Aging has its impact on almost all the systems in the human body, whether cardiac, respiratory or integumentary. Reproductive system is not an exception. As the age increases, vital processes of the reproductive system start declining. The impact may be directly on the organs or the organs which are controlling them are affected.
Reduction in the level of testosterone with age is one such phenomenon which shows a variety of symptoms involving both physical and psychological aspects.
What Is Average Testosterone Level By Age?
Age is a major factor in lowering the concentration of testosterone in blood. This condition is known as late-onset hypogonadism. In this condition, the hypogonadism is due to both primary as well as secondary and the increase in Sex Hormone Binding Globulin also reduces the concentration of free testosterone. Testosterone is present in both male and female and as it is a male dominating hormone responsible for masculine characteristics, the concentration of testosterone in male is higher as compared to female.
The average testosterone level in adult male ranges from 250 to 1000 ng/dL while is adult female the average testosterone level ranges from 10-60 ng/dL. The level of testosterone increases till the age of 19 and later on started decreasing with age. Due to reduction in the average testosterone level at later stage, the risk of Alzheimer’s increases, bones becomes brittle and the person feels fatigue and lower in energy.
Following Table shows the concentration of average testosterone level by age:
| Age (Years) | Total Testosterone (Conc.) |
| 25-34 | 670 |
| 35-44 | 620 |
| 45-54 | 606 |
| 55-64 | 560 |
| 65-74 | 525 |
| 75-85 | 475 |
| 85+ | 375 |
Further, as the age increases, average testosterone level decreases and the concentration of Sex hormone binding globulin increases.
Late-Onset Hypogonadism
The average testosterone level reduces with age and this phenomenon is termed as late-onset hypogonadism. Three characteristic features that define the present of late-onset hypogonadism are low libido, reduced spontaneous erection and erectile dysfunction. Both primary and secondary hypogonadism are involved in hypogonadism due to aging. The activity of the Leydig cells of testes, that are responsible for the synthesis and release of testosterone, is decreased. This may be due to increased free radical levels or reduced metabolic phase of the cells. Also, the function of Hypothalamus-Pituitary axis is also reduced with aging. This mechanism is important for triggering the release of testosterone from testes. Whenever the level of testosterone in the blood is low, the hormones are released from the pituitary which increases the production of testosterone from testes. Also, the concentration of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin increases with age and thus there is a reduction of free testosterone. All of these mechanisms combine to lower the concentration of testosterone. Apart from the primary and secondary hypogonadism, there is also a congenital hypogonadism wherein the hypogonadism is present from birth while the hypogonadism developed later in the life is termed as acquired hypogonadism.
Symptoms Of Hypogonadism
Testosterone is said to be a male dominating hormone; thus, any deficiency of this hormone impacts the person on both physical and psychological front. Following are the various symptoms associated with low level of testosterone:
Low Sex Drive– Low testosterone leads to low sex drive and reduced libido.
Erectile Dysfunction And Premature Ejaculation- Low levels of testosterone may also lead to infertility. It may cause erectile dysfunction as well as premature ejaculation. Further, the characteristic feature of late onset hypogonadism is low libido, spontaneous reception and erectile dysfunction.
Reduced Body Hair And Delayed Puberty– As testosterone is responsible for masculine features, it’s deficiency may cause reduced body hairs and delayed puberty.
Abnormal Development Of Sperm- Deficiency of testosterone may cause reduced production of sperms and also the quality of the sperm produced is not optimum for its fertilization with egg leading to male infertility.
Other Symptoms- The other symptoms related to low testosterone level includes low muscle mass and non-deepening of voice.
Conclusion
As the age increases the average testosterone level reduces. This phenomenon is termed as late-onset hypogonadism. This may be due to reduced synthesis and secretion of testosterone from testes or reduction in the trigger mechanism from pituitary. The concentration of average testosterone level is further reduced by increase in concentration of sex hormone binding globulin.
Also Read:
- Testosterone: Treatment of Opioid Induced Hypogonadism
- How to Improve the Testosterone Level: Enhance your Manpower !!
- Link between Testosterone and Hair Loss
- What Is The Best Testosterone Treatment?
- Is It Dangerous To Have Low Testosterone?
- What is Low Testosterone Therapy?
- Which Foods Increase Testosterone The Most?
