How to think about testosterone levels in men over 40

Written on January 30, 2023 by Sendra Yang, PharmD, MBA. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

Table of contents

• What is testosterone?
• Common symptoms of low testosterone
• How is low testosterone tested?
• Next steps after receiving your at-home lab test result
• Telehealth for low testosterone
• Are there treatment options for low testosterone?
• Related content

As you age, your hair turns gray, and you may notice more wrinkles on your skin. Other things also change as you age, including your hormones. In men, testosterone is a hormone that declines with age [1]. If you are over 40 years old, it’s important to understand more about testosterone and how to think about your levels.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the testicles in men [1]. It plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining male physiological characteristics such as muscle mass, bone density, and body hair [1,2]. Testosterone also helps regulate mood, sex drive, and sperm production [1,2]. As men age, their testosterone levels decline naturally [1]. The testosterone decline can start as early as age 30 and continue through the remainder of a man’s life [2].

Common symptoms of low testosterone

According to the American Urological Association (AUA), a testosterone level below 300 ng/dL should be diagnosed as a low level of testosterone [3]. Low testosterone in men, sometimes referred to as male hypogonadism or low T, can cause various symptoms and lead to unwanted health concerns. Common symptoms of low testosterone in men can include [2,3]:

• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Low sex drive and erectile dysfunction
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Increased body fat and decreased bone density
• Reduced body hair and changes in skin texture
• Depression, irritability, and inability to concentrate

Some of these symptoms can also be caused by other health conditions. Not all men with low testosterone will experience all of these symptoms [2,3].

How is low testosterone tested?

If you are concerned about your testosterone levels, you should consider getting tested. The tests available measures the different types of testosterones in your blood or saliva. The most common testosterone tests are [4]:

• Total testosterone: This test measures overall free testosterone levels in your blood.
• Free testosterone: This test measures the most active amount of testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood.

Everlywell provides an at-home lab test that will measure and help you understand your testosterone level. With Everlywell, your test result will provide detailed information on whether your free testosterone level is normal, low, or high. When you receive your results, you’ll also receive lifestyle tips for maintaining healthy testosterone levels and your overall wellness.

Next steps after receiving your at-home lab test result

If you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels, sharing your test results with your healthcare provider for further guidance is important. Your healthcare provider may need to repeat the test or order additional tests to confirm or rule out other causes of your symptoms [3]. It’s a great idea to share your results with your healthcare provider. Additionally, your results from the testosterone level at-home lab test with Everlywell will include information on evidence-based lifestyle changes that support healthy testosterone levels.

Telehealth for low testosterone

If you’re concerned about your testosterone levels, telehealth with a healthcare provider to discuss testosterone testing and treatment can offer several benefits:

• Convenience: Virtual visits from the comfort of your home without needing to travel to a clinic or doctor’s office
• Accessibility: Virtual visits offer easier access for men in remote or underserved areas
• Flexibility: Virtual visits can be scheduled outside of traditional office hours, making it easier to fit appointments into a busy schedule

During the virtual visit, you will have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms, medical history, lab tests, and other medications you are currently taking. The healthcare provider may recommend further testing or treatment options based on this information.

At Everlywell, we offer men's health support via telehealth, where you can book an appointment with a health provider to discuss low testosterone who can evaluate your symptoms and offer guidance on the next steps.

Are there treatment options for low testosterone?

If you are diagnosed with low testosterone, your healthcare provider can recommend several options for treatment, including [3,5]:

• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): TRT is a standard treatment for low testosterone and can help alleviate symptoms such as low sex drive, muscle loss, and fatigue. The therapy involves taking a synthetic form of testosterone, usually a gel, patch, injection, or pellet, to help bring your testosterone levels back to normal. Testosterone replacement therapy is not without its risks, and benefits are carefully weighed against the risks with your healthcare provider. Common TRT side effects are breast enlargement and an increased risk of prostate cancer. TRT is not always the best option for all men.
• Clomiphene citrate: This oral medication helps boost testosterone levels by stimulating the production of luteinizing hormone, which causes the testes to produce more testosterone.
• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): This hormone can stimulate the testes to produce more testosterone and is usually administered via injection.
• Lifestyle changes: Changing your diet and exercise routine can help improve your overall health and boost your testosterone levels. Regular exercise and a healthy diet rich in nutrients can help increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, and improve overall health.

It is essential to communicate with your healthcare provider and monitor testosterone levels regularly to ensure that the treatment works and adjust the dosage as necessary.

To get started, you can consider an at-home lab test (such as the Testosterone Total Test) and/or a Men’s Health Virtual Visit with Everlywell.

Related content

Healthcare advice for men over 40

Why men over 40 should start seeing a urologist regularly

Virtual healthcare for men over 60

How to think about testosterone levels in men over 60

References

1. Nassar GN, Leslie SW. Physiology, testosterone - STATPEARLS - NCBI BOOKSHELF. URL. Accessed January 26, 2023.
2. Jia H, Sullivan CT, McCoy SC, Yarrow JF, Morrow M, Borst SE. Review of health risks of low testosterone and testosterone administration. World J Clin Cases. 2015;3(4):338-344. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v3.i4.338. URL.
3. Mulhall JP, Trost LW, Brannigan RE, et al. Evaluation and management of testosterone deficiency: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2018;200(2):423-432. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2018.03.115. URL.
4. Testosterone levels test. MedlinePlus. URL. Accessed January 25, 2023.
5. Kumagai H, Zempo-Miyaki A, Yoshikawa T, Tsujimoto T, Tanaka K, Maeda S. Increased physical activity has a greater effect than reduced energy intake on lifestyle modification-induced increases in testosterone. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2016;58(1):84-89. doi:10.3164/jcbn.15-48. URL.