Testosterone Levels by Age: What's Normal for Nebraska Men in 2025?
"My testosterone is 350 ng/dL. Is that low?"
It's one of the most common questions we hear at ZYP Medical in Gretna. And the answer isn't as simple as you might think.
Testosterone levels vary significantly by age, and what's considered "normal" spans a surprisingly wide range. Even more importantly, your symptoms matter far more than just a single number on a lab report. You could have testosterone at 350 ng/dL and feel completely fine—or you could feel exhausted, unmotivated, and struggling with low libido at the same level.
Understanding what testosterone levels are typical for your age, when to get tested, and what your numbers actually mean is crucial for making informed decisions about your health. Whether you're in your 30s noticing changes, in your 40s wondering if it's "just aging," or in your 50s and beyond dealing with persistent symptoms, this guide will help you understand where you stand.
Curious about your testosterone levels? Schedule your $50 consultation and comprehensive lab testing at ZYP Medical in Gretna. Call (402) 407-2847 or visit www.zypmed.com.
Understanding Testosterone: More Than Just One Number
Before we dive into age-specific ranges, it's important to understand what we're actually measuring when we test testosterone.
Total Testosterone vs. Free Testosterone
Total Testosterone: The complete amount of testosterone in your blood, including:
Testosterone bound to SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin)
Testosterone bound to albumin
Free testosterone (unbound)
Free Testosterone: The small percentage (about 2-3%) that's not bound to proteins and is biologically available to your cells. This is the testosterone your body can actually use.
Why it matters: You can have "normal" total testosterone but low free testosterone, which means your body isn't getting the full benefit. That's why comprehensive testing at ZYP Medical measures both.
What Testosterone Does in Your Body
Testosterone isn't just about sex drive (though that's important). It plays crucial roles in:
Energy production and metabolism - Why you feel energized or exhausted
Muscle mass and bone density - Maintaining strength and skeletal health
Fat distribution - Where and how your body stores fat
Red blood cell production - Oxygen delivery throughout your body
Mood regulation - Emotional stability and mental clarity
Cognitive function - Memory, focus, and decision-making
Motivation and confidence - Drive to pursue goals and take action
Sexual function - Libido, erectile function, and performance
When testosterone drops below optimal levels for your age and body, all of these systems can be affected.
Normal Testosterone Levels by Age: The Complete Breakdown
Here's what's considered the normal range for testosterone levels at different ages, measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL):
Men in Their 20s
Normal range: 300-1,000 ng/dL Average: 600-700 ng/dL Peak years: Most men experience their lifetime peak testosterone in their late teens to mid-20s
What's happening: Your body is producing testosterone at its highest natural capacity. If you're experiencing low testosterone symptoms in your 20s, it's worth investigating underlying causes like:
Obesity or metabolic syndrome
Testicular injury or infection
Pituitary gland disorders
Certain medications (opioids, steroids)
Chronic stress or poor sleep
Previous steroid use
Bottom line: Low T in your 20s isn't "normal aging"—it needs evaluation.
Men in Their 30s
Normal range: 270-900 ng/dL Average: 550-650 ng/dL Natural decline: About 1% per year after age 30
What's happening: This is when the gradual, natural decline in testosterone begins. Most men in their 30s still have robust testosterone levels, but you might notice:
Slightly less recovery after intense workouts
Need for better sleep to feel rested
Subtle changes in body composition
When to worry: If you're experiencing significant symptoms like persistent fatigue, notable libido decrease, or difficulty maintaining muscle despite good habits, testing is warranted even if you're "young."
Men in Their 40s
Normal range: 250-800 ng/dL Average: 450-550 ng/dL Acceleration point: Decline can accelerate, especially with lifestyle factors
What's happening: This is when many Omaha men first notice changes they can't easily explain:
Energy isn't what it used to be
Weight (especially belly fat) is harder to manage
Recovery from exercise takes longer
Libido and sexual function may decrease
Mood and motivation can shift
The "it's just aging" trap: Yes, testosterone naturally declines with age. But significant symptoms aren't something you just have to accept. This is the most common age we see men at ZYP Medical seeking evaluation.
