What Are Normal Free Testosterone Levels By Age?

% Free Testosterone Lab Results explained

Similarly, conditions that alter SHBG levels can affect the amount of free testosterone without necessarily changing the total testosterone. For instance, aging, certain medications, and health conditions like liver disease can increase SHBG levels, while obesity and insulin resistance might decrease them. Testosterone, often hailed as the primary male sex hormone, is a powerful and multifaceted chemical messenger that plays a pivotal role in both male and female physiology. This steroid hormone, produced primarily in the testes in men and the ovaries in women, with a small amount also synthesized in the adrenal glands, is a cornerstone of human development, reproductive function, and overall health. This guide aims to demystify the complexities surrounding free and total testosterone, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of their impact on health and well-being.

Hormonal balance, including optimal testosterone levels, is pivotal in preserving overall health and well-being across various physiological systems. Testosterone, predominantly recognized as a male sex hormone, is also present in females, albeit in smaller quantities, exerting multifaceted effects on both genders6. In males, testosterone is integral to the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair growth and deepening of the voice, as well as supporting reproductive function.

Furthermore, the highest testosterone levels were recorded during ovulation, supporting prior research indicating that menstrual cycle phases influence hormonal responses to exercise58,60. This reinforces the importance of considering menstrual cycle phases when designing exercise programs tailored for women. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of low or high testosterone is essential for understanding our hormonal balance and overall well-being. Symptoms may include decreased energy levels, reduced muscle mass, diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, mood swings, and feelings of depression. As infancy progresses, testosterone levels gradually increase, but still remain relatively low compared to later stages of life.

This decline underscores the importance of monitoring this biomarker throughout an individual’s lifespan to maintain optimal hormonal health. “Lifting also promotes muscle growth, reduces visceral fat, and further aids metabolism, which supports overall hormone health and well-being,” says Bailey. With that, he and Houman suggest that guys of all ages strength train 3 to 5 days per week.

Moreover, testosterone influences mood regulation, cognitive function, and bone density, contributing to psychological and skeletal health7,8. In females, while estrogen and progesterone are primary sex hormones, testosterone contributes to libido, energy levels, and overall vitality9. Thus, maintaining an optimal testosterone balance is crucial for sustaining physiological equilibrium and promoting general well-being. Maintaining an optimal testosterone balance is vital for muscle health, metabolic function, sexual health, mood regulation, and overall quality of life in both men and women10,11. Elevated testosterone levels in men, though less common, can signify health issues like natural variations, the use of anabolic steroids, adrenal or testicular tumors, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or other medical conditions. Symptoms of high testosterone include increased aggression, acne, excessive body hair, male pattern baldness, muscle mass increase, benefits and risks of trt potential fertility issues.

Differentiating between your total testosterone and free testosterone levels is a key part of understanding how testosterone works in your body as well as how to optimize your health. To diagnose certain conditions, doctors sometimes look only at free testosterone levels. In a pressing effort to test new treatments, researchers conducted a clinical trial to see whether applying a testosterone gel with exercise could improve function and mobility in these patients.

A Free Testosterone Test measures and monitors the level of the Free testosterone in the blood. It helps in the diagnosis of the conditions which are caused by the abnormalities in the levels of testosterone in the blood. This service is particularly useful if you have many reports to upload or if you’re too busy to handle the data entry yourself. The overall concentration of testosterone in the blood of both males and females decreases with age.

Imbalanced blood testosterone concentration can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms in both men and women. Doctor-prescribed medication can lower higher than normal levels of testosterone. Some testosterone boosters have also been reported to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer [17]. That’s why we are very careful to look at the ingredient list of every product we review.