However, according to the American Urology Association, men with levels below 300 ng/dL should be classified as having low T, or hypogonadism. This can be lower for males who are around age 35 years and older. You may also want to take a testosterone test if you’re experiencing symptoms of low or high testosterone. In females, testosterone is produced in much lesser quantities in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells. Your provider is there to support you in all aspects of your health. Testosterone replacement therapy may be an option for you. On the other hand, free testosterone is floating around your body, ready to be recruited by your cells. Your body then metabolizes your total testosterone into other substances to keep you functioning optimally. As its name suggests, total testosterone is the total amount of testosterone in your bloodstream. People often ask whether 500 ng/dL is a good level of total testosterone. Testosterone levels peak in the earlier phases of life as a teen and young adult (6). "But it’s hard to say where ‘average’ is for your age, since it can depend on so many criteria," says McDevitt. But if you’re 50 and doing triathlons, you’ll need higher levels." A blood test can determine your testosterone levels and help diagnose underlying conditions. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone levels include depression, fatigue, and irritability. Studies show that testosterone therapy can benefit your sexual health and performance. But it’s important to note that erectile dysfunction is often due to other conditions or medications rather than low testosterone levels. "After 30, our testosterone levels decrease," Jordan says. While women have smaller amounts than men, testosterone plays an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining bone density and muscle mass, and enhancing cognitive health, mood, sexual function, and energy. Your doctor can prescribe testosterone therapy as part of gender-affirming treatment. Your body makes the hormone while you sleep, and your levels are usually highest first thing in the morning. If you stop taking testosterone, your body will have to recover its ability to make testosterone again. This can help improve the symptoms of low testosterone, like low libido and lack of energy. For example, chemotherapy or radiation therapy can damage one of these organs. Together, you and your healthcare provider will decide if TRT is right for you. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need further tests. The entire procedure (blood draw) for a testosterone test usually takes less than five minutes. In some cases, your healthcare provider may ask you to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) several hours before the test.
