Normal Testosterone Levels

A decline in testosterone levels generally starts in men from around 30 years of age. Levels are highest during adolescence, or around 18-19 years old.

The gradual decline of testosterone levels is estimated more accurately at 1.6% per year and can affect sex drive amongst other things.

In women, testosterone declines after menopause which is usually occurs around 45 to 55 years old.

Free or unbound testosterone which is around 2% of total testosterone declines at a higher rate of about 2-3% per year. 

As it declines over time, it makes sense that older men tend to have less testosterone. This gradual reduction then leads to changes in the body. So, the right answer to the posed question above is a "healthy" level of testosterone, and this can vary widely by individual. 

Levels can be impacted by the following:

• age,
• size,
• body shape,
• Lifestyle can have a significant impact,
• the time-of-day. T levels are usually highest in the morning.

Ways to measure testosterone levels

• ng/dl – nanograms per decilitre
• nmol/l* – nanomoles per litre

*To convert: 1 nmol/litre = 28.85 ng/dl

Optimal testosterone levels

Normal T levels can be controversial and tricky for the reasons listed above. Usually, the best indicator is a range for total testosterone, by age.

• In males 19+ years of age the range of 265 ng/dl - 923 ng/dl is provided by MedicalNewsToday. The University of Rochester gives a guideline range of 270 ng/dl -1,000 ng/dl.
• An Australian study of 21-35 year olds found the range to be 280 ng/dl - 939 ng/dl, with an average of 525 ng/dl.
• In the study below, the testosterone levels of 1,486 healthy, non-obese men in the age range of 20 to 44 years old were analysed to provide the following ranges by age:

Results by age and ng/dl, then average range morning testosterone 25th and 75th percentile.

Keep in mind below around 300ng/dl can be considered a low testosterone level.

The American Urological Association (AUA) quotes testosterone levels should be at least 300 ng/dl for males, and for women 19 years and older, 15 to 70 mg/dl.

Find out more about low testosterone here, the signs and symptoms, and how age affects testosterone levels. It is unlikely that you have too much testosterone, so we won't spend much time on that aspect.

Testosterone levels 40+ years old.

40 - 59 years old | Range: 250 ng/dl - 890 ng/dl

60 years old+ | Range: 250ng/dl - 720ng/dl

The lab we use to test our testosterone levels provides a range for 55 year old men of 150ng/dl - 590ng/dl.

So, don't focus on the number, focus on the man, and if you are concerned, get tested. Could we all do with the benefits of a little extra testosterone as we age. Hell Yeah.

Great, so what next.

Check out our low testosterone symptoms page to see if you have any, some, or several of the symptoms listed. If you do have any concerns, you can either:

1. Try a saliva test as an initial guideline. Order them online.
2. See your doctor and request a blood test. Most accurate.

Test in the morning, ideally between 7am and 10 am, and follow any fasting or other instructions as directed.

The US FDA advise against RTR (Testosterone replacement therapy) for reduced levels of testosterone based on natural age-related decline. If you feel you have low levels, then test or go see your doctor who can do a physical examination and request a blood test which is generally the most accurate.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Old Bull Health in this article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Our content is not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and thus reliance should not be placed on it. If you are experiencing testosterone related symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional.