We often find ourselves seeking the normality in many aspects of life, and the same applies to testosterone levels in men. Given its importance in men’s health, it’s no wonder many wonder if their testosterone levels are normal, and we often hear about “low T” and the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. However, before considering treatment, we first need to establish what normal testosterone levels look like for men.
Understanding Testosterone Forms
There are three forms of testosterone:
- Bonded with sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) – This is typically around 65% of total testosterone and is not considered bioavailable since it cannot be separated from the hormone.
- Bonded to the protein albumin – Approximately 35% of total testosterone. It is considered potentially bioavailable since it can be separated from the protein.
- Free, unattached to any protein – This is around 2% of total testosterone, is completely bioavailable, and can be used by the body. It travels throughout the bloodstream and can attach to receptors in muscles, the brain, and other organs.
Assessing Testosterone Levels
A simple blood test can measure your testosterone levels. The results typically include:
- Total testosterone, which is the sum of both types of bonded T plus free T.
- Bioavailable T, which consists of testosterone attached to albumin plus free T.
- Free T.
What is considered “normal” testosterone varies, depending on the expert and the testing lab. However, there are general age-specific guidelines for normal ranges of total, free, and bioavailable T (in nanograms of testosterone per deciliter, ng/dL):
Total T:
- 240 to 950 ng/dL for men age 19 years and older
Free T:
- 5.05 to 19.8 ng/dL for men 25 to 29
- 4.86 to 19.0 ng/dL for ages 30 to 34
- 4.65 to 18.1 ng/dL for ages 35 to 39
- 4.46 to 17.1 ng/dL for ages 40 to 44
- 4.28 to 16.4 ng/dL for ages 45 to 49
- 4.06 to 15.6 ng/dL for ages 50 to 54
- 3.87 to 14.7 ng/dL for ages 55 to 59
- 3.67 to 13.0 ng/dL for ages 60 to 64
- 3.47 to 13.0 ng/dL for ages 65 to 69
- 3.28 to 12.2 ng/dL for ages 70 to 74
Bioavailable T:
- 83 to 257 ng/dL for men 20 to 29
- 72 to 235 ng/dL for men 30 to 39
- 61 to 213 ng/dL for men 40 to 49
- 50 to 190 ng/dL for men 50 to 59
- 40 to 168 ng/dL for men 60 to 69
No ranges have been determined for men age 70 and older, and clinically low total testosterone levels are below 220 to 300 ng/dL.
The Bottom Line on Normal Testosterone Levels in Men
When it comes to normal testosterone levels in men, it’s essential to remember these three points:
- The range of normality is wide since every man has different needs.
- A man’s total testosterone level can be within the normal range, yet low free T levels may produce low T symptoms.
- Bioavailable testosterone is the most critical number. Boosting bioavailable testosterone levels can lead to increased energy, sex drive, and muscle strength, as well as improved mood and well-being.
