What you eat can affect levels of testosterone as well as other hormones. According to a 2020 literature review, the effects on testosterone levels can vary based on several factors, including the type of exercise and the training intensity. Otherwise, be reassured that testosterone levels can gradually decline as you get older. Despite the growing trends in testosterone therapy, there’s no need to worry or obsess over your testosterone levels. Finding that your testosterone levels are very low, though, doesn’t automatically mean that you need treatment. Some specific testosterone levels for different ages are listed below. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any medical treatment, including testosterone replacement therapy. Every TRT program begins with in-depth blood work that goes beyond basic testosterone levels. Many side effects stem from testosterone levels that are too high. Most TRT side effects are mild to moderate and often resolve as the body adjusts to new hormone levels. Research often highlights the dangers of long-term stress, which can elevate levels of the hormone cortisol. Interestingly, testosterone also plays an important role in female health and sexual well-being. If you're experiencing low energy, reduced muscle mass, low libido, or mood changes, this test checks key male hormones that influence strength, vitality, and overall well-being Healthy testosterone levels are also important for people assigned female at birth, along with other key hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. For example, a 50-year-old man with testosterone levels of 8.5 nmol/l but no symptoms would unlikely benefit from treatment, even though his levels are outside the normal range. For men with low blood testosterone levels and symptoms most likely caused by a low level, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy usually outweigh potential risks. While there’s a clinical reference on "healthy" levels of testosterone, there’s no established information on the optimal range to diagnose abnormal levels in women. Below is a chart representing the normal range for female testosterone levels by age and ng/dL. If you're dealing with these issues, a drop in testosterone may be the root cause of the issues you're experiencing, and it may be time to consider getting your hormone levels checked. While studies offer useful benchmarks, your symptoms are often the best indicator of whether your hormones are truly optimal. Teen boys can reach peak levels around age 19, often above 300 ng/dL, with those levels staying high until the thirties, when a gradual decline begins.
