Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age, and around age 50 a dip often occurs. While an exact number varies per individual, in general experts suggest testosterone levels between 300-1000 ng/dL are considered normal for a man at 50 years old.
Key things to know:
- Testosterone levels peak during adolescence and early adulthood, then slowly drop about 1% per year after age 30
- Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress impact testosterone
- Low testosterone (known as hypogonadism or "low T") is common in older men, with estimates ranging from 1 in 4 to 1 in 3 men over 50 having deficiency
Some
major signs and symptoms of low testosterone include:
There are various
root causes of declining testosterone as men age, which can include:
- Primary hypogonadism: testes produce less testosterone
- Secondary hypogonadism: pituitary gland signaling breaks down
- Other diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, etc that impact hormones
Diagnosing low testosterone involves getting tested. Levels are generally tested first thing in the morning when highest. Two measurements on different days giving results under 300 ng/dL would indicate low T.
Treatments for
raising testosterone focus on replacing the missing hormone. Options include:
- Testosterone injection/shots given weekly or biweekly
- Testosterone patches and gels (rubbed into skin daily)
- Testosterone pellets implanted under the skin every few months
Finding an age management or
men's health clinic specialized in
testosterone therapy is advisable for best results. The experts at
Vital Hormones Clinic offer complete care in this area including accurate testing, customized treatment plans, ongoing monitoring, nutrition and fitness guidance, and vitality supplements. Reach out today to learn more.
Below outlines the
typical testosterone ranges in males at different life stages:
| Age Range | Normal Testosterone Range|
|-|-|
|0-5 months| 75-400 ng/dL |
| 6 months-9 years | Less than 75 ng/dL |
| 10-11 years | Less than 130 ng/dL |
| 12-13 years | Less than 800 ng/dL |
| 14 years | Less than 1,200 ng/dL |
| 15-16 years | 100-1,200 ng/dL |
| 17-18 years | 300-1,200 ng/dL |
|>19 years | 240-950 ng/dL |
| 19-40 years | 240-950 ng/dL |
| 41-50 years | 240-950 ng/dL |
| 51-60 years | 240-950 ng/dL |
| 61-70 years | 240-950 ng/dL |
| >70 years | 240-950 ng/dL |
In summary, while an exact
optimal number differs per person,
around 300-1000 ng/dL is considered the normal range for testosterone in men aged 50. Lifestyle impacts hormone levels, so good self-care can make a difference. If worried low T symptoms are present, meet with a specialist for testing and to discuss treatment options available.
