What are normal testosterone levels at different ages?

From fueling strength and energy to shaping mood and sexual health, testosterone is a small hormone with a powerful impact. Its levels change throughout life, peaking during male puberty, remaining lower in women, and gradually declining with age. When testosterone becomes unbalanced, the effects are often noticeable, making it one of the most important hormones to understand for long-term health. This blog explains what normal testosterone levels are and why they matter.

Table of Contents

• What is testosterone

• Normal testosterone levels by age

• Symptoms of low testosterone

• Symptoms of high testosterone

• When should testosterone be tested

• Tips for healthy testosterone

• Summary

What is testosterone

Testosterone is often called the main male sex hormone because it is produced mainly in the testes. However, women also make testosterone in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands. In both sexes it is important for:

• Development of male internal and external reproductive organs (fetal, male)

• Initiates testicle development (fetal, male)

• Growth in height (puberty, male)

• Body and pubic hair growth (puberty, male)

• Enlargement of penis, testes, and prostate gland (puberty, male)

• Increases libido / sex drive (puberty & adulthood, male)

• Supports sperm production (adulthood, male)

• Stimulates red blood cell production (adulthood, male)

• Maintains bone and muscle strength (adulthood, male)

• Contributes to sense of well-being (adulthood, male)

• Enhances libido (adulthood, female)

• Converted to estradiol in ovaries (adulthood, female)

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022 

Normal testosterone levels by age

The table below shows commonly used reference ranges for testosterone according to age and sex. Values are given in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022 

The following figure illustrates the upper cutoff values of testosterone reference ranges for males (blue line) and females (red line) from infancy through adulthood. Male levels rise sharply during adolescence, peaking in the late teenage years, and then stabilize in adulthood. Female levels remain comparatively low, with a modest increase during teenage years, followed by a stabilisation and decrease in adulthood.

Figure: Testosterone Reference Ranges Across Age Groups (Upper Cutoff Values), adapted from Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Note: The figure plots the upper cutoff values of the reported testosterone reference ranges for males and females across age groups.

Symptoms of low testosterone

Low testosterone can cause a wide range of issues in both women and men. The table below highlights only a few of the more common symptoms, which may affect sexual health, mood, energy, and physical changes.

Causes of low testosterone

In women, low testosterone is most often due to menopause or removal of the ovaries. Other causes include certain genetic conditions (like Turner syndrome), ovarian or adrenal problems, pituitary tumors, cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiation), malnutrition, early menopause, and some medications such as birth control, steroids, estrogen therapy, or opioids.

In men, low testosterone can result from issues with the testicles (injury, infection, surgery, genetic conditions, cancer treatment, or steroid use) or from problems in the brain’s hormone control centers (pituitary or hypothalamus). Contributing factors include genetic syndromes, chronic illnesses, obesity, diabetes, sleep apnea, certain medications, and natural age-related decline.

Sources: Cleveland Clinic, 2023; Cleveland Clinic 2022

Symptoms of high testosterone

High testosterone can cause different issues depending on sex and age. The table below highlights only a few of the more common symptoms, which may affect puberty, reproductive health, skin, and hair:

Causes of high testosterone

In women, high testosterone is most commonly due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects up to 15% of women of reproductive age. Other causes include congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), ovarian tumors, or adrenal tumors that produce androgens.

In men, excess testosterone is less common. It is usually linked to testicular or adrenal tumors, or to congenital adrenal hyperplasia in boys, where it often shows as early puberty. In adult men, high testosterone is rare and often difficult to detect.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

When should testosterone be tested

Consider a testosterone test if you notice several symptoms together or if you have certain risk factors. Testing is especially recommended in cases of infertility or difficulty conceiving, chronic conditions like obesity or diabetes, or a history of testicular injury or surgery. You can visit your GP for a standard blood test, or choose a more convenient option with the Homed-IQ Testosterone Test, a simple at-home finger-prick test that delivers quick, reliable results directly to your inbox.

Tips for healthy testosterone

Everyday habits play a big role in maintaining balanced testosterone. Here are some practical ways to help:

• Keep a healthy weight: Excess abdominal fat lowers testosterone, while weight loss can improve levels.

• Stay active: Both strength training and cardio help, with heavy compound exercises offering the biggest boost.

• Eat a balanced diet: Prioritize protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables. Foods like oysters, onions, fatty fish, and olive oil are especially beneficial.

• Get quality rest: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and manage stress effectively.

• Limit alcohol: Heavy drinking disrupts hormones; stick to one drink a day or less.

• Quit smoking: Tobacco negatively affects hormone balance and sperm health.

• Review medications and health conditions: Talk with your doctor to address any underlying issues or drugs that might impact testosterone.

Source: Harvard Health Publishing, 2024

Summary

Testosterone is an essential hormone in both men and women, affecting growth, sexual health, mood, energy, and physical strength. Levels shift naturally across life: they surge during male puberty, remain comparatively low in females, and gradually decline with age. Both low and high testosterone can lead to health problems, each with different underlying causes. If symptoms appear, testing may be helpful, either through a GP or more conveniently with an at-home finger-prick test. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, including managing weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking, can all support balanced testosterone levels.