Men in Their 50s
Normal range: 200-700 ng/dL Average: 400-500 ng/dL Symptoms more common: Many men experience noticeable low T symptoms
What's happening: By your 50s, testosterone has declined 20-30% from your peak. Combined with other age-related changes, the effects can be significant:
Persistent fatigue becomes harder to ignore
Body composition shifts (more fat, less muscle)
Sexual function changes are more pronounced
Mental clarity and memory may be affected
Motivation and drive can decrease
Important note: Just because decline is "expected" doesn't mean severe symptoms are inevitable or untreatable.
Men 60 and Beyond
Normal range: 200-600 ng/dL Average: 350-450 ng/dL Individual variation: Some men maintain higher levels; others drop significantly
What's happening: Testosterone continues declining, but many men in their 60s, 70s, and beyond maintain active, healthy lives with proper hormone management. The key is whether your testosterone level supports your desired quality of life.
Perspective shift: The goal isn't to have the testosterone of a 25-year-old. It's to have sufficient testosterone to feel energetic, maintain muscle and bone density, enjoy intimate relationships, and live actively.
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Call (402) 407-2847 Book A ConsultationThe Wide Range Problem: Why "Normal" Doesn't Mean Optimal
Notice how wide these ranges are? A man in his 40s could have testosterone at 250 ng/dL or 800 ng/dL and both would be considered "normal."
But here's the crucial insight from years of treating Nebraska men at ZYP Medical: Two men with the exact same testosterone level can feel completely different.
Why Symptoms Matter More Than Numbers Alone
Example 1: Tom, age 45, testosterone 350 ng/dL
Feels great, energetic, active lifestyle
Good libido and sexual function
Building muscle at the gym
Sharp mentally at work
Diagnosis: No treatment needed
Example 2: Mike, age 45, testosterone 350 ng/dL
Constantly exhausted despite adequate sleep
Low sex drive, erectile issues
Can't lose belly fat despite diet and exercise
Brain fog, difficulty concentrating
Diagnosis: Candidate for TRT
Same age. Same testosterone level. Completely different situations.
Factors That Affect How You Respond to Your Testosterone Level
Why such variation?
Genetics: Some men's bodies use testosterone more efficiently
Receptor sensitivity: How well your cells respond to testosterone
SHBG levels: Higher SHBG means less free testosterone available
Estrogen balance: Testosterone converts to estrogen; balance matters
Overall health: Chronic conditions, medications, lifestyle factors
Body composition: Muscle mass, body fat percentage
Baseline: What was "normal" for you in your peak years
This is why at ZYP Medical, we don't just look at one number. We evaluate:
Your symptoms and how they affect your life
Your complete hormone panel (total T, free T, estradiol, SHBG)
Your medical history and health status
Your goals and what "feeling better" means to you
When Should Nebraska Men Get Their Testosterone Tested?
