Testosterone Levels: Normal Levels by Age, Gender, and More (2025)

Normal testosterone levels support sexual development, libido, healthy muscles and bones, and well-regulated moods. A hormone that acts as a chemical messenger, testosterone is important for both men and women. Too much or too little testosterone can lead to unwelcome symptoms.

This article discusses normal testosterone levels, how do determine your testosterone levels, and treatment for testosterone-related problems.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is an androgen hormone that’s produced by the adrenal cortex, the testes, and the ovaries.

The endocrine glands make hormones. Men produce hormones in their testes, and women make them in their ovaries.

Testosterone and estrogen are two of the most well-known hormones. Though testosterone is typically recognized as the “male hormone” and estrogen is often referred to as the “female hormone,” they’re both found in people of any sex. Both men and women can experience health problems if their testosterone levels are out of the normal range.

Normal Testosterone Levels

Under normal circumstances, testosterone performs many important functions in your body.

In men, the hormone plays a key role in:

• Sex drive
• Sperm production
• Muscle and bone growth
• Deepening of the voice and hair growth
• The development of male sex organs
• Mood

Generally, healthcare providers consider normal testosterone levels in men to be between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). These ranges may vary slightly depending on the criteria used by your provider or laboratory.

Your testosterone levels may be higher or lower based on your age, sex, medications you take, and other health conditions you have.

Testosterone production tends to slow as a person ages.

Testosterone in Women

Though women produce less testosterone than men, the hormone still plays a vital role in how a woman's body functions.

In women, testosterone helps with:

• Bone strength
• Ovarian function
• Sex drive

A normal level of testosterone in women is considered to be between 15-70 ng/dL.

Symptoms of High or Low Testosterone

You might start to notice changes if your testosterone levels become too high or low.

Symptoms of High Testosterone in Men

Having too much testosterone isn’t a common problem for men. However, males who do have too much testosterone may experience:

• Acne and oily skin
• Aggressive behavior and irritability
• Increased muscle mass and strength
• Reduced fertility
• Increased body hair
• Thinning hair or male-pattern baldness
• Sleep apnea
• Fluid retention/weight gain
• Prostate enlargement
• Gynecomastia (increase in breast tissue)
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease or liver changes

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men

Low testosterone is more common among men. This condition may cause the following symptoms:

• Reduced sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Low semen volume
• Fatigue and decreased energy levels
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increased body fat
• Increased irritability, depression, or anxiety
• Lower bone density
• Memory and concentration issues
• Hair loss
• Reduced hemoglobin and anemia
• Hot flashes

Symptoms of High Testosterone in Women

The correct balance between testosterone and estrogen is crucial for the ovaries to work properly. Women with too much testosterone may experience a deep voice or a decrease in breast size.

One of the most common causes of high testosterone in women is a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by enlarged ovaries with small cysts.

Symptoms of high testosterone in women may include:

• Excess body and facial hair
• Acne and oily skin
• Deepening of the voice
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Thinning scalp hair
• Increased muscle mass
• Enlarged clitoris
• Reduced breast size
• Mood changes
• Ovarian cysts
• Infertility

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women

Women can also have a testosterone deficiency, which may cause:

• Irregular periods
• Fertility issues
• Osteoporosis
• Low sex drive
• Vaginal dryness
• Breast changes
• Depression or poor concentration

Checking Testosterone Levels

If your healthcare provider suspects that your testosterone levels may be too high or too low, they might recommend a blood test to measure the hormone levels accurately.

Most of the testosterone in your blood is bound to two proteins, while a portion of it, known as free testosterone or bioavailable testosterone, remains unbound and active.

There are two main types of testosterone blood tests:

• Total testosterone: This test measures both free and protein-bound testosterone in the blood.
• Free testosterone: This test specifically measures the unbound testosterone.

Additionally, other tests may be conducted to get a comprehensive understanding of hormone levels, including:

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test: Measures the levels of LH, which stimulates testosterone production in the testes.
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test: Assesses FSH levels, which play a role in sperm production.
• Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) Test: Determines the amount of SHBG in your blood, which binds to testosterone and affects the amount of free testosterone.
• Estradiol Test: Measures levels of estradiol, a form of estrogen that can be influenced by testosterone levels.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) Test: Evaluates the levels of DHEA-S, a precursor hormone that can be converted into testosterone and estrogen.

These tests should be conducted in the morning (typically between 7-9AM) when testosterone levels are at their peak. However, due to fluctuations in testosterone levels throughout the day, multiple tests may be necessary to confirm your levels accurately.

Some studies suggest that saliva tests can also provide an accurate measure of testosterone levels in the body.

Treatment for Abnormal Testosterone Levels

If you and your healthcare provider decide to treat low testosterone levels, you may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). With this treatment, you are essentially supplementing your body with the testosterone it’s missing.

Testosterone is available in the following forms:

• Oral capsules, including Kyzatrex, Jatenzo, and Tlando
• Gel
• Topical solution
• Patch
• Injection: Short or long acting (Aveeed)
• Implantable pellet (implanted under the skin)
• Intranasal gel (in the nose)

Your healthcare provider can help you determine which formulation of testosterone is most suitable for you.

Recent studies have shown that the use of TRT is increasing, and more than half of prescriptions for testosterone are written by primary healthcare providers. Healthcare providers may also prescribe:

• Antiandrogen medications likeAldactone (spironolactone)
• Diabetes drugs like Actos (pioglitazone)
• Oral contraceptives to help lower testosterone levels

Treatments for high testosterone levels may include lifestyle changes, including exercise to improve symptoms. Some research has shown that certain lifestyle habits may help boost testosterone levels. Exercise, particularly weight-lifting, may be one way to increase levels, though more research is needed on the type of exercise, duration, and other variables.

Other studies have found eating a healthy diet, minimizing stress, and getting enough sleep can increase testosterone levels or help normalize hormone levels.

Summary

Testosterone is an important hormone for both men and women. If your testosterone levels are too low or high, you might develop symptoms that interfere with your daily life. A simple blood test can help you determine if your levels are in the normal range, which are 300–1,000 ng/dL for men and 15–70 ng/dL for women. Treatments are available if your testosterone levels are abnormal.

If you feel like your testosterone levels might be too high or too low, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you decide if a blood test is warranted. If you need treatment, your provider can also help you understand the risks and benefits of different therapies.