Testosterone in men: norm, acceptable limits and table by age

Testosterone is perhaps the main sex hormone, the level of which every representative of the stronger sex should closely monitor. The level of testosterone in the blood of men is not constant; the levels change under different circumstances. Its amount can be affected by the patient’s age, weight and even addictions (excessive love for alcohol, nicotine and exhausting workouts).

Data for sex hormone in the male body

Testosterone is formed not only in the body of men, but also in women. However, its concentration varies.

Normal levels of the sex hormone testosterone in men help:

• Correct physiological development and formation of the young man’s genitals;
• Maintain normal spermatogenesis;
• Stimulate potency and libido;
• To form features that are characteristic of men in appearance and disposition.

In the table below you can see normal testosterone levels in men according to age. If there is a deviation from the norm, you should contact a specialist. The content of testosterone in the blood is calculated in nanomoles per liter. This is how much testosterone should be in nmol/l.

Such norms by age are indicated by andrologists who deal with hormonal health issues in men. The maximum level is 38 nmol/l.

How to test for testosterone

Direct blood sampling occurs from a vein. Testosterone levels are determined by enzyme immunoassay:

• a pre-labeled reagent is added to the resulting sample,
• it binds only to testosterone,
• The dyeing process begins.

The intensity of the color allows you to determine the level of the substance. The method is considered extremely accurate. Incorrect indicators are possible if preparatory measures are not followed.

Total and free testosterone in the male body

The general norm of testosterone in men is the total amount of free (unbound) and bound hormones.

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Free testosterone forms 2% of the total volume of hormones, and bound testosterone forms 98%. Moreover, 44% of the associated hormones are associated with globulins, and the remaining 54% are associated with albumin and other protein compounds.

Free male hormone is energetic. The correct functioning of the sexual organ and libido depend on free testosterone.

If you don't have enough testosterone hormones, the following health problems may occur:

• Impaired fat metabolism;
• Mental disorder;
• Heart disorder;
• Decreased muscle and bone mass;
• Sexual impotence.

The need for analysis

To calculate the required indicator, you need to use a formula that shows the final index of free testosterone. The indicators that are included in the formula are also detected in the laboratory, so it is much faster to take an analysis that allows you to find out the current value of the hormone level.

Indications for laboratory tests:

• the need to determine the cause of erectile dysfunction;
• elucidation of factors that provoke secretion insufficiency;
• dysfunction of the testicles;
• the presence of a hormone-producing formation.

It is recommended not to delay testing for hormone levels if there are signs:

• infertility;
• a sharp decrease in sexual function;
• increased sweating;
• fatigue;
• weight loss;
• unexpressed manifestation of secondary sexual characteristics;
• decreased concentration;
• changes in mental activity;
• emotional disorders - sleep disorders, depression.

What determines the level of testosterone in males?

As everyone knows, the hormone testosterone is synthesized by the testicles, although a small amount is produced by the adrenal glands. Signals for testosterone production come from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

It turns out that the body has produced the norm of testosterone in men, and many systems must be involved. Over time, disturbances occur in them. Therefore, men in their mid-30s suffer from a sharp decline in testosterone levels.

According to research, 30 years is the limit for testosterone levels in men. If up to this point it can go off scale, then in the future the hormone decreases every year. This process is provided for by natural factors, but its acceleration can occur due to the following sources:

• Improper diet;
• Sexual perversions;
• Frequent stressful situations;
• Sleep dysfunction;
• Occasional sex;
• Frequent viral diseases;
• Any testicular diseases;
• Inflammatory process in the prostate gland.

Any of these reasons can negatively affect testosterone levels in men, both young and mature representatives of the stronger sex. If there is a decrease in hormonal levels, the specialist first of all recommends getting rid of household sources of decreased testosterone levels in men.

If a man sleeps little, and also has a sedentary job associated with stressful situations, then over time there may be a deterioration in his health and treatment in a hospital. A man's testosterone level must correspond to standard values.

What is testosterone for?

