The standard of testosterone in men

What testosterone level is considered normal in men, and when is it useful to test for this hormone? What is the difference between "total" testosterone and "free" testosterone? What role does this hormone play in the male body?

The role of testosterone

Testosterone is not only a hormone responsible for sexual desire and reproductive function. It also plays an important role in bone formation and muscle development in men. The hormone is synthesized by Leydig cells, which are located in the male testes. The testosterone level in the body depends on the man's age, physical activity, lifestyle, and medications he takes.

Total testosterone includes free testosterone (not bound to blood proteins, it is available for use by body tissues and affects many processes, including libido and muscle mass) and that which binds to sex hormones. A urologist or andrologist determines what test is necessary for a given patient based on his clinical condition.

Testosterone norms by age

A blood test can determine whether a patient has a testosterone deficiency. The reference values for testosterone can vary slightly from one laboratory to another, as the methods and reagents used to measure hormone levels differ between laboratories. It is therefore recommended to perform tests in the same laboratory to accurately track changes. Additionally, since testosterone levels vary throughout the day, these tests are usually performed in the morning when testosterone levels are highest.

Total testosterone

• For boys aged 15 to 16 years, a level of 5 to 29.2 nmol/L is considered normal.
• For men aged 16 to 21 years: 4.10-32.92 nmol/l.
• For men aged 21 to 50 years: 5.72-26.14 nmol/l.
• For men over 50 years: 3-27.35 nmol/l.

Free testosterone

• For adolescents aged 13 to 18 years, the norm is 1.4 to 48.2 pg/ml.
• For men over 19 years, it is 15 to 50 pg/ml.

When should the analysis be performed?

Determining testosterone levels and correlating them with normal values is necessary in the presence of specific symptoms or relevant medical indications. The request for analysis should be made by a specialist, such as a urologist or andrologist. The following symptoms should be reported to them:

• Low libido.
• Erection problems.
• Male infertility.
• Decreased energy levels, endurance, or physical strength.
• Decreased lean muscle mass or physical strength.
• Difficulty gaining lean muscle mass or losing body fat.
• Testicular pain.
• Depression.

The same specialists will interpret the test results and prescribe appropriate treatment if necessary.

Indications for a testosterone test

Total testosterone

The indications for measuring total testosterone are as follows:

• Decreased libido.
• Difficulty conceiving a child (in cases of suspected male infertility).
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Testicular tumors.
• Diseases of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

Free testosterone

Measuring free testosterone is recommended in the following cases:

• Erection disorders.
• Suspected andropause.
• Chronic inflammation of the prostate.
• Osteoporosis and other issues.

Services at NatuVitro clinic

The NatuVitro clinic has an experienced urologist who addresses men's health issues, including the diagnosis and treatment of infertility using modern methods such as ultrasound, hormonal analysis, and medication therapy. If natural conception is not possible, IVF (in vitro fertilization) or sperm donation may be considered.

You can have a testosterone test done in the clinic's sampling room, and the results will be automatically sent to your doctor. You do not need to go to a laboratory to obtain them.

To learn more about the services offered or to make an appointment, please call the phone number listed in the "Contact Us" section of the website.