If you've had your testosterone checked or are considering it, one of the first things you probably want to know is how your levels compare to others your age. Testosterone levels generally follow a pattern as you get older, but the ranges are wider than many people expect. What's considered "normal" is more complex than just a single number on a lab report.
General Testosterone Ranges by Age
Testosterone levels are measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood. Exact ranges can differ depending on the lab, but here is a general guide for men by age. In the late teens and twenties, total testosterone usually ranges from 300 to 1,200 ng/dL, with most men between 400 and 900. In your thirties, average levels start to drop slowly, and the typical range becomes about 300 to 1,000 ng/dL.
In your forties and fifties, average testosterone keeps dropping, and many men have levels between 250 and 850 ng/dL. In your sixties and later, total testosterone often falls between 200 and 700 ng/dL, although some men keep higher levels as they age. These are just general trends, not strict rules. Everyone is different, and your best level depends on more than just your age.
Why "Normal" Ranges Can Be Misleading
Lab reference ranges for testosterone come from data on men of all ages and health backgrounds. When a lab report lists a "normal range: 264–1,000 ng/dL," it's based on a wide group, from men in their twenties to those in their seventies. So, a 40-year-old with a testosterone level of 300 ng/dL is technically "normal," but he's at the low end and might still have noticeable symptoms.
That's why many doctors say it's important to look at testosterone levels in context. Even if your number is within the lab's reference range, it can still be low for you, especially if you have symptoms like tiredness, low sex drive, loss of muscle, or mood changes.
Total Testosterone vs. Free Testosterone
A chart that shows only total testosterone doesn't give the full picture. Total testosterone includes both the hormone attached to proteins in your blood (mainly SHBG and albumin) and the small amount that's unbound, or "free." Only free testosterone is active in your body, since it can enter cells and have effects.
SHBG levels go up as you get older, so more of your total testosterone gets tied up and can't be used. For example, a man with a total testosterone of 500 ng/dL but high SHBG might have less active testosterone than someone with 400 ng/dL and low SHBG. That's why it's important to check total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG together.
What a Declining Trend Means
One testosterone test is just a snapshot. Watching your levels over time gives a better idea of whether they're really dropping. For example, if your testosterone was 700 ng/dL five years ago and is now 350 ng/dL, that's a big decrease, even though 350 is still technically in the normal range. The trend is just as important as the number itself.
When to Take Action
There isn't a single number that means you need treatment. Deciding whether to start testosterone therapy depends on your lab results, your symptoms, and your health goals. The Endocrine Society suggests thinking about treatment if your total testosterone is always below 300 ng/dL and you have symptoms, but many doctors look at each person's situation individually.
At HRT Wellness, we look at your testosterone levels along with your overall health, symptoms, and goals. Book a consultation to get a complete evaluation and find out exactly where you stand.
References
- Travison TG, et al. A population-level decline in serum testosterone levels in American men. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2007;92(1):196–202.
- Bhasin S, et al. Reference ranges for testosterone in men. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2011;96(8):2430–2439.
- Bhasin S, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2018;103(5):1715–1744.