For postnatal effects in both males and females, these are mostly dependent on the levels and duration of circulating free testosterone. On average, in adult males, levels of testosterone are about seven to eight times as great as in adult females. It’s normal for testosterone levels to decrease with age or with the use of certain medications like corticosteroids or opiate pain medication. Aging, obesity, taking certain medications and other health conditions like liver and kidney disease, sleep disorders, type 2 diabetes, and HIV can contribute to lower testosterone levels.² For those making lifestyle changes or working to boost their hormone health, this testosterone test can help you keep tabs on your testosterone levels and establish a baseline. This is why measuring both total and free testosterone is essential when diagnosing low testosterone or other hormonal imbalances. When SHBG is elevated, more testosterone gets "locked up" and becomes unavailable for your body to use. Total testosterone refers to the overall amount of testosterone present in your blood. While they sound similar, these two measurements tell us different things about how testosterone functions in your body. Feel free to ask us any question you would like about TRT, medical weightloss, ED, or other topics related to men's health. Ask us about TRT, medical weightloss, ED, or other men's health topics. This is the biologically active, usable hormone that can enter your cells and exert its powerful effects on muscle, bone, brain, and libido. It’s natural to be concerned about lower testosterone levels. Professional organizations have not set a target range, but 500 ng/dL falls within the AUA’s normal testosterone range of 450 to 600 ng/dL. However, laboratories may report levels down to 264 ng/dL as within the normal range. Your healthcare provider will consider your medical history and current medications when they review your results. An abnormal testosterone test result doesn’t guarantee that you have a medical condition. High testosterone levels could indicate a tumor in your adrenal glands or testicles. When you get your blood test results back, there will be information that indicates what that lab’s normal ranges are. To prepare for a testosterone test, a healthcare provider may recommend fasting for several hours before getting the blood sample. A healthcare provider can provide additional support on medical and natural treatments based on a person’s unique health problems. There are currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved testosterone medical treatments for women. Medical, natural, or a combination of both types of treatment may help regulate testosterone levels. Many women with high testosterone levels will have irregular menses or no period at all. It’s important to note that for people assigned female at birth (AFAB), there’s no exact number for determining high testosterone levels, also known as hyperandrogenism. Both males and females produce testosterone in their bodies, but males typically have much higher levels of it.