Testosterone is perhaps one of the main, if not the most important sex hormone for men. A certain amount of it is also produced in the female body, but it gives the representatives of the stronger sex everything that is considered a manifestation of male strength and masculinity.

In the male body, the hormone testosterone performs the following fundamental functions:

1. Affects the growth and size of male genital organs. It is during adolescence that the level of male hormone in the body of a boy (teenager) determines the size to which his penis will grow.
2. Determines the presence and intensity of hair on the body. At the same time, an excess of this substance can play a cruel joke: in this case, a man often prematurely develops a rather impressive bald spot, while the hair growth on his arms and legs is quite intense.
3. Promotes the appearance of a masculine (low) voice timbre, which is associated with thickening of the vocal cords under the influence of the hormone.
4. Affects muscle development. Testosterone stimulates protein synthesis, which in turn promotes increased muscle growth.
5. Plays a role in the distribution of body fat according to the male pattern, i.e. mainly in the upper part of the body. In masculine representatives of the stronger sex, the contour of the figure resembles a triangle, located with the base up, in contrast to the female type, which resembles a triangle with the base down.
6. Speeds up metabolism compared to the female body, which prevents the deposition of excess fat in the body.
7. Maintains low cholesterol levels and helps reduce the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis.
8. Reduces blood glucose concentrations and protects against the development of diabetes.
9. Provides sufficient bone density.
10. Improves mood, protects against stress and depression.
11. Helps to enhance vitality and improve performance, which is necessary for active physical and mental activity of a man.
12. Affects the formation of male libido, i.e. attraction to a woman, and ensuring a sufficient erection during sexual intercourse.

Thus, men's health and testosterone are inextricably linked concepts. This substance is vital for the male body, and an excess or deficiency of this substance is equally undesirable, as it leads to disruption of the activity of many systems and organs.

Daily fluctuations in testosterone levels in men

In addition, it should be noted that testosterone can change not only with age, but also throughout the day. The greatest amount of testosterone can be observed early in the morning. During the day, the rate decreases and reaches a minimum volume in the evening.

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For this reason, if a test is prescribed to determine sex hormones, it should be taken in the morning. In addition, testosterone fluctuations are determined by the time of year.

The following factors can affect sex hormones through short-term fluctuations in testosterone levels in men:

• Being in a state of stress, depression, anger, etc.;
• Having bad habits;
• Physical exercise;
• Irregular meals.

What does testosterone depend on in representatives of the stronger half of humanity? Common reasons affecting testosterone levels in men:

• Age. After age 30, testosterone decreases by approximately 1-1.5% each year;
• Wrong lifestyle. If a man abuses alcohol, smokes, does not exercise, or eats an unbalanced diet, then testosterone is synthesized poorly.

Testosterone below normal (hypogonadism)

Normal testosterone levels in men are stable until age 30. At 25-30 years old, ST is at its highest level. In men, from the age of 30, the TS hormone gradually begins to fall, so this age is like a turning point for TS.

After this milestone, CT in the blood of men decreases by 1-1.5% annually. This is physiology created by nature and it already has the character of irreversibility.

But testosterone levels in men can accelerate their decline by environmental factors. There are age-related and individual fluctuations in TS; there are also daily fluctuations in TS - there are always more hormones in the morning - from 4 to 8 am, and the lowest values ​​are from 16 to 20.

Determination of normal testosterone levels in men

To determine testosterone levels, your doctor will order a blood test .
Although, there is currently no standard way to determine testosterone levels, so the effectiveness depends on the method you choose. To get an approximate average value, doctors recommend taking tests in several clinics and more than once. The point of repeat analysis is that testosterone differs in amount on any given day and time.

Testing is recommended in the morning. In addition, before taking a test to determine testosterone levels in men, it is not recommended to:

• Eating less than 8 hours before testing;
• Heavy physical activity and sports during the day;
• Smoking for 4 hours before taking tests.

Important: If you do not follow the recommendations, your testosterone test may be inaccurate.

Preparatory measures

It is important to follow all the necessary preparatory procedures before going for the test.

Free testosterone will be determined correctly if:

• Blood sampling was done on an empty stomach, even tea should be excluded. At least 8 hours must have passed since the last meal;
• the analysis was taken in the morning, before 11 o’clock in the afternoon;
• the patient has not undergone procedures such as x-rays, physiotherapy, ultrasound in the last 24 hours;
• taking hormonal medications was stopped 2 weeks before blood donation;
• fatty foods, nicotine, and alcoholic beverages have not been consumed in the last 24 hours;
• physical activity was stopped the day before the study.

What are the dangers of low testosterone levels in men?

An insufficient amount of testosterone is not very pronounced, for this reason a man may not even realize that he has problems with hormones.

Therefore, the question arises: how to detect in time that there is a hormonal imbalance? You should contact a specialist if you notice the following signs:

• Decreased sex drive;
• Erection has worsened;
• The figure becomes similar to a woman’s (the breasts increase, the hips become rounded);
• The voice takes on feminine tones;
• Increase in body fat mass.

Important: The presence of any factor indicates a critical decrease in testosterone levels in men.

Many men believe that irritation and fatigue are caused by the rhythm of life, and baldness awaits anyone with age. Although, with a sufficient amount of testosterone in the blood, a man can look quite young even after 60 years , and also feel younger than his age.

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Forms (fractions) of testosterone

There are three forms of testosterone:

• Associated with SHPS – inactive form (about 57%);
• Albumin-bound – active (bioavailable) form (about 40%);
• Free testosterone – has maximum bioavailability (1-3%).

Total testosterone = T bound to GSPC + T bound to albumin + free T.

Thus, the level of total testosterone indicates a quantitative indicator of all forms of T in the blood, and in some cases cannot be used as a determining indicator of the degree of androgen deficiency, because the level of total testosterone may remain normal, while the inactive T form will prevail over its bioavailable fraction.

Bioavailable testosterone = T bound to albumin + free T.

It is the bioavailable forms of T that have an effect on the body, because are able to penetrate androgen-sensitive cells, which T associated with SHPS cannot, due to their strong binding.

Normal dihydrotestosterone in the stronger sex

Dihydrotestosterone is the most energetic and natural steroid hormone that determines the formation of a teenager during puberty. In addition, under its influence, the genital organs of the future man, sexual behavior and erectile function are formed.

This strong hormone is formed from free testosterones under the influence of 5-alpha reductase enzymes. Cell division occurs under the control of dihydrosterone.

Important: The amount of dihydrosterone is determined by the amount of testosterone in a man’s body. To normalize dihydrosterone, testosterone levels in the body should be monitored.

You can see what the dihydrosterone level should be from the table:

How to normalize testosterone at 40 years old

Regardless of whether an increase in androgen concentrations or a decrease in them is determined, effective treatment must be carried out. It is dangerous to use traditional recipes without consulting your doctor. Self-medication is also harmful if you doubt the exact diagnosis and have not consulted a doctor at all.

If there are abnormal hormone levels in boys, hormonal therapy is not recommended. But men need to take courses. Sometimes it is enough to give 3-4 injections, they are enough for half a year. Testosterone injections for men after 40 years of age can be a real salvation. The advantage is immediate and high efficiency.

Naturally, you can also influence the production of testosterone. Leading endocrinologists give recommendations:

1. Normalize your diet. The daily menu should include nuts, fish, and seafood. It is useful to decide on a multivitamin complex rich in vitamins B, C, E, D. The optimal daily fluid intake is 2 liters of water. Carbohydrates that are easily digestible and carbonated drinks are removed from the diet.
2. Make it a rule to sleep at least 7-8 hours. Moreover, sleep should be deep. You can achieve this quality of sleep by curtaining the windows, using earplugs, or using white background noise.
3. Gradually increase your physical activity.

How to normalize testosterone levels

To bring testosterone levels back to normal, a man must undergo a course of treatment prescribed by a doctor.

To return the male hormone testosterone in the blood to normal, the following is prescribed:

• Complete rest;
• Active lifestyle and light physical activity;
• Refusal of anabolic steroids;
• Rejection of bad habits;
• Correction of diet.

