What are normal and healthy testosterone levels in men?

Testosterone is better known as the male reproductive hormone produced by the testes. Its function is to help the formation of sexual organs when baby boys are growing. Well, excess or deficiency of the hormone testosterone can cause health problems. So what should be the ideal testosterone level? Check out the explanation below.

Ideal male testosterone levels

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism established the normal range of testosterone in the nonobesity population of European and American men aged 19-39 years, namely 264-916 mg / dL.

This testosterone range is important for diagnosing and providing effective treatment and preventing hormonal imbalances. In addition, many other diseases can be tested with hormone measurements.

Knowing a man's testosterone level is an important part of the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism. This is a condition that only affects men and occurs when the body doesn't produce enough testosterone.

This condition can occur from birth or as an adult. Some common signs of this condition include a lack of muscle mass, an unchanged voice, and impaired growth of hair and body hair. However, the condition must be diagnosed on the basis of testosterone levels.

What is hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism is a condition in which the testicles do not function properly. In adults, the testes have the main function of producing testosterone and sperm. This function is controlled by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus sends out a signal (called gonadotropin releasing hormone) to stimulate the pituitary to produce LH and FSH. This LH will stimulate the testes to produce testosterone.

The hypothalamus and pituitary signals can change based on the feedback signal the brain receives from the testes. Therefore, hypogonadism can be divided into two main categories:

Problems with signals from the brain to the testes, can be in the hypothalamus or pituitary
Problems in the testicles themselves

Hypogonadism diagnosis

Your doctor will perform a physical exam that records how your sexual progress is. For example, your pubic hair, muscle mass, and the size of your testicles are appropriate for your age. Your doctor will test the blood levels of testosterone if you have signs or symptoms of hypogonadism. This disease can occur at any time. If these symptoms appear before puberty, then the signs of puberty do not appear. Meanwhile, if it occurs after puberty, fertility problems and sexual problems may occur.

Early detection in boys can help prevent problems from delayed puberty. Early diagnosis and treatment in men provides better protection against osteoporosis and other related conditions.

Doctors make a diagnosis of hypogonadism based on symptoms and the results of blood tests that measure testosterone levels. Since testosterone levels are not always certain and generally are highest in the morning, blood tests are usually done in the morning, before 10 o'clock.

If tests confirm you have low testosterone, further tests can determine your true condition. Based on specific signs and symptoms, additional research can determine the cause, these include: