What Is a Normal Testosterone Level for Men? Mens Health Questions Answered: What is Low Testosterone? Washington University in St Louis It’s natural for testosterone levels to vary depending on your age and overall health. If they’re consistently high or low, you may experience unpleasant symptoms worth discussing with your provider. In female adults, high levels of testosterone may be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This condition is very common — up to 15% of females of reproductive age have it. Low testosterone is diagnosed with a blood test to measure the amount of testosterone in the blood. It may take several measurements to determine if a patient has low testosterone as levels normally fluctuate throughout the day. The highest levels of testosterone are generally in the morning, near 8 a.m. As a man ages, the amount of testosterone produced in his body gradually drops. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues at a rate of about 1% per year throughout his life. It may be difficult for men to detect this themselves, but their sleeping partner can often tell. A sleep study (polysomnography) may be needed to make the diagnosis. Oral testosterone has been around since the 1980s but was not popular because it can cause problems for the liver. But there are now some new pills (Jatenzo, Tlando, and Kyzatrex) that bypass the liver and get testosterone into the blood directly, in the same way that skin patches, gels, and other treatments do. The American Urology Association considers a low testosterone level in men to be anything below 300 ng/dL. If you’re on testosterone replacement, it is very important to follow up with your doctor on a regular basis to make sure that it is still working and your testosterone level is still where you want it to be. ● Overstimulation of red blood cell production, which can cause an increased risk of blood clots. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, UPMC is a world-renowned health care provider and insurer. We operate 40 hospitals and 800 doctors’ offices and outpatient centers, with locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, West Virginia, and internationally. We employ 4,900 physicians, and we are leaders in clinical care, groundbreaking research, and treatment breakthroughs. News & World Report consistently ranks UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside as one of the nation’s best hospitals in many specialties. Not all testosterone in the bloodstream is equally available for your body to use. While the specifics are uncertain, it’s possible that androgens also play an important role in normal brain function (including mood, sex drive and cognitive function). Please note that this content is for informational use and is not a substitute for medical advice. This content cannot diagnose or provide information about treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or need specific medical advice relating to any symptoms, conditions, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not delay seeking medical advice, and do not disregard professional medical advice based on this content. Testosterone replacement therapy can have