Menu
23 pg/mL
of free testosterone
is lower than normal
A free testosterone level of 23 pg/mL, being less than the usual range, may pose certain health risks. Dive with us into the potential consequences of this reduced concentration of an indispensable male hormone on your holistic health.
Learn moreUnderstanding Normal and Optimal Testosterone Levels
For adult males, free testosterone levels can be sorted as "normal" or "optimal." The "normal" category meets the medical standards, while "optimal" points to the levels believed to enhance overall health prospects.
The testosterone level of 23 pg/mL that you have is not up to the normal metrics. Even as testosterone is being produced by your body, the levels aren't in the medically accepted spectrum, which might have implications on your stamina, sexual wellness, and all-round health. Let's understand what this might mean.
It's imperative to realize that testosterone isn't the sole health barometer. Factors including energy levels, emotional equilibrium, and physical capacity are integral to understanding male well-being.
Unsatisfied with Your Male Health? Discover a Custom Approach
If you encounter challenges with testosterone levels or sexual health, numerous natural techniques are at your disposal to enhance your well-being.
These approaches often include lifestyle shifts like maintaining a nutritious diet, participating in regular physical activities, keeping stress under control, and ensuring quality sleep. It can be a complex task to undertake these changes without guidance, but The Coach App, specializing in men's health, offers a personalized and complete plan adapted to your unique situation.
By completing a short questionnaire, we can determine if The Coach fits your needs and offer counsel on augmenting your overall health.
Testosterone's impact on health and symptoms of imbalance
Central to men's health, testosterone regulates diverse aspects such as muscle augmentation, bone health, fat distribution, red blood cell count, sexual vigor, and emotional equilibrium. When free testosterone levels are in the ideal zone, it fosters heightened vitality, mental clarity, and optimal sexual well-being.
While optimal levels correlate with heightened energy, acute focus, and robust sexual well-being, anomalies in free testosterone levels, either skewing high or low, can bring about a spectrum of health complications:
Persistent Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or energy depletion, despite adequate sleep, may be a symptom of low testosterone.
Mood Changes: Testosterone can affect mood. Low levels can cause emotional changes, such as feelings of sadness, depression, or lack of motivation.
A Decline in Sexual Desire: A drop in libido or issues with sexual function may reflect low levels.
Alterations in Physical Composition: An escalation in body fat, muscle shrinkage, and bone fragility may be signs of low testosterone.
Sleep Disruptions: Both excessively low and high testosterone levels can affect sleep patterns.
Should you experience any of the mentioned symptoms, it's paramount to approach a medical professional. They can guide you with relevant treatment options and potential lifestyle adaptations to reinvigorate your overall well-being.
Factors and Conditions Influencing Testosterone Levels
Various elements, from day-to-day routines to inherent health issues, can dictate testosterone levels. By understanding these, you can ensure balanced free testosterone levels and foster a healthier lifestyle. Key factors encompass:
Lifestyle Factors:
Diet and Nutrition: Poor nutrition can negatively impact testosterone levels. Diets rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support hormone production.
Physical Exercise: Activities like resistance training and high-intensity interval workouts can elevate testosterone levels.
Stress Control: Continual stress can disturb hormonal balance, including testosterone. Methods like mindfulness or yoga can help in managing stress.
Sleep Quality: Good sleep is indispensable for hormones, and insufficient sleep can decrease testosterone.
Alcohol and Drugs: Excessive use of alcohol and illegal drugs can have a detrimental effect on testosterone.
Health Conditions:
Obesity: There is a strong link between obesity and low testosterone levels. Maintaining a healthy weight can help keep testosterone levels in check.
Endocrine Disorders: Certain disorders like hypogonadism and hyperthyroidism that impact the endocrine system may cause testosterone to vary.
Chronic Illnesses: Diseases such as liver or kidney disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS can impact testosterone levels.
Medication Effects: Some medications may interfere with testosterone synthesis. It is wise to discuss potential impacts with a healthcare provider.
Should these factors resonate as potential influencers on your free testosterone level, a medical consultation becomes essential. Specialists can evaluate the implications and draft a pertinent treatment blueprint.
How often should I get my testosterone levels checked?
The regularity of scrutinizing your free testosterone level is informed by elements including your chronological age, health profile, and symptoms like a waning sex drive or mood variances. If these signs surface, it might be time to get evaluated.
Enhanced monitoring might be pertinent for elderly men or those grappling with health challenges that skew the free testosterone level. To get advice suited to your distinct profile, engaging with a healthcare professional is indispensable.
What other tests might be useful or necessary?
In addition to free testosterone, several other tests might provide valuable insight into your overall hormonal balance and health. Here's a brief overview:
Total Testosterone: This test measures both free and bound testosterone in your body. While free testosterone is available for use by your body's tissues, the bound form is attached to proteins and isn't readily accessible.
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin): SHBG is a protein that binds to testosterone. An SHBG test can help determine how much testosterone is free and available for your body to use.
Albumin: Another protein that binds to testosterone but less tightly than SHBG. Understanding albumin levels can also give insight into how much testosterone is readily available.
Bioavailable Testosterone: This refers to the testosterone that is not bound to SHBG and is therefore readily available for your body to use.
Bioavailable Testosterone: This refers to the testosterone that is not bound to SHBG and is therefore readily available for your body to use.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): These hormones stimulate the testes to produce testosterone. Abnormal levels can indicate problems with the pituitary gland or the testes.
Estradiol: This is a form of estrogen, a hormone generally associated with women but also present in men. High levels of estradiol in men can lead to symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia (enlarged breasts), and reduced sex drive.
Remember, all of these tests should be interpreted by a healthcare provider who can help you understand the results and suggest potential treatments or lifestyle modifications if necessary.
Which type of doctor should I consult if I am facing issues with your testosterone levels?
If challenges emerge that could be tethered to your free testosterone level, it's optimal to engage with an endocrinologist. As a connoisseur of hormonal discrepancies, they can adeptly discern and address issues stemming from testosterone imbalances.
What is a normal free testosterone level for men?
The reference range of free testosterone for adult males is generally between 46 and 190 pg/mL, with an average level of 110 pg/mL. Factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health condition can affect these levels. For optimal health, testosterone levels should typically be above 63 pg/mL. However, it's worth noting that these are merely average statistics, and individual levels might vary. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your testosterone level, consultation with a healthcare provider is highly recommended.
Enhance Your Male Well-being with The Coach
With The Coach, you gain access to a wealth of resources designed to enhance your male well-being. Whether you're looking to improve your testosterone levels, increase your energy, or simply feel better overall, The Coach is here to guide you every step of the way. Start your journey towards optimal men's health with The Coach today.
Start your program