Doctors Say: It’s Less About the Number and More About How You Feel
In gyms, group chats, and Instagram comment sections, testosterone has become one of the most talked-about metrics of modern masculinity. But while plenty of men are obsessing over their T-scores, experts say the real story is more nuanced.
So, what does normal really mean in 2025? And should you be concerned with your testosterone levels at all?
The Numbers Game: What’s Considered "Normal"?
The current clinical range for total testosterone sits between 264–1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Anything below that? Considered low. Over 1,000? Possibly too high.
But don’t get locked on the digits. A man with a level of 310 ng/dL might feel perfectly fine. Another might feel exhausted at 350.
According to Dr. Brian Black, a board-certified family medicine physician:
Your levels fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning.
Testing is done early—usually twice on different days—to get an accurate snapshot.
What Affects Your Testosterone?
Whether you’re at 800 or 280, multiple lifestyle and medical factors can influence your testosterone levels, including:
Age: Natural decline begins in your 30s (approx. 1.6% per year)
Weight: Obesity is linked to lower testosterone
Medications: Chemotherapy, opioids, and some steroids can reduce T
Chronic illness: Diabetes and thyroid issues can all play a role
Stress, poor sleep, and diet: These lifestyle factors hit hormone production hard
Hormones like leptin, found in fat tissue, can inhibit testosterone, and higher estrogen levels (also from fat) further suppress it.
Should You Aim for Higher Testosterone?
Not necessarily.
In fact, very high levels—especially from misuse of steroids or poorly managed testosterone therapy—can lead to:
Mood swings and aggression
Sleep issues
High blood pressure
Shrinking testicles and lower sperm counts
For most men, pushing their testosterone too high is not only unnecessary—it’s risky.
Signs of Low Testosterone (And What To Do)
Common symptoms of low T include:
Fatigue or low energy
Low libido
Erectile dysfunction
Loss of muscle or increased body fat
Depression or mood swings
Difficulty concentrating
Treatment options include:
Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, exercise, sleep, and diet
Hormone therapy: Testosterone replacement, when clinically appropriate
Ruling out causes: Pituitary issues, testicular damage, or medication interference
It’s About You—Not the Lab Results
Dr. John Lynam, an endourologist, sums it up best:
“Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. The real goal is to feel good—not chase a number.”
Most clinicians now agree: unless you’re showing symptoms of low testosterone, there’s no need to get tested. But if you’re experiencing signs that concern you, speak up.
“There’s still stigma,” Dubin adds. “Men don’t always want to talk about it. But if you’re not feeling right, see a doctor. We can’t help unless you show up.”
Key Takeaways
What’s normal?
• 264–1,000 ng/dL
• But what’s normal for you depends on symptoms, not stats
What lowers testosterone?
• Age, weight, poor sleep, medications, illness
What helps?
• Exercise, sleep, balanced diet, medical review
What matters most?
• How you feel—not just the lab results
If you’re concerned about testosterone, speak to a licensed medical professional. Don’t self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Hormone health is personal, and treatment should be tailored.
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