Testosterone (Total) in Serum

Primary male sex hormone produced mainly in the testes (men) and ovaries/adrenals (women). Regulates muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, libido, and erythropoiesis.
Also known as:
Testosterone
S-TST
TST
.

Testosterone (Total) ranges for

Interpret your result
"Normal" lab range for Testosterone (Total) is between 264 and 916 ng/dL for males:
264
916
According to American Urological Association, Testosterone (Total) should be above 300 ng/dL for males:
300
According to Peter Attia, Testosterone (Total) should be between 350 and 1000 ng/dL for males:
350
1000
According to OptimalDX, Testosterone (Total) should be between 700 and 1100 ng/dL for males:
700
1100
Increased all-cause mortality was associated with Testosterone (Total) below 213 ng/dL in males:
213
Optimal range
Optimal range for Testosterone (Total) appears to be between 500 and 1100 ng/dL for males:
0
300
500
1100
1300
Why this optimal range?
Preliminary range is based on functional health organizations including but not limited to those listed above.

Low Testosterone (Total)

Common reasons for low Testosterone (Total):

  • In men: Low testosterone is most commonly caused by aging and excess weight.

    Other causes: primary hypogonadism (Klinefelter syndrome, testicular injury, orchitis), secondary hypogonadism (pituitary/hypothalamic dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia), chronic opioid or glucocorticoid use, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic illness.

    In women: menopause, ovarian or adrenal insufficiency, pelvic radiation, hysterectomy or oophorectomy, and several medications, including glucocorticoids, oral contraceptives, and thyroxine.

    ,

Possible consequences from low Testosterone (Total):

  • Physical symptoms
    Reduced energy
    Reduced endurance
    Diminished work performance
    Diminished physical performance
    Loss of body hair
    Reduced beard growth
    Fatigue
    Reduced lean muscle mass
    Obesity
  • Cognitive symptoms
    Depressive symptoms
    Cognitive dysfunction
    Reduced motivation
    Poor concentration
    Poor memory
    Irritability
  • Sexual symptoms
    Reduced sex drive
    Reduced erectile function

High Testosterone (Total)

Common reasons for high Testosterone (Total):

  • In men: Exogenous testosterone (TRT, anabolic steroids) is the most common cause of high total testosterone. Endogenous causes include androgen-secreting testicular or adrenal tumors, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and conditions such as hyperthyroidism that can raise SHBG and increase total testosterone without necessarily increasing free testosterone.

    In women: PCOS is the most common cause of androgen excess and may cause elevated testosterone. Other causes include nonclassic or classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-secreting ovarian or adrenal tumors, Cushing syndrome, ovarian hyperthecosis, and exogenous androgen use.

    ,

Images:

Testosterone declines with age in men

Testosterone declines with age in men

BMI > 22.5 is associated with lower Testosterone in men

BMI > 22.5 is associated with lower Testosterone in men

12,330 participants
Very low testosterone increase all-cause mortality in men

Very low testosterone increase all-cause mortality in men

Fully adjusted model. Using precise mass spectrometry assays.
134,346 participants

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Zsolt Szabo
Zsolt Szabo
Precision Health Consultant for Longevity Clinics, Biohacker, and Software Engineer

Please send me relevant research and feedback.

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I am particularly interested in research on biomarkers associated with all-cause mortality and on defining optimal reference ranges.