone for all sexes. When it’s at the right level it influences both our bodies, minds, and our sexual development. However, when these levels fall below or exceed normal levels, problems can occur. If you believe you may have high or low testosterone, you should speak with a healthcare professional.

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