Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Testosterone?Normal LevelsSymptomsChecking Testosterone LevelsTreatment for Abnormal Testosterone Levels
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Testosterone?
Normal Levels
Symptoms
Checking Testosterone Levels
Treatment for Abnormal Testosterone Levels
Normaltestosteronelevels 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 ortoo little testosteronecan lead to unwelcome symptoms.
This article discusses normal testosterone levels, how do determine your testosterone levels, and treatment for testosterone-related problems.
Obradovic / Getty Images
Theendocrineglands make hormones. Men produce hormones in their testes, and women make them in their ovaries.
Testosterone andestrogenare 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.
Different Types of HormonesResearchers have identified about 50 different hormones in the human body, which control various processes, such as hunger, mood, sexual function, metabolism, growth, and menstrual cycles.
Different Types of Hormones
Researchers have identified about 50 different hormones in the human body, which control various processes, such as hunger, mood, sexual function, metabolism, growth, and menstrual cycles.
Normal Testosterone Levels
Under normal circumstances, testosterone performs many important functions in your body.
In men, the hormone plays a key role in:
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.
Taking a Testosterone Test to Know Your Levels
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, testosteronehelps with:
A normal level of testosterone in women is considered to be between 15-70 ng/dL.
Testosterone Levels in Men vs. WomenNormal testosterone levels are usually described as:300–1,000 ng/dL for men15–70 ng/dL for womenMen typically produce the most testosterone during their teenage years.
Testosterone Levels in Men vs. Women
Normal testosterone levels are usually described as:300–1,000 ng/dL for men15–70 ng/dL for womenMen typically produce the most testosterone during their teenage years.
Normal testosterone levels are usually described as:
Men typically produce the most testosterone during their teenage years.
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:
Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men
Low testosteroneis more common among men. This condition maycausethe following symptoms:
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 testosteronemay experience a deep voice or a decrease in breast size.
Symptoms of high testosterone in women may include:
What Is Virilization?
Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women
Women can also have a testosterone deficiency, which may cause:
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:
Additionally, other tests may be conducted to get a comprehensive understanding of hormone levels, including:
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.
Risks of Testosterone Blood TestsRisks for a testosterone blood test are minimal but may include:BleedingBruisingInfectionMinor painFeeling light-headed
Risks of Testosterone Blood Tests
Risks for a testosterone blood test are minimal but may include:BleedingBruisingInfectionMinor painFeeling light-headed
Risks for a testosterone blood test are minimal but may include:
The Best At-Home Testosterone Tests
If you and your healthcare provider decide to treatlow testosterone levels, you may be a candidate fortestosterone 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:
Your healthcare provider can help you determine which formulation of testosterone is most suitable for you.
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 foundeating a healthy diet, minimizing stress, and getting enough sleep can increase testosterone levels or help normalize hormone levels.
Risks of Testosterone TherapySome risks and side effects of TRT include:Possible risk for heart problems, cancer, and blood clots (though recent studies show that the risk for all of these is low or possibly not risky at all)InfertilitySide effects such as breast enlargement (in males), skin reactions, changes in hair patterns, acne, and back pain
Risks of Testosterone Therapy
Some risks and side effects of TRT include:Possible risk for heart problems, cancer, and blood clots (though recent studies show that the risk for all of these is low or possibly not risky at all)InfertilitySide effects such as breast enlargement (in males), skin reactions, changes in hair patterns, acne, and back pain
Some risks and side effects of TRT include:
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.
