Hormone imbalances can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional based on your symptoms and history. In females, the role of testosterone is only partially understood, but it helps produce estrogen and may help regulate how eggs develop in the ovaries. Testosterone is often referred to as "the male sex hormone", but it is also produced in (and important for) females. Is there an ideal age to start exercising for testosterone benefits? If you suspect you have low testosterone, consult with a healthcare professional. Symptoms of low testosterone can include fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, and mood changes. Can vary based on age, genetics, and pre-existing health conditions. With our at-home finger-prick blood test, check your levels — including the biologically active form of testosterone — for a clearer picture of your hormone health Even if you’re living the healthiest lifestyle possible, for a very small percentage of men, their levels will still drop into a range that causes symptoms. Visit our male hormone guide for more ways to boost your testosterone levels naturally. There’s no need to panic if your testosterone levels are gradually declining — this is a normal part of ageing. Occasionally, testosterone levels are normal but there are still symptoms of testosterone deficiency. And often, switching to a healthier lifestyle is enough to improve testosterone levels naturally. For example, a 50-year-old man with testosterone levels of 8.5 nmol/l but no symptoms would unlikely benefit from treatment, even though his levels are outside the normal range. They measure testosterone using a blood test, with results provided in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). The testosterone level in boys and men changes throughout life. Testosterone is present in the womb and essential to normal fetal development, including the development of the male reproductive system. What is the average testosterone level by age? Testosterone levels tend to decline as a person gets older. It’s crucial to be an informed consumer, question the messaging, and understand that testosterone is just one piece of the puzzle. Testosterone is often thought of as only a male sex hormone, but females have (and need) testosterone too, just in much smaller amounts. As you age, your testosterone level gradually declines — typically about 1% a year after age 30 or 40. You have the ability to discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider at no extra cost; however, you are also encouraged to speak with your primary healthcare provider. By getting tested and sharing your results, you and your healthcare provider can understand the cause of your symptoms and identify next steps based on your specific medical situation. Sleep deprivation can significantly reduce testosterone levels. Yes, physical activity can increase testosterone levels in women, although typically to a lesser extent than in men. Focus on a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients to support natural testosterone production. Interest in testosterone has increased dramatically in recent decades. The connection between testosterone and well-being is weaker than many people think. Perhaps you're due to start treatment and want a baseline check of your liver, kidney, and prostate health If your result is borderline or abnormal, you may be asked to repeat it to confirm. A low testosterone level alone isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm. We also note that even if testosterone remains stable when you account for chronic diseases, it is important to remember that age and chronic diseases are closely tied. Experts agree that chronic diseases, which are more common with advancing age, are a main driver of low testosterone. If we also use mere intuition, it is simply unlikely that unknown factors increase testosterone in ageing men as much as known factors (such as chronic disease) decrease it. The data is at odds with the totality of evidence (we never expect all evidence to favour a truthful claim), and the studies tended to measure testosterone with less accurate and more variable tools (non-extraction immunoassays) compared to ‘gold-standard’ methods (mass spectrometry).6,7 With personalized care, the treatment is designed based on lab work, symptoms, health history, and the goals of the patient. Many conditions are similar to those that define low testosterone, including thyroid issues, poor sleep quality, or stress. It plays a vital role in sexual development, muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, fat distribution and more. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. Hypogonadism in males is a condition in which the body does not make enough testosterone. When it comes to men’s health, testosterone often gets all the attention. Age-related changes in Sertoli cell number and function impact overall testicular physiology and exacerbate the effects of aging on other cell types 49–51. Sertoli cells are the most age-sensitive cell type in the testis, and recent studies suggest that age-induced downregulation of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) may be a potential underlying mechanism . Animal studies have also demonstrated increased macrophage number with a pro-inflammatory phenotype in aged mouse testes. Upon tissue injury, macrophages become activated, initiating chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory factors, thereby suppressing testosterone production .