In addition, there are many means to supply the male body with the required amount of testosterone. The most effective are:

• Nebido;
• Omnadren;
• Andriol;
• Sustan-250.

What determines testosterone levels?

Hormonal imbalances in the male body can be caused by both serious diseases and basic unhealthy lifestyle.

Common reasons for decreased testosterone levels are:

• disruption of the normal functioning of the testes, pituitary gland, hypothalamus;
• persistent sexually transmitted infections;
• abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs;
• bad ecology;
• frequent stress, overstrain (emotional, physical), other situations associated with the release of adrenaline into the blood;
• abstinence or irregular sex life;
• passive lifestyle;
• eating a large number of foods that increase the level of “female” hormones in the body;
• lack of a diet that supplies the body with the necessary elements;
• “overdose” of drugs that increase sexual desire;
• regular overheating of the male genital organs (due to professional activity, for example);
• visceral and subcutaneous fat, localized in large quantities in the abdominal area;
• elevated blood sugar levels;
• renal failure;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

When is it necessary to get tested?

If a man notices a malfunction in the body, then this is a reason to take a blood test, such signs include:

• noticeable shrinkage of the testicles;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• decreased attraction to women;
• noticeable problems with ejaculation or erection;
• noticeable increase in adipose tissue according to the female type;
• rapid fatigue during physical activity;
• noticeable hair loss on the face, chest, arms;
• increase in the volume of the mammary glands;
• heart failure (arrhythmia);
• acne in an adult;
• low hemoglobin levels in the blood;
• deterioration of the skin condition;
• loss of attention, concentration, memory;
• insomnia;
• sudden change of mood;
• constant feeling of fatigue;
• absence of the desired pregnancy in a healthy partner.

Young men are prescribed a blood test for testosterone if puberty does not occur, it is very late. Also in case of underdevelopment of the genital organs.

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Causes and symptoms of increased or decreased hormone levels

Reasons for high androgen concentrations include:

• hard physical labor;
• prostate tumors;
• hereditary pathologies of the genitals;
• congenital dysfunction of the adrenal cortex;
• abuse of steroids to increase muscle mass;
• pituitary adenoma;
• testicular cancer.

Elevated levels of the hormone are often characteristic of men who are extremely emotional and impulsive. They are distinguished by physical endurance, high sexual activity, and long-lasting erections. Such men have well-developed muscles, the chest and limbs are covered with thick hair, there are no fat deposits, and a bald spot often appears on the head.

Reasons for decreased testosterone in men:

• natural aging of the body;
• addiction to antidepressants and painkillers;
• chronic stress;
• bad habits;
• lack of vitamins;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• obesity;
• poor nutrition;
• menopause, during which testosterone may decline after age 35.

A reduced level of the hormone may indicate the development of dangerous diseases, including:

• hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, which develops as a result of pathology of the pituitary gland or chronic fatigue;
• testicular dysfunction caused by various injuries;
• Klinefelter's or Kallman's disease;
• diabetes;
• atherosclerosis;
• bronchial asthma.

Androgen deficiency is manifested by a change in the timbre of the head. It becomes higher and more sonorous. Hair on the face and body stops growing, fat is deposited according to the female type, i.e. on the hips, chest and abdomen. The man falls into a depressed state, becomes irritable, and begins to suffer from insomnia. His mental activity and memory deteriorate, and urination becomes more frequent.

Sexual function is impaired, erection is short and flaccid. Sperm are produced in small quantities, hemoglobin in the blood decreases and cholesterol increases. The skin becomes less elastic and becomes wrinkled and flabby. There is a decrease in physical activity, shrinkage of the testicles, hot flashes and sweating.

Symptoms of excess testosterone concentration in a man’s body

However, one cannot help but say that an excess of testosterone in the body also negatively affects the condition of a man’s body. It can also cause a number of disturbances in vital processes.

