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What are Testosterone Levels by Age and Why They Matter?
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Constance Odom, MD
About
Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.
Credentials
Medical Director At:
- Nu Image Medical
- MetroMedispa P.A.
Staff Anesthesiologist at:
- Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
- Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
- Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC
Director of Anesthesia Services at:
- Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC
The hormone, testosterone is essential to the proper bodily functioning for both men and women. However, testosterone is the most prevalent in men as the sex hormone. It is responsible for male sexual function and regulates everything from the development of facial features to red blood cell production. Testosterone affects many aspects of a man’s health.
Also known as T levels, testosterone levels vary by age and are affected by a number of factors. By age 10 or 11, males produce a testosterone level of seven to 130 ng/Dl. By the time a male reaches the age of 12 or 13, testosterone levels are seven to 800 nanograms per deciliter (Dl). A male infant should make 75 to 400 ng/Dl. A nanogram is one billionth of a gram, according to My Health Alberta. By age 15 or 16, T levels should be between 100 and 1,200 ng/Dl. Males aged 17 and 18 should have T levels between 300 and 1,200, while men aged 19 and above should have T levels between 240 and 950 ng/Dl.
But what is testosterone exactly, and where does it come from? Testosterone is a hormone that’s manufactured in the testicles. It is there that a man’s body turns cholesterol into testosterone. Testosterone determines a man’s appearance and sexual development. A man with normal testosterone levels has the ability to grow facial hair. Testosterone belongs to a group of hormones called androgens.
Testosterone is also responsible for muscle mass. Testosterone levels vary by age, and elderly men can see lower T levels than their younger counterparts. Elderly men are more likely to have low T levels, because their bodies are aging. When a man’s T levels get low, it can result in a number of problems. These can include a loss of energy, decreased sex drive, hair loss, and weight gain. Men with low T levels are more likely to experience fatigue. Studies have found a link between low T and hair loss.
Men with low T levels may even lose their sex drive altogether. This can take a toll on their physical relationships, in some cases making it harder to connect with a partner.
Low T levels not only cause men to lose hair on their head; they also cause some men to lose facial hair as well. In fact, men with low T levels may also find that their hair doesn’t grow as quickly as it used to. Testosterone is responsible for the development of your voice and your fertility. It also plays a key role in your mental well-being, and can impact all aspects of functioning. Testosterone is also responsible for your mood.
Not all men produce the same amount of testosterone. However, problems arise when a man’s T levels are not high enough. If your testosterone levels are on the lower side, your thought process can be affected. In some cases, you may be in a bit of a mental fog, and your muscles and bones may react differently than they would normally.
PubMed has also validated this theory. T levels are very important, because they are responsible for helping men develop their appearance. Testosterone creates everything from muscle mass to strong physical endurance. It is responsible for a man’s strength and physical abilities. The hormone has a significant impact on a man’s metabolism. It can also affect sleep patterns. Men with low testosterone may experience a number of other problems, including acute depression, fatigue, and erectile dysfunction. High levels of testosterone have been found to encourage muscle growth. This is one of the reasons that anabolic steroids are popular. They stimulate the nervous system, resulting in a better mood, increased strength, and a stronger libido.
What exactly are normal testosterone levels? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question. It all depends on the individual and his lifestyle. There are a number of treatments available for men with low testosterone levels. Your doctor may recommend low testosterone therapy. This therapy can come in several different forms, including injections, patches, gels, creams, or pellets.
Your doctor should be able to help you find the right treatment option for you. It’s normal for testosterone levels to dip as you age, but having low testosterone levels can lead to a host of other problems. Men with low testosterone tend to have a harder time losing weight. This becomes a challenge, because low testosterone leads to lower energy levels, making it hard to find energy for exercise. However, there are a number of natural remedies for low testosterone. Experts recommend exercising, even if it’s for only a short period of time.
Even if you don’t have low testosterone levels, exercising regularly can reduce your chances of developing low testosterone. Men who exercise tend to have better testosterone levels. Experts say that lifting weights is especially effective in combating low T levels. Normal T levels are important because they impact all aspects of a man’s health and well-being.
Eating a healthier diet has also been found to improve testosterone levels. Doctors recommend eating more protein and participating in high-resistance training. Experts also recommend eating more carbohydrates. Lowering stress levels may also help you boost testosterone levels. To increase T levels, it is important to get enough sleep. It may also help to spend some time in the sun. The sun produces Vitamin D, which can boost a man’s testosterone levels. There is also testosterone replacement therapy. However, it isn’t recommended for men with preexisting health conditions, such as prostate cancer.
Low energy levels also contribute to low T. Low T can throw off your whole body, leading to a myriad of issues that affect overall health. Low testosterone levels matter, because they affect just about every aspect of your health. According to WebMD, low testosterone levels have a negative impact on the brain. Research has also concluded that testosterone may actually reduce a man’s risk of stroke and lessen the effects of Parkinson’s disease. On the other hand, men with low T are at an increased risk of having a stroke. Men with low testosterone also are at an increased risk of stroke than men with normal or high testosterone levels. However, having high testosterone levels can also bring its own set of problems. According to experts, high levels of testosterone are known to cause aggression and irritability. They can also cause acne and can lead skin to become oily. Additionally, high testosterone levels can also cause sleep apnea, a problem that affects many American men. Excess levels of testosterone can also lead to a lowered sperm count. Men with low testosterone are also more likely to develop erectile dysfunction.
Because testosterone levels play such a vital role in the body’s functioning, it is important to keep an eye out for any bodily changes. High testosterone levels can lead to excess muscle mass. Testicles may also shrink as a result of high testosterone levels. Men age 19 and above should have testosterone levels between 240 and 950 ng/dL. Testosterone does not directly impact erections. However, having high levels of it can have an effect on stimulation.
Some studies have found that testosterone levels are linked to heart problems. While many people believe this, some experts say more research is needed to fully understand how testosterone affects your heart and stroke risk. Testosterone replacement therapy is sometimes used to treat low testosterone, but this therapy is also linked to increased levels of anxiety. While many tout the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy, experts do not know the direct benefit of it. Because of this, you don’t know what side effects you may experience.
Testosterone levels are at their highest during adolescence and young adulthood. However, they naturally decline with age. This is a gradual process, but by age 30 or 40, testosterone levels decline by one percent each year. For older or middle aged men, it is important to determine if low testosterone levels are the result of age or a disease, such as hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. This can affect one’s growth and development. In some cases, it can lead to stunted growth during puberty.
A male typically develops hypogonadism while in the womb. However, some men may develop the condition later in life. If a male doesn’t produce enough testosterone while in the womb, it may eventually affect the growth of sex organs. Adults with this condition may exhibit other symptoms, such as decreased energy, a lowered sex drive, or potentially infertility.
This is one of many reasons why it is important to keep testosterone levels in check. There is a definite link between low testosterone and the development of body fat. Men with low T levels can also experience hot flashes, fragile bones, and a loss of muscle mass. Sleep may be affected as well. Low testosterone can also cause your breathing to start and stop while you sleep.
11 Sources
Nu Image Medical has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-hypogonadism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354881
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21696899/
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/testosterone
https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/does-low-testosterone-cause-brain-fog
https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Libido.aspx
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/ss/slideshow-men-hair-loss-treatment
https://www.webmd.com/balance/how-tired-is-too-tired
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323377
https://www.webmd.com/men/news/20020417/low-testosterone-brain
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.