Determining what’s considered normal in terms of testosterone levels can be subjective. Normalcy varies from individual to individual, with doctors emphasizing that the actual number on your test results may not be as crucial as you think. Instead, how you feel takes precedence.
According to Paul Gittens, M.D., a board-certified urologist and founder of the Rockwell Centers for Sexual Medicine and Wellness, it’s essential to consider how your testosterone levels align with your symptoms. “It’s not solely about the numbers,” he explains. “It’s about how those numbers correlate with your overall well-being.”
While doctors use testosterone levels as a guideline, there’s significant variability in the middle range, Dr. Gittens notes. Treatment decisions aren’t solely based on numbers, as Justin Dubin, M.D., a urologist and men’s health specialist at Memorial Healthcare System, highlights. “It’s important to consider the individual’s story along with their lab results,” Dr. Dubin says.
How you feel carries more weight than the numbers themselves, Dr. Gittens emphasizes. Low testosterone levels can lead to various unpleasant symptoms, including decreased libido, muscle loss, mood swings, and fatigue.
Testosterone, a hormone produced by the testicles, plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, including sexual desire, muscle and bone growth, hair growth, voice modulation, and red blood cell production.
However, determining what constitutes a “normal” testosterone level isn’t straightforward, Dr. Gittens explains. Testosterone levels can vary widely among individuals and fluctuate throughout the day.
“It’s not a simple yes or no,” Dr. Dubin adds. “Physicians must consider the broader context.”
What Testosterone Level Is Considered Normal?
Regarding what’s considered a normal testosterone level, there’s a broad spectrum. Some doctors suggest that healthy levels typically range between 264 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) and 1,000 ng/dL. Levels below 264 ng/dL are deemed low, while those above 1,000 ng/dL are considered high.