What Is the Normal Testosterone Level and What Is It Responsible For?
Reviewed by Irina Vitalievna Demura, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, First Category updated: 9 April 2026
What Testosterone Is and Where It Is Produced
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, also present in women in much smaller amounts. In men it is produced mainly in the testes, and in women in the ovaries and adrenal glands. If hormonal levels are disrupted, an endocrinologist can order testing and treatment through the endocrinology department.
What Testosterone Is Responsible for in Men and Women
In men, testosterone is responsible for the development of the sex organs, growth of muscle and bone tissue, sex drive, sperm production, and overall energy levels. In women, it helps maintain muscle mass, bone density, libido, and general well-being, although normal levels are much lower than in men.
Normal Levels of Total and Free Testosterone
| Sex and Age | Total Testosterone | Free Testosterone Index | Unit of Measurement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men aged 19–50 | Approximately 8.6–29 nmol/L | Depends on SHBG level, calculated separately | nmol/L |
| Men over 50 | Levels gradually decline with age | Assessed individually by a doctor | nmol/L |
| Women of reproductive age | Approximately 0.3–2 nmol/L | Much lower than in men | nmol/L |
| Postmenopausal women | Levels gradually decline | Assessed together with other hormones | nmol/L |
Reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and testing method, so results should always be interpreted together with a doctor.
When and How to Correctly Take a Testosterone Test
A testosterone blood test is taken on an empty stomach, usually in the morning, since hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day and are highest in the morning. For 1–2 days before the test, it is best to avoid intense physical activity, alcohol, and stressful situations, which can temporarily affect the result.
Why Testosterone Levels May Be Low
Low testosterone can be related to age-related changes, obesity, chronic illness, disorders of the pituitary gland or testes, and certain endocrine conditions, including thyroid disease, which falls under the endocrine surgery department. In men, low levels can be accompanied by reduced libido, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass.
What High Testosterone Means and How to Normalize Its Level
Elevated testosterone is less often a problem in men, but in women it can indicate a hormonal disorder, including polycystic ovary syndrome. In men, a persistently high level sometimes requires further evaluation through urological surgery, and if a tumor is suspected, consultation with the oncourology department. The approach to normalizing hormone levels is always determined by a doctor based on test results.
Was this article helpful?
Thank you for rating.
Still have questions?
Leave your details and a doctor will call you back.
