Free Testosterone by Age: What’s Normal?

Free testosterone (FT) is the active form of testosterone that drives energy, muscle, mood, and sexual health.

In men, both total (TT) and free testosterone decline about 1–2% yearly after 30, while women have much lower levels. Tracking FT by age offers a clear view of what’s normal and how hormone balance shifts over time.

Free vs. Total Testosterone

Free testosterone (FT) and total testosterone (TT) play distinct roles in the body, impacting how this hormone supports health and vitality. Below is a comparison to highlight their unique characteristics.

Further Explanation

Free Testosterone, though small in percentage, is the biologically active form that binds directly to tissues. Total Testosterone includes both free and protein-bound forms, reflecting the overall hormone level but not always its immediate biological activity.

Free Testosterone Chart by Age

Tracking free testosterone (FT) levels through charts helps simplify understanding how this hormone changes with age and differs between men and women. The sections below break down these trends for males and females, connecting to the broader discussion of testosterone’s role in health.

Free Testosterone Chart in Males

Puberty to Early Adulthood (12–30 years): Free testosterone peaks, fueling muscle development, bone growth, and sexual maturation. Levels vary widely but reach their highest point during late adolescence and early 20s [5].

Adulthood (30–70 years): Free testosterone begins a steady decline of about 2% per year, outpacing testosterone decline. Rising SHBG levels bind more testosterone, reducing free availability. This contributes to gradual shifts in energy, strength, and sexual vitality [1,2,4].

Over 70 years: Free testosterone levels drop significantly. Studies suggest that up to 30% of men over 70 and 50% of men over 80 may have low testosterone when assessed by free testosterone [1,2].

Free Testosterone Chart in Females

Pre-Puberty & Adolescence: Free testosterone is very low before puberty and rises modestly during adolescence. Measurement is challenging due to low concentrations [7].

Reproductive Years (18–50): Typical free testosterone ranges are 0.2–6.3 pg/ml (0.7–21.9 pM) [7]. These levels play roles in energy, bone density, and mood, though precise reference ranges remain debated [6].

Menopause & Beyond (50+): Free testosterone may increase slightly post-menopause due to adrenal activity but typically declines again after 70, averaging 0.1–3.7 pg/ml [7].

Testosterone Levels by Age Chart

Testosterone levels shift across life stages, reflecting the body’s changing needs. The table below outlines how total (TT) and free testosterone (FT) vary in men and women, providing context for average levels by age [1,2,7,8].

These trends, observed in human studies, highlight testosterone’s dynamic role across life stages [1]. The next section will dive deeper into average total testosterone levels by specific age groups for a clearer view of these changes.

Average Total Testosterone Levels by Age

Total testosterone (TT) shifts throughout life, mirroring the body’s needs from infancy to old age. While free testosterone shows what’s immediately active, total testosterone reflects the body’s broader hormonal capacity.

Looking at total testosterone by age reveals how it sustains growth, vitality, and overall health at each stage [1,2,7].

Newborn and childhood phase

In early life, total testosterone (TT) levels are minimal, especially in girls. For females under 8 years or in the earliest puberty stage (Tanner stage 1), total testosterone is typically below 8 ng/dL (<0.28 nM) [7].

Boys also have low levels during this phase, though specific data is less detailed. Measuring these low levels is challenging with standard tests, but newer techniques like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MSMS) offer more accuracy [7].

Although based on human studies, these measurements still lack precision for very low levels, limiting understanding of early hormonal health [7].

Teenage years and early adulthood

During puberty, total testosterone levels surge, especially in boys, reaching a peak in early adulthood. In males, total testosterone ranges from 300–1,000 ng/dL in the morning, supporting muscle growth, bone strength, and social behaviors [4].

Animal studies suggest testosterone shapes brain circuits during puberty, influencing behaviors into adulthood, though human applications need further exploration [5].

In females, testosterone rises slightly through puberty but remains much lower than in males—about 7–8 times lower in blood levels and 20 times lower in daily production [7,8].

These findings from human studies show testosterone’s critical role in youth, with potential to shape lifelong health [4]. This peak sets a baseline for the declines seen later.

Adult age

In adulthood, testosterone levels stabilize but begin to wane after age 30, particularly in men. For men, testosterone drops by about 100 ng/dL per decade, or roughly 1–2% per year [4].

A study of 890 healthy men by Harman et al. (2001) found a steady testosterone decline of about 3.2 ng/dL per year, consistent across factors like weight or lifestyle [1]. In women, testosterone remains low but supports energy and mood, though specific adult ranges are less documented [7].

These human studies highlight testosterone’s role in maintaining vitality, with potential for further insights into how declines affect health [1]. This gradual decrease signals the transition to later life changes.

Elderly age

With aging, testosterone levels fall more noticeably, especially in men. This decline often coincides with reduced energy, muscle mass, and physical performance.

• About 40% of men over 45 and 50% of men over 80 have TT below 300 ng/dL, a threshold often associated with low testosterone [4].
• Harman et al. (2001) reported that around 20% of men over 60, 30% of men over 70, and 50% of men over 80 fall into this category, with rates even higher when FT is considered [1].
• In women over 70, TT remains low and similar to earlier adult levels [2].
• The Health in Men Study (2007) further noted that while TT may appear stable in older men, rising SHBG levels reduce the fraction of testosterone that is biologically available [2].

Table: Symptoms of Abnormal Testosterone Levels

Building on the earlier exploration of how testosterone levels shift across ages, this section highlights what happens when testosterone levels are too low in men or too high in women.

Abnormal testosterone levels can lead to a range of physical, emotional, and sexual changes, which differ significantly between sexes.

Although these symptoms are observed in humans, data on women’s symptoms is less detailed, indicating potential for further research to clarify effects [6]. Recognizing these signs helps connect testosterone’s role to practical steps for managing its levels, discussed next.

How to Manage Testosterone

Testosterone levels may be supported through healthy lifestyle habits, and in some cases, medical options prescribed by a healthcare professional, combined with regular monitoring [1,10].

Lifestyle Changes

• Weight & Exercise: A Healthy weight and regular strength/cardio training boost TT and fertility [1,4].
• Nutrition & Sleep: Balanced diet, good sleep, and avoiding smoking/alcohol support hormone health [1,10].
• Reduce Toxins: Limit exposure to smoke, pesticides, and heavy metals that disrupt testosterone [4].

Medical Options

• TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy): May be prescribed by healthcare professionals to help restore TT toward a target range (often ~450–600 ng/dL). It may influence muscle, bone, or mood, but requires medical monitoring due to potential side effects [9,10].
• Fertility-Safe Alternatives: hCG, clomiphene, or anastrozole can stimulate natural testosterone, used off-label [4].

Regular Monitoring

• Initial Tests: Measure TT twice in the morning (7–11 AM); <300 ng/dL suggests evaluation [10].
• Follow-ups: On TRT, check levels 2–4 weeks after start, then every 6–12 months; track RBCs and PSA (age >40) [10].
• Symptom Check: Diagnosis relies on both low TT and symptoms (e.g., fatigue, low libido) [10].

By combining healthy habits, appropriate medical care, and consistent monitoring, testosterone can be managed safely and effectively.

Practical Tips for Readers

• Focus on three simple habits: exercise, consistent sleep, and balanced nutrition.
• If you notice persistent fatigue, mood shifts, or low libido, speak with a healthcare provider.
• Remember: Normal ranges differ between men and women and change with age.

Conclusion

Testosterone shapes health across life stages, varying by age and sex. Understanding its trends empowers better choices for vitality. Curious about your levels? Consult a healthcare provider to explore your hormonal health and take charge of your well-being.