Clear Indications for Testing
You should strongly consider getting your testosterone levels checked if:
✅ You're experiencing multiple symptoms:
Persistent fatigue and low energy
Decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction
Difficulty building or maintaining muscle
Increased body fat (especially abdominal)
Mood changes, irritability, or depression
Brain fog or memory issues
Loss of motivation or confidence
✅ You're over 40 and noticing changes in energy, body composition, or sexual function
✅ You have risk factors:
Obesity or type 2 diabetes
Sleep apnea
Chronic opioid use
History of testicular injury or infection
Pituitary gland disorders
Taking medications that affect testosterone
✅ You're curious about establishing a baseline, especially in your 30s
✅ You've tried lifestyle interventions (better diet, more exercise, improved sleep) without improvement in symptoms
When Testing Isn't Necessary
You probably don't need testing if:
You feel great with no symptoms
You're maintaining energy, muscle, and sexual function
You're just casually curious with no concerns
You're under 30 with no symptoms or risk factors
How Testosterone Testing Works at ZYP Medical
Getting your testosterone tested in Omaha doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Here's our straightforward process:
Step 1: Schedule Your $50 Consultation
Call (402) 407-2847 or visit our Gretna clinic. During your one-hour consultation, we'll:
Discuss all your symptoms in detail
Review your medical history
Determine if testing is appropriate
Answer all your questions
Step 2: Comprehensive Lab Testing
If testing is recommended, we'll order a complete hormone panel including:
Total testosterone - Overall testosterone level
Free testosterone - Biologically available testosterone
Estradiol (E2) - Estrogen levels (important for balance)
SHBG - Sex hormone binding globulin
LH and FSH - Pituitary hormones that regulate testosterone
Complete blood count - Red blood cell levels
PSA - Prostate health marker
Metabolic panel - Overall health assessment
Cost: $150 for initial comprehensive workup
Testing best practices:
We test in the morning (8-10 AM) when testosterone peaks
We typically test twice to confirm levels
Results available in 3-5 days
Convenient options:
Complete labs in our Gretna office
We provide orders for your preferred local lab
We accept recent labs (within 3 months)
Step 3: Results Review and Discussion
Once your results are in, we'll:
Explain what your numbers mean in plain English
Put them in context with your symptoms and age
Discuss whether treatment is appropriate
Review all your options
Create a personalized plan if you decide to proceed
Important: If low testosterone isn't your issue, we'll help identify what might be and point you in the right direction. We're not here to push treatment you don't need.
What If Your Testosterone Is "Normal" But You Feel Terrible?
This happens more often than you'd think. Your testosterone comes back at 400 ng/dL—technically in the normal range—but you're exhausted, unmotivated, and struggling.
Possible Explanations
1. Your "normal" isn't YOUR normal If you were at 700 ng/dL in your 30s and you're now 400 ng/dL in your 40s, that's a significant drop even though 400 is "normal."
2. Low free testosterone Your total testosterone might be adequate, but if SHBG is high, your free testosterone (what your body actually uses) could be low.
3. Estrogen imbalance If testosterone is converting too much to estrogen, or if estrogen is too low, you'll have symptoms even with adequate testosterone.
4. It's not testosterone Your symptoms could be from:
Thyroid dysfunction
Vitamin D deficiency
Sleep apnea
Depression or anxiety
Chronic stress
Poor nutrition or overtraining
At ZYP Medical, we investigate the complete picture. We don't just look at testosterone in isolation—we evaluate your overall hormonal and metabolic health to identify the real cause of your symptoms.
Age-Specific Considerations for Testosterone Testing and Treatment
Men in Their 30s and 40s: Fertility Matters
If you're planning to have children or want to preserve fertility, this is crucial to discuss before starting TRT. Testosterone replacement can suppress sperm production.
Options at ZYP Medical:
Clomid or enclomiphene as alternatives to TRT
Fertility testing and monitoring
Coordinated care with fertility specialists if needed
Our TRT + Fertility package: $179.99/month includes testosterone + HCG + Clomid + anastrozole if needed
Men in Their 50s and Beyond: Health Monitoring
As you age, monitoring becomes even more important. We'll watch:
Hematocrit (red blood cell count) - TRT can increase this
PSA (prostate health) - Regular screening essential
Cardiovascular health - Blood pressure, lipids
Bone density - Testosterone supports strong bones
Our approach: Regular lab monitoring every 3-6 months, ongoing communication, and adjustments as needed.
The Natural Decline vs. Hypogonadism Distinction
It's important to understand the difference between:
Normal Age-Related Decline
Gradual decrease of about 1% per year
May or may not cause symptoms
Still within "normal" ranges for your age
Lifestyle interventions might help
Clinically Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism)
Testosterone below