Testosterone Blockers for Transgender Women and Transfeminine People
Testosterone for Transgender Men and Transmasculine People
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard Health Publishing.Testosterone: what it is and how it affects your health.University of Rochester Medical Center.Total testosterone.Tulane University.Endocrine system: types of hormones.Mount Sinai.Testosterone.MedlinePlus.Testosterone levels test.Zhu C, Yuan C, Ren Q, Wei F, Yu S, Sun X,et al.Comparative analysis of the effects of collection methods on salivary steroids.BMC Oral Health. 2021 Jul 16;21(1):352. doi: 10.1186/s12903-021-01722-w.Petering RC, Brooks NA.Testosterone therapy: review of clinical applications.AFP. 2017;96(7):441-449.Armanini D, Andrisani A, Bordin L, Sabbadin C.Spironolactone in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.Expert Opin PHarmacother. 2016;17(13):1713-1715. doi:10.1080/14656566.2016.1215430de Melo AS, Dos Reis RM, Ferriani RA, Vieira CS.Hormonal contraception in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: choices, challenges, and noncontraceptive benefits.Open Access J Contracept. 2017;8:13–23. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85543Riachy R, McKinney K, Tuvdendorj DR.Various Factors May Modulate the Effect of Exercise on Testosterone Levels in Men.J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2020 Nov 7;5(4):81. doi: 10.3390/jfmk5040081.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard Health Publishing.Testosterone: what it is and how it affects your health.University of Rochester Medical Center.Total testosterone.Tulane University.Endocrine system: types of hormones.Mount Sinai.Testosterone.MedlinePlus.Testosterone levels test.Zhu C, Yuan C, Ren Q, Wei F, Yu S, Sun X,et al.Comparative analysis of the effects of collection methods on salivary steroids.BMC Oral Health. 2021 Jul 16;21(1):352. doi: 10.1186/s12903-021-01722-w.Petering RC, Brooks NA.Testosterone therapy: review of clinical applications.AFP. 2017;96(7):441-449.Armanini D, Andrisani A, Bordin L, Sabbadin C.Spironolactone in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.Expert Opin PHarmacother. 2016;17(13):1713-1715. doi:10.1080/14656566.2016.1215430de Melo AS, Dos Reis RM, Ferriani RA, Vieira CS.Hormonal contraception in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: choices, challenges, and noncontraceptive benefits.Open Access J Contracept. 2017;8:13–23. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85543Riachy R, McKinney K, Tuvdendorj DR.Various Factors May Modulate the Effect of Exercise on Testosterone Levels in Men.J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2020 Nov 7;5(4):81. doi: 10.3390/jfmk5040081.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Harvard Health Publishing.Testosterone: what it is and how it affects your health.University of Rochester Medical Center.Total testosterone.Tulane University.Endocrine system: types of hormones.Mount Sinai.Testosterone.MedlinePlus.Testosterone levels test.Zhu C, Yuan C, Ren Q, Wei F, Yu S, Sun X,et al.Comparative analysis of the effects of collection methods on salivary steroids.BMC Oral Health. 2021 Jul 16;21(1):352. doi: 10.1186/s12903-021-01722-w.Petering RC, Brooks NA.Testosterone therapy: review of clinical applications.AFP. 2017;96(7):441-449.Armanini D, Andrisani A, Bordin L, Sabbadin C.Spironolactone in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.Expert Opin PHarmacother. 2016;17(13):1713-1715. doi:10.1080/14656566.2016.1215430de Melo AS, Dos Reis RM, Ferriani RA, Vieira CS.Hormonal contraception in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: choices, challenges, and noncontraceptive benefits.Open Access J Contracept. 2017;8:13–23. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85543Riachy R, McKinney K, Tuvdendorj DR.Various Factors May Modulate the Effect of Exercise on Testosterone Levels in Men.J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2020 Nov 7;5(4):81. doi: 10.3390/jfmk5040081.
Harvard Health Publishing.Testosterone: what it is and how it affects your health.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Total testosterone.
Tulane University.Endocrine system: types of hormones.
Mount Sinai.Testosterone.
MedlinePlus.Testosterone levels test.
Zhu C, Yuan C, Ren Q, Wei F, Yu S, Sun X,et al.Comparative analysis of the effects of collection methods on salivary steroids.BMC Oral Health. 2021 Jul 16;21(1):352. doi: 10.1186/s12903-021-01722-w.
Petering RC, Brooks NA.Testosterone therapy: review of clinical applications.AFP. 2017;96(7):441-449.
Armanini D, Andrisani A, Bordin L, Sabbadin C.Spironolactone in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.Expert Opin PHarmacother. 2016;17(13):1713-1715. doi:10.1080/14656566.2016.1215430
de Melo AS, Dos Reis RM, Ferriani RA, Vieira CS.Hormonal contraception in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: choices, challenges, and noncontraceptive benefits.Open Access J Contracept. 2017;8:13–23. doi:10.2147/OAJC.S85543
Riachy R, McKinney K, Tuvdendorj DR.Various Factors May Modulate the Effect of Exercise on Testosterone Levels in Men.J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2020 Nov 7;5(4):81. doi: 10.3390/jfmk5040081.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
