What Is Average Testosterone Level by Age? (Science-Based)

Average T-levels differ between the sexes and the ages. Females usually have lower levels of testosterone than their male counterparts, and elderly folks tend to have lower testosterone levels than young adults and middle-aged people.

T-levels measured are of two kinds: bound testosterone and free (unbound) testosterone. About 98% of what your body produces is bound to either albumin or sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which is why it's called “bound” testosterone.

Free testosterone is the remaining 2%, and it connects with the testosterone receptors of the body's cells. According to an article from the Mayo Clinic Labs website, it's responsible for secondary male sexual characteristics such as facial hair and a deeper voice [1].

T-level measurements are either free or total, where the latter measures the cumulative amount of both bound and unbound testosterone in the body.

The information given below is regarding total testosterone.

Male Testosterone Levels by Age

Below are the typical testosterone levels for men in different age groups [2]. The total testosterone level for males reaches its peak at the age of 20.
Children

• 7–9 years: 0–8 nanograms per deciliter

Adolescents Age Male

• 10–15 years: 1–320 ng/dL
• 16–19 years: 200–1080 ng/dL

Adult Males

• 20–39 years: 400–1080 ng/dL
• 40–59 years: 350–890 ng/dL
• Over 60: 350–720 ng/dL

Female Testosterone Levels

• 7–9 years: 1–12 ng/dL
• 10–premenopausal years: 2–53 ng/dL
• Postmenopausal: 7–40 ng/dL

Usually, high levels of testosterone in both men and women are found in those who maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In my personal journey and research, I've encountered the risks of excessively high testosterone, particularly among athletes I've trained with who used steroids for enhanced performance. This firsthand experience highlighted the delicate balance needed in testosterone levels.

Men High T-Levels

According to an article found on the Harvard Health Publishing website, men with abnormally high T-levels can experience the following symptoms: headaches, acne, high libido, infertility, high blood pressure, excessive body hair, heart disease, and metabolic disorders, among many others [3].

High testosterone levels in men can also signify a tumor in the adrenal glands or testicles [4].

Related: How Much Testosterone Does A Man Produce Per Day

Women High T-Levels

In women, ovaries produce testosterone, and most testosterone is converted to the sex hormone estradiol [5].

Abnormally high T-levels in women can cause:

• Irregular periods
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• A deeper voice and excessive hair growth
• Abnormal sexual function
• Weight gain

High T-levels in women can also affect their fertility, whereas maintaining regular levels help enhance it [6].

As overall hormone levels usually decline with age, average testosterone levels decrease as well - both for men and women.

Men

Men may experience an increased risk of fractures, weak bones, low libido, loss of body hair, hot flashes, increased breast size, and reduced muscle mass, among many other symptoms of low testosterone [7].

Also, low T-levels in men may mean a genetic or chronic disease or a problem with the pituitary gland [8].

“Testosterone to me is so important for a sense of well-being when you get older.”

-  Sylvester Stallone, Celebrated American Actor 

Women

Although testosterone is primarily considered a male hormone, women who suffer from testosterone deficiency experience the following negative effects:

To increase low testosterone, you need to make a few healthy lifestyle changes.

1. Good Night’s Rest

A good portion of testosterone release in men happens during sleep [9].

Every additional hour of quality sleep increases your T-levels.

I suggest getting between 8–10 hours of quality sleep.

2. Regular Exercise

Peer-reviewed studies indicate that regular exercise increases T-levels [10].

Some of the best types of workouts are HIIT Training, resistance training, and weight training.

3. Balanced Diet

Through both my own dietary experiments and analyzing the lab results of numerous clients, I've discovered the effectiveness of a diet rich in protein, moderate in complex carbs, and good fats in boosting overall serum testosterone levels.

Foods such as avocados, eggs, berries, shellfish, fish, and green leafy vegetables also correlated with the maintenance or an increase in T-levels in some of my clients.

4. Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) may be a solution for those suffering from the symptoms of low testosterone. Testosterone therapy involves the delivery of extra testosterone in the body to raise and keep the levels within the normal range.

I highly recommend that you consult your doctor before doing any hormone replacement therapy — especially testosterone therapy.