Testosterone is the main male hormone, made mostly in the testes in men and in small amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. In men it supports muscle, bone strength, sex drive, energy and sperm production. Levels are highest in the morning and slowly fall with age. Men get it checked for low sex drive, erection problems, tiredness, low mood or infertility. Women may be tested for irregular periods, acne or extra facial and body hair, which can be seen in PCOS.
Children before pubertyChild specialist interprets
Very low
Ranges differ a little from lab to lab.
What does my result mean?
Testosterone Testosterone 200 ng/dL (man)
This is below the usual adult male range. Doctors usually repeat a morning test and check symptoms and other hormones before deciding what it means.
Testosterone Testosterone 300 ng/dL (man)
This is within the usual range for most labs, though at the lower side. If you have symptoms, discuss them with your doctor along with the full report.
Testosterone Testosterone 1000 ng/dL (man)
This is above the usual range. It may be seen with testosterone or steroid use or other causes, so show the report to your doctor.
What this test checks
The test usually measures total testosterone in the blood in ng/dL. Some labs report it in nmol/L, and some also measure free testosterone or SHBG. It is advised for men with symptoms of low testosterone, couples with fertility problems, and women with signs of high male hormones. If the result is low, doctors usually repeat it on another morning before drawing any conclusion.
Common reasons for a high value
Taking testosterone, anabolic steroids or some supplements
In women: PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
Rarely, adrenal gland or ovary problems that a doctor needs to check
Some inherited hormone conditions
Common reasons for a low value
Ageing (a slow fall is natural)
Obesity, diabetes or poor sleep
Long-term illness or heavy alcohol use
Some medicines, including long-term steroids and strong painkillers
Pituitary gland or testis problems
High prolactin
How to prepare
Give the sample in the morning, ideally between 7 and 10 am, when levels are highest. A fasting sample is often preferred. Avoid very heavy exercise the day before, and tell your doctor about any hormone, steroid or other medicines you take.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your testosterone is outside the range on your report, or if you have ongoing low sex drive, erection problems, breast swelling in men, fertility problems, or in women, irregular periods with new facial hair or acne. Do not start testosterone or supplements on your own; treatment decisions should only be made by a doctor.
Testosterone – FAQs
What is the normal testosterone level in men?
For adult men, total testosterone is about 264–916 ng/dL, though labs vary and levels fall slowly with age. The range printed on your own report applies, and a doctor should interpret it with your symptoms.
What is the normal testosterone level in women?
Women have much lower levels, roughly 15–70 ng/dL in adults. Higher values may be seen in PCOS. A gynaecologist or endocrinologist reads it together with your symptoms and other hormone tests.
Why should testosterone be tested in the morning?
Testosterone is highest in the morning and drops during the day. A morning sample gives the most reliable result, and a low value is usually repeated on another morning before any decision.
Can I get a testosterone test at home?
Yes. Book an early morning slot and a trained person collects the blood sample at your home. It is tested at a partner lab and the report is sent on WhatsApp and email.
This page is general information, not medical advice. The normal range printed on your own report is the one that applies, and only a doctor can tell what your result means for you.
The Steroid Profile-10 Test measures the levels of 10 different steroid hormones, including cortisol, testosterone, estradiol and others. This test helps evaluate hormonal balance, detect endocrine disorders and monitor conditions related to adrenal, ovarian, or testicular function. It provides a comprehensive view of the body’s steroid hormone status. No fasting needed.