An increased level of the “winners’ hormone” in a man’s body, just like a decreased level, has characteristic signs. We can assume an excess of this hormone in the presence of such features and changes as:

• well-developed striated muscles;
• rapid and active hair loss on the head – alopecia;
• noticeable coarsening and decrease in voice timbre;
• increased amount of body hair;
• behavior: men with excess testosterone have a high interest in the opposite sex, but are usually fickle, prone to constant changes of partners and avoid long-term relationships;
• The desire for risky enterprises and rash actions are also characteristic.

An increased level of androgens increases the sexual activity of men, they become overly impulsive, their physical shape is in good condition. But there is a danger of serious consequences. Among them, the following should be noted.

• An increased level of testosterone in the body can cause an increase in the content of red blood cells in the blood plasma (hematocrit number). As a result, the risk of thrombosis increases;
• there is an opinion that the excess content of the main male hormone in the body significantly accelerates the aging process of the body;
• an increase in this indicator can cause breathing to stop during sleep for a long period (more than 10 seconds) - apnea;
• an excess of androgenic hormones leads to frequent increases in blood pressure;
• Often there is a disorder of the digestive system;
• men with high testosterone levels often suffer from liver disease;
• An excessively high concentration of this hormone can provoke cancer (prostate cancer);
• There may also be a disorder in the activity of the gonads, which can cause infertility.

The causes of excess testosterone production in a man’s body can be hereditary predisposition, a number of diseases, and external factors. Often, excess hormones cause steroid use. This leads to dysfunction of the reproductive system, the synthesis of its own androgens in the body decreases.

In any case, to establish the cause and avoid the dangerous consequences of impaired production of sex hormones, you will need the help of a specialist endocrinologist.

How to increase testosterone after 50 years?

When asked how to increase testosterone in men after 50 years old, the doctor will tell you. Medicines are recommended for use only against the background of a rapid and extremely significant decline, when the patient has a whole range of negative symptoms. Otherwise, when there is a slight deviation from the medical norm, a proper and balanced diet, taking vitamin and mineral complexes, and playing sports are prescribed.

Interesting facts: exposure to sunlight helps increase testosterone. Against the background of natural tanning, the amount of vitamin D increases, which can increase the level of the hormone. Watching pornography can raise hormone levels after an hour.

How to increase testosterone after 50 years? General recommendations are as follows:

1. Normalization of body weight. Obesity has been proven to disrupt hormonal balance.
2. Sports activities. Short-term loads on the body for 5-10 minutes significantly increase the production of the hormone in the blood.
3. Consumption of foods rich in zinc. Zinc is a mineral element that helps synthesize testosterone.
4. It is necessary to exclude stressful situations, since the production of testosterone is blocked against the background of stress.

Men after 50 years of age need to be attentive to their health, since testosterone concentration is affected not only by years, but by diseases of the liver, kidneys, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. Preventive inspections help to detect and eliminate the problem in a timely manner.

Drugs

To increase testosterone levels, it is recommended to use drugs based on a synthetic hormone. The drugs are used in combination with other medications or are used alone in treatment. Medicines replenish hormone deficiency, promote hair growth in necessary parts of the body, increase muscle mass, and reduce the number of fat cells.

Taking hormonal drugs has a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of the patient. Men who have been prescribed hormone replacement therapy feel a surge of vigor and strength and become more energetic. Sometimes medications help improve concentration and visual memory.

Appointment with a urologist: preparation for examination, diagnosis and treatment measures

You can increase testosterone with the following drugs:

• Andriol. Dosage form: tablets. Take them with fatty foods, which increases bioavailability by 80%. A dosage of 80-160 mg of the drug increases the amount of testosterone to 40 nmol/l;
• Sustanon - injections that help increase the hormone to 70 nmol/l. The use of the drug is not always advisable, since it excessively increases the level, which negatively affects the functionality of the body and leads to the development of adverse reactions;
• Nebido - injections. Compared to the previous medicine, they are better tolerated. After a week of use, 17 nmol/l is noted, after 14 days – about 45 nmol/l;
• Androgel is a medicine that provides the required level of hormonal substances after 50 years.

Important: prolonged use of hormonal drugs is fraught with dangerous consequences. In particular, the production of natural hormones is inhibited, the mammary glands become enlarged, and the risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies, prostate cancer, and liver failure increases. To reduce the likelihood of gynecomastia, testosterone-based drugs are combined with Tamoxifen.

During the therapeutic course, constant monitoring of laboratory parameters is required. This allows you to adjust the dosage in a timely manner, which prevents possible complications from the treatment.

What examination is needed?

If deviations from the norm are suspected, the patient is prescribed a venous blood test to determine the hormone content in it. If there is indeed an increase or decrease in testosterone, the doctor will order further testing. This is necessary in order to accurately identify the cause of this condition and determine whether the violation of testosterone levels in the body is natural (menopause, “male” menopause, fasting) or caused by some disease that requires active treatment tactics. If the latter is suspected, the following are indicated:

• determination of the blood concentration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), somatotropic hormone (GH), prolactin and female sex hormones (estrogens), thyroid hormones in order to assess the general hormonal background in the body.
• Ultrasound of the testicles and prostate gland
• Ultrasound of the mammary glands, uterus and ovaries
• Ultrasound of internal organs and adrenal glands
• MRI of the brain, pituitary gland, adrenal glands
• Blood sugar and cholesterol levels

For early diagnosis of adrenogenital syndrome in the maternity hospital, all newborns are screened - examined for five congenital pathologies, one of which is this syndrome. To do this, blood is taken from the child's heel. In case of a questionable analysis, the child’s parents will be invited to a medical genetic consultation to further clarify the diagnosis. There are often false positive results with this screening.

Treatment regimen

The decision on how to increase testosterone is made by the attending physician. If we are talking about a serious form of deficiency, then the patient is recommended to undergo replacement therapy. Treatment consists of introducing synthetic testosterone into the body. Currently used:

• solutions for internal injections (testosterone cypionate, testosterone bucyclate, testosterone enanate);
• subdermal agents (special implants containing testosterone are inserted under the patient’s skin);
• transdermal products: gels for external use and patches;
• tablets for oral administration: Methyltestosterone, Oxymetholone, Mesterolone.

What is testosterone? Scientific and more.

A man and a woman have significant differences in the structure of the body, which are not limited to gender characteristics. The bodies of people of the opposite sex are structured differently:

• mechanisms of fat metabolism;
• building muscle mass;
• bone tissue formation;
• protein synthesis;
• hair growth.

All these processes largely depend on the level of sex hormones, which determine a person’s gender.

What is testosterone? This is a steroid hormone that became known in the 20s of the last century. By itself, it has weak activity and in order for the androgen to act on cell receptors, it must combine with the enzyme 5α-reductase. If this enzyme is not enough, then the child may be born a hermaphrodite or with underdevelopment of the genital organs, for example, a micropenis.

In many ways, testosterone also determines the personal qualities of men - willpower, initiative, the desire to occupy leadership positions, achieve success and recognition in various fields of activity, in a team. It is difficult to overestimate the role testosterone plays in the male body; under its influence, the following occurs:

1. phosphorus and nitrogen metabolism;
2. shaping the body according to a male constitution – narrow hips and waist, wide shoulder girdle;
3. development and growth of genital organs;
4. regulation of spermogenesis and sexual behavior;
5. synthesis of protein compounds.

It is synthesized by the adrenal cortex and Leydig cells located in the testicles from cholesterol and is a product of peripheral metabolism. Pituitary hormones take part in its synthesis and secretion.

Will traditional medicine help?

If the attending doctor is not against the use of traditional medicine to reduce the concentration of testosterone in the blood, you can use them.

Below are the most effective of them:

1. Drink licorice root (peppermint) tea in the morning and evening.
2. Chew licorice root three times a day for 5 minutes.
3. Dried clover flowers (100 g) pour 1 liter of boiling water. Leave for 120 minutes. Strain and drink 3 times a day for a week.
4. Pour 100 g of tar root with boiling water (1 l). Let it brew for a day and drink half a glass three times a day for 2 weeks.