Testosterone is a key player in keeping your body and mind balanced. While testosterone is well-known for shaping male traits like a deeper voice and facial hair, its role goes far beyond that. Testosterone also influences your:
- Sex drive
- Energy levels
- Mood
- Muscles and bone strength
- Body weight
What Does Testosterone Do?
Hormones are chemical messengers in your body. They travel through your bloodstream to help regulate and control various processes. Testosterone is produced primarily in the testes for men and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands for women. It is essential for:
- Supporting libido and erectile function
- Maintaining bone density and building muscle
- Promoting mental well-being and combating fatigue
- Helping to manage body fat levels
- Supporting the production of red blood cells
When testosterone levels fall too low, it can disrupt these processes, leading to symptoms that affect your health and well-being.
What Are Testosterone Blood Tests?
A testosterone blood test is the most reliable way to measure the levels of this hormone in your body. It’s typically ordered if you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, known as low T, such as:
- Fatigue
- Reduced libido
- Unexplained weight gain
How Is a Testosterone Blood Test Performed?
A simple blood draw is all that’s required. A small sample is taken from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab for analysis. Because testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, the test is usually done in the morning when levels are highest.
The lab can measure two things:
- Total testosterone level, which is the total amount of hormone in your blood
- Free testosterone level, which is the active hormone not bound to proteins
What’s Considered Normal?
Testosterone levels vary by men’s age, health, and even time of day, but general ranges are as follows:
- Young adults (20s and 30s): Peak levels range from 300 to 1000 ng/dL
- Middle-aged (40s and 50s): Levels decline gradually to 200–900 ng/dL
- Men in their 60s and beyond: Levels typically fall to 200–800 ng/dL
Since normal levels can vary by individual, your doctor will evaluate your results in conjunction with your symptoms. They will also consider your health history. This will allow them to determine what levels may be optimal for you.
When Is Testosterone Considered Low?
Low T is typically diagnosed when testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL in adult men.
However, determining whether your testosterone is low isn’t just about the numbers.
While the 300 ng/dL threshold is a helpful benchmark, your doctor will also evaluate symptoms. For example, reduced libido, fatigue, or mood changes may mean your levels are too low for your optimal health. These signs often help decide whether treatment is necessary.
What Causes Low Testosterone?
Low T can result from a variety of factors. Some examples are:
- Age. Testosterone naturally declines as you age, typically starting in your 30s or 40s.
- Lifestyle choices. A poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and insufficient sleep can contribute.
- Medical conditions. Obesity, diabetes, and certain chronic illnesses can impact testosterone production.
- Medications. Medicines like corticosteroids or opioids may reduce testosterone levels.
Should I Consider a Testosterone Blood Test?
A testosterone blood test can help identify hormonal imbalances and is recommended if you are experiencing symptoms or health concerns linked to testosterone levels. Some reasons you may want to get tested include symptoms of low T such as:
- Reduced sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue or low energy
- Weight gain
- Muscle loss
- Depression or irritability
Or, if you are experiencing symptoms of high testosterone, including:
- Acne
- Oily skin
- Excessive body hair
- Mood swings
A testosterone blood test may be warranted if you are concerned about specific medical problems like:
- Infertility
- Issues with delayed or early puberty
- Chronic health conditions such as metabolic syndrome
- Long-term use of medications such as steroids or opioids
Routine testing may also be helpful for men over 40 as testosterone naturally declines with age.
If you’re feeling unusually tired, struggling with a low sex drive, or noticing changes in your energy or mood, it might be time to check your testosterone levels. A simple blood test can provide answers and help you take the next steps toward feeling well again.
Don’t continue to wonder if you have low testosterone – schedule an appointment today!