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What are average testosterone levels in men over 60?
Executive Summary
Average total testosterone in men over 60 is reported variably across studies and lab datasets, but the weight of the evidence places typical values broadly in the range of roughly 200–900 ng/dL (7–31 nmol/L) with many clinical sources and large lab aggregates clustering around ~300–600 ng/dL for older men; levels decline with age at roughly 1% per year after middle age and free testosterone falls faster than total testosterone [1] [2] [3]. Different studies and lab reference ranges produce different cutoffs for “low” testosterone — commonly <300 ng/dL in U.S. practice — so interpreting a single value requires knowing the lab method, time of day, and clinical context [1] [4].
1. Bold claims pulled from the material — what the sources actually say and disagree about
The supplied analyses present several overlapping but non-identical claims: one set reports average ranges of 6.7–25.7 nmol/L (~193–740 ng/dL) and cites a general adult normal of 8.7–29 nmol/L [2], another emphasizes a broad adult span of 270–1070 ng/dL with age-related declines but without a clear over‑60 average [5], while lab-based aggregates show male values spanning ~264–916 ng/dL for adults and note healthy ranges often cited as 450–600 ng/dL with low defined below 300 ng/dL [1]. These differences reflect methodological variation between population cohorts, assay types, and whether studies report total versus free testosterone; the documents consistently show decline with advancing age and flag that many men over 45 can fall below younger-adult norms [3] [4].
2. Where the numbers come from — lab aggregates, clinics, and cohort studies
Large clinical lab datasets and clinic practice guidelines drive much of the apparent variation. One analysis references the largest U.S. lab aggregates showing adult male ranges approximately 264–916 ng/dL, which captures middle-aged and older men together and is influenced by assay variability and selection bias in who gets tested [1]. Population studies and endocrine reviews estimate gradual declines starting in the 30s or 40s; cohort-based analyses often report mean or median total testosterone in older men that fall into the ~200–700 ng/dL window depending on cohort health and measurement technique [2] [6]. Assay standardization and conversion between ng/dL and nmol/L account for some numerical discrepancies across sources [2] [1].
3. The consistent pattern: gradual decline, free testosterone falls faster, symptoms complicate diagnosis
Across the sources there is a consistent physiological story: total testosterone decreases modestly with age (roughly 0.4–1.3% per year depending on the metric), while free testosterone and bioavailable fractions fall more steeply, which has clinical implications for muscle, bone, and sexual function in older men [7] [3]. This pattern explains why two men with similar total testosterone can have different symptom burdens. The reviews in the dataset emphasize that lab values alone do not define “late‑onset hypogonadism”; clinical symptoms, repeated morning measurements, and attention to comorbidities are essential to interpret whether a measured low value is clinically meaningful [8] [4].
4. Why the thresholds differ and what clinicians commonly use
Clinical thresholds diverge because sources mix healthy-population reference ranges with clinical cutoffs used to trigger evaluation or therapy. U.S. practice commonly cites 300 ng/dL as a threshold below which clinicians consider hypogonadism workup, while population reference ranges and lab-specific intervals can place the lower limit anywhere from ~200 to 350 ng/dL [1] [6]. Different labs and assays report different intervals, and some expert groups argue for focusing on symptoms plus biochemical confirmation on two separate mornings rather than a single numeric cutoff [4] [8]. The net result: a man over 60 with a total testosterone of ~250–350 ng/dL may be labeled differently depending on context and guidance [1].
5. Practical takeaway for patients and clinicians: ranges, uncertainty, and next steps
For men over 60, expect total testosterone most often in the several‑hundred ng/dL range with many healthy older men near 300–600 ng/dL, and population tails extending down toward ~200 ng/dL and up toward ~900 ng/dL depending on methods [2] [1]. Because measurement timing, assay type, and clinical symptoms materially affect interpretation, the appropriate next step for a borderline or low value is repeat morning testing, assessment of free testosterone if indicated, and clinical correlation before considering treatment. The documents collectively recommend cautious, individualized evaluation rather than relying on a single numeric “average” as definitive [3] [4].