What are normal testosterone levels?

Although testosterone is commonly associated with men, all people produce testosterone and rely on the hormone for many bodily processes. And since all people produce testosterone, all people can also experience frustrating symptoms when testosterone levels are out of balance. However, symptoms of high and low testosterone present differently depending on a person’s sex assigned at birth.

So, what are normal levels of testosterone? The answer is it depends. Continue reading to learn more about healthy ranges of testosterone, symptoms of high and low testosterone, and more. 

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Unfortunately, not enough research has been conducted on testosterone in women to establish a universally accepted “normal” range. Women’s bodies naturally produce significantly less testosterone than men’s do. For women who are not in menopause, circulating levels of testosterone typically fall between 20 and 60 ng/dL (Longcope, 1986).

Low testosterone in women

In women’s bodies, testosterone is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and by conversion in other places of the body. Similar to a normal testosterone range, low testosterone in women hasn’t been thoroughly studied. Testing testosterone in women is not common, and there’s no formal diagnosis of testosterone deficiency or low testosterone. Symptoms of low testosterone in women may include (Wierman, 2014):

• Decreased sexual desire

• Decreased sexual sensitivity

• Decreased arousal and ability to orgasm

• Fatigue

Some women—particularly postmenopausal women with female sexual interest/arousal disorder—might benefit from short-term testosterone therapy for increasing libido (Wierman, 2014; Davis, 2016). However, we don’t fully understand the long-term safety and effects of testosterone therapy on increasing sexual desire in women.

High testosterone in women

High testosterone in women, or hyperandrogenism, can be caused by polycystic ovarian  syndrome (PCOS), the most common hormone disorder in women. Signs of high testosterone in women include (Rasquin Leon, 2021):

• Irregular periods

• Hair loss on the scalp

• Excess facial and body hair 

• Acne

Growth of the Adam’s apple, deepening of the voice, and clitoral enlargement may also occur. These symptoms could also be caused by a tumor of the ovaries or adrenal glands and should be investigated immediately.

Exact numbers for “normal” testosterone levels vary, but estimates typically range from 300 to 1000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), depending on what lab processes your sample or who you ask. According to the American Urological Association, a testosterone value below 300 ng/dL indicates low testosterone (Mulhall, 2018). But healthcare providers might still treat someone with slightly higher T levels if the signs and symptoms are typical of low T. 

Low testosterone in men

Men naturally produce less testosterone as they age. Testosterone levels decrease by 1–2% each year, starting at around 40 (Miah, 2019). Other causes of low testosterone may include taking certain medications (including steroids or opioids), obesity, infections, and more. Symptoms of low T in men include (Sizar, 2021): 

• Low sex drive (libido)

• Decreased muscle mass

• Reduced semen volume

• Sleep problems, like sleep apnea

• Depression

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

High testosterone in men

High testosterone in men does not usually occur naturally. The most common cause of high testosterone is taking too high a dosage of prescribed testosterone or abusing anabolic steroids. Symptoms of high testosterone in men include (Ganesan, 2021):

• Acne on the face or body

• Enlarged prostate

• Gynecomastia (male breast tissue growth)

• Worsening of sleep apnea 

• Fluid retention

• Testicular shrinkage 

• Low sperm count

• Increase in red blood cells (erythrocytosis)

Testosterone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day. Testosterone is highest in the morning and drops as the day progresses. For this reason, most healthcare providers require two blood tests on two different mornings to diagnose low T (Kanakis, 2019).

In addition to regular daily fluctuation, testosterone levels depend primarily on three factors:

• Age

• Genetics

• Existing medical conditions

For men, some research supports that testosterone levels peak in the late teens or early 20s (Kelsey, 2014). 

No matter the cause, high or low testosterone can cause frustrating symptoms that impact your sex drive, energy, and overall health (for all people). If you suspect your testosterone levels may be too low or too high, visit a healthcare provider. They can help you test your levels and develop a treatment plan.

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Current version

October 26, 2022

Written by

Abbi Havens

Fact checked by

Felix Gussone, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Felix Gussone, MD, Ro

Felix Gussone is a physician, health journalist and a Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.