Testosterone is more than just a hormone — it’s an essential component of men’s health, affecting everything from muscle and libido to mood and hair growth. But with age, lifestyle and other health factors, maintaining optimal testosterone levels can become a challenge.
At Balanced Medical Solutions, we understand how important it is to maintain optimal testosterone levels. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply curious about your hormonal health, keep reading to gain valuable insights on what’s considered a normal testosterone level and how fluctuations can affect your overall well-being.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, essential not just for sexual health but for optimal physical and mental well-being. It is primarily produced in the testicles and, to a lesser extent, the adrenal glands, playing an important role in the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics such as muscle mass and facial hair. Testosterone is also instrumental in red blood cell production and affects mood, cognition, and libido.
Testosterone levels peak during puberty and start to decline after the age of 40, typically around at a rate of about 1% per year. This drop is normal and sometimes referred to as andropause or “male menopause,” but can lead to unwanted changes in sexual function, mood, energy, and physical appearance. However, not all men experience symptoms from this natural decline, and the impact of decreasing testosterone can vary significantly.
What Does ‘Normal’ Testosterone Look Like?
“Testosterone levels can vary and still be considered healthy,” say the experts at Balanced Medical Solutions. Typically, testosterone levels are considered normal when they’re between 280 ng/dL and 1,100 ng/dL. But when it comes to your testosterone, it’s not all about the numbers — the symptoms you’re experiencing and how you feel are most important.
Testosterone can be too high or too low, but there’s a lot of variation in the middle. What’s considered ‘low’ for one person could be perfectly adequate for another, depending on individual factors such as a person’s age, physical condition and overall health.
Some men with low testosterone feel fine and don’t necessarily need or want treatment — however, tanking testosterone levels can be linked to a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including decreased libido, weight gain (especially around the stomach), mood swings, fatigue, loss of muscle and erectile dysfunction.
Understanding the Range
- Low Testosterone: Generally, levels below 280 ng/dL are considered low and might require further evaluation and possible treatment, especially if accompanied by symptoms like decreased libido, fatigue and mood swings.
- Normal Testosterone: Levels that fall within the 280 ng/dL to 1,100 ng/dL range are typically considered normal, but this can vary depending on your baseline and some men start to suffer from low testosterone symptoms when it drops below 500.
- Optimal Testosterone: Most men feel their best when their levels are between 500 ng/dL to 1100 ng/dL
- High Testosterone: Levels that exceed 1,100 ng/dL are unusual and might indicate an underlying condition or the use of steroids, which could have other health implications.
To figure out if your levels are off, doctors use your baseline as a guide, combined with your reported symptoms. “It’s about aligning how you feel with what the numbers say, and sometimes the numbers don’t tell the whole story,” our experts explain. This personalized approach helps ensure that any treatment or advice is tailored specifically to your unique needs.
Can Women Also Have Low Testosterone?
Testosterone is often thought of as a male hormone. However, women also produce testosterone, albeit in much smaller amounts. It serves important functions throughout the body, affecting bone strength, muscle mass and libido. Women can also have low levels of testosterone and experience symptoms that negatively affect their overall quality of life.
What Factors Influence Testosterone Levels?
Understanding what influences testosterone levels can help you manage your health more effectively. At Balanced Medical Solutions, we recognize that a variety of factors, both within and outside your control, can impact testosterone production and overall hormone balance.
Here’s an overview of the key elements that can affect your testosterone levels:
- Age: One of the most significant factors is age, as testosterone levels gradually decline as we get older. The rate of decline might vary between individuals.
- Genetics: Testosterone production is influenced by your genetics.
- Body Composition: Obesity is closely linked with low testosterone levels.
- Stress: Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can reduce testosterone when present in high amounts for an extended period of time.
- Sleep: Lack of sleep and disrupted sleep patterns can significantly reduce testosterone levels, affecting your overall hormonal balance and health.
Other factors that might lower your testosterone levels include:
- Drugs and alcohol
- Opioid use
- Steroids
- Medications like chemotherapy
- Thyroid problems
- Testicle injury
- Chronic disease
How to Determine Your Testosterone Levels
Doctors say most men don’t have to worry about their exact testosterone number — unless they’re experiencing symptoms. Recognizing changes in your body could be the first indicator that your testosterone levels may not be in the optimal range. Common symptoms of low testosterone include changes in sex drive, energy levels and mood. Since these symptoms can develop gradually, it’s often difficult to pinpoint a cause without professional help.
If you’ve noticed symptoms of low testosterone that are affecting your quality of life, we recommend getting your levels checked. This involves a physical exam and a simple blood test that takes less than five minutes to complete. If your results come back as low, you might be a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) or peptide therapy to optimize your testosterone levels and improve your overall health.
At Balanced Medical Solutions, our approach to health goes beyond mere numbers. “We treat based on the whole person, not just one aspect of their health,” our specialists emphasize. This holistic perspective means that we evaluate how your symptoms — whether physical, emotional or mental — align with your testosterone levels with your overall health profile.
Achieving Hormonal Balance with Expert Care
Achieving hormonal balance is crucial for your health and well-being, and testosterone is an important part of this equation. At Balanced Medical Solutions, we focus on optimizing your hormone levels to enhance your quality of life, offering personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Whether through BHRT, peptide therapy or lifestyle adjustments, our experts are dedicated to finding the most effective solutions for you.
We believe in continuous support and education for our patients. By understanding your health and the factors that influence it, you’re better equipped to make informed decisions about your care. Optimizing testosterone not only improves energy levels, mood and physical vitality but also helps prevent long-term health issues related to high or low testosterone levels.
At Balanced Medical Solutions, you get more than just a personalized treatment plan — you’re gaining a partner in your journey to a healthier, more vibrant life. We provide a supportive and confidential environment to address your health concerns with the utmost care. Let us guide you toward achieving the balance you need to live your best life.
Start Your Journey to Optimal Health Today
Are you ready to take control of your health and ensure your testosterone levels are supporting your well-being? Don’t wait for symptoms to disrupt your life. Contact Balanced Medical Solutions today to schedule your comprehensive medical evaluation. Our expert team is here to provide the personalized care and ongoing support you need to feel your best.
