Stillpoint Integrative Men’s Health
What Are “Normal” Testosterone Levels?
What are normal testosterone levels?
Typical total testosterone levels range from 300–1,100 ng/dL, and bioavailable testosterone from 60–220 ng/dL. However, “normal” doesn’t always mean optimal. Some men experience fatigue, low libido, or poor focus even within these ranges. The most accurate picture comes from evaluating both total and free (bioavailable) testosterone alongside symptoms, age, and overall health.
Understanding Testosterone Measurement
When your testosterone levels are checked, there are two primary numbers that matter:
total testosterone and free testosterone.
- Total testosterone measures the entire amount circulating in your blood — both free and protein-bound.
- Free testosterone represents the small portion not bound to proteins — the amount your body can actually use to regulate energy, mood, libido, and metabolism.
About two-thirds of testosterone binds tightly to a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and another portion binds loosely to albumin.
The testosterone attached to SHBG is not available for your body to use, while testosterone bound to albumin is accessible.
The combination of free and albumin-bound testosterone is known as bioavailable testosterone — a far more accurate indicator of hormonal health than total testosterone alone.
A Simple Way to Think About It
Think of your hormones like fuel in a car:
- Total testosterone is all the gas you own — both in your tank and sitting in extra containers in your trunk.
- Bioavailable testosterone is the fuel actually in the tank, powering your engine.
You could have a “full tank” overall, but if only a small portion is available to burn, your performance will still suffer.
That’s why focusing only on total testosterone can be misleading — and why comprehensive hormone evaluation is essential before beginning testosterone optimization therapy (TOT).
What Counts as “Normal”?
Testosterone reference ranges vary slightly between labs, but generally:
- Total testosterone: 300–1,100 ng/dL
- Bioavailable testosterone: 60–220 ng/dL
These numbers naturally decline with age.
At 18–20 years old, most men are near the upper end of the range. By age 80, average levels fall to around 400 ng/dL — often with noticeable effects on energy, mood, and motivation.
Here’s the issue:
A 35-year-old man with symptoms of low testosterone and a level of 350 ng/dL is technically “within normal range,” yet he has the same hormone level as an average 80-year-old.
Traditional medicine might label this as “normal” and instead diagnose depression or fatigue — missing the real underlying issue.
Beyond the Numbers: Treating the Whole Picture
Lab values provide valuable insight, but numbers alone shouldn’t determine treatment.
At Stillpoint Integrative, we interpret your testosterone levels in context — integrating:
- Total testosterone
- Free and bioavailable testosterone
- SHBG and estradiol (E2)
- Hematocrit, PSA, and lipid profiles
- Your specific symptoms and goals
This comprehensive approach ensures that testosterone optimization is both safe and meaningful—designed to restore balance, not just reach a number.
The Bottom Line
“Normal” testosterone ranges tell only part of the story.
What matters most is how your hormone profile aligns with your physical and mental well-being.
If you’re experiencing low energy, poor focus, decreased libido, or emotional changes despite being “within range,” you may still benefit from evaluation and optimization.
At Stillpoint Integrative Wellness, we help men find clarity through detailed testing and holistic, evidence-based treatment — ensuring your levels reflect true vitality, not just statistical normalcy.
👉 Schedule a Men’s Health Consultation to learn where your levels
stand and how to restore your energy, strength, and focus.
Learn more about how Stillpoint’s Testosterone Optimization Therapy (TOT) program restores balance, energy, and vitality through evidence-based care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Testosterone Levels
What’s the difference between total and free testosterone?
Total testosterone includes all testosterone in your blood—both bound and unbound. Free testosterone is the portion not bound to proteins and is available for your body to use. Together with albumin-bound testosterone, this forms your bioavailable testosterone.
Why can “normal” testosterone levels still feel low?
Lab reference ranges include men of all ages, so what’s normal for an 80-year-old might feel low for a 35-year-old. Symptoms and functional markers often reveal imbalance even when levels appear within range.
How often should testosterone levels be checked?
If you have symptoms of low testosterone—fatigue, low libido, mood changes, or muscle loss—testing should be performed once initially and then periodically during any treatment or lifestyle program to track progress and safety.
What’s the best way to interpret testosterone labs?
Comprehensive evaluation matters most. We review total, free, and bioavailable testosterone alongside SHBG, estradiol (E2), hematocrit, and lipid markers—plus your specific symptoms—to guide safe, effective optimization.