High & Low Testosterone Levels: Symptoms, Signs & Side Effects

Testosterone: What It Is, Function & Levels

Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, an effect known as diurnal variation. DHEA is a precursor to testosterone, and it is believed that taking DHEA supplements could increase the amount of testosterone. It is always recommended to speak with a doctor before starting any medication or supplements. Cushing’s syndrome is another hormonal condition impacting the adrenal glands. Are you ready to take control of your health and experience what “optimal” truly feels like?

If your results are not normal, it doesn’t always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider. For males who have gone through puberty, the test is mostly used for symptoms of low T levels (testosterone levels which are too low).

“If a doctor prescribes testosterone replacement therapy and the patient’s levels normalize, but their symptoms don’t improve, then there’s likely another cause,” he says. Other research suggests that several herbal supplements could also help support healthy testosterone levels, including saw palmetto, ginger, and ashwagandha. According to a 2020 literature review, the effects on testosterone levels can vary based on several factors, including the type of exercise and the training intensity.

However, if you are a patient and you feel like you have a low sex drive or your energy level is low and feeling sluggish, this may be a result of low testosterone. Managing patients with low testosterone is both an art and science. It is important to find a doctor who understands and is familiar with multiple options for the delivery of testosterone to patients who would benefit from this therapy. Fluid from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland combine with sperm to make semen. And 10 a.m., which is around when levels are normally the highest. Some doctors may require you how to synthesize testosterone prepare for the test by fasting, which means avoiding eating or drinking anything but water for a few hours before the test. Other doctors may not require you to fast before testosterone testing.

For patients on daily medication, the Panel recommends that patients use medication the day of follow-up blood work. Patients on topical gels, patches, and intranasal formulations should have their testosterone checked between two to four weeks after commencement of therapy. Although steady-state levels are generally reached within days following commencement, a longer interval takes into account the potential decreases in endogenous testosterone production when on exogenous testosterone. In most young men, testosterone production reaches its maximum at about age 17, and levels remain high for the next two to three decades. On average, healthy young men produce about six milligrams of testosterone a day. In recent years, researchers (and pharmaceutical companies) have focused on the effects of testosterone deficiency, especially among men. In fact, as men age, testosterone levels drop very gradually, about 1% to 2% each year — unlike the relatively rapid drop in estrogen that causes menopause.

It stimulates the development of male characteristics and is essential for sperm production (spermatogenesis). Levels of testosterone are naturally much higher in men than women. When people enter menopause, their estrogen levels typically drop. This, in turn, makes their male hormones, also known as androgens, somewhat higher.

Yet it’s estimated that at least 75% of older men still have testosterone levels in the normal range. The researchers looked at testosterone replacement therapy for men with low T, defined as less than 300 ng/dL, the Endocrine Society’s guideline until 2018. However, since the study was conducted before that change, some of the men who participated would have normal testosterone levels based on the new criteria. To summarize, many factors play a role in maintaining adequate muscle mass, but the most important are healthy testosterone levels, adequate protein intake, and proper exercise.

It’s natural for testosterone levels to vary depending on your age and overall health. If they’re consistently high or low, you may experience unpleasant symptoms worth discussing with your provider. In female adults, high levels of testosterone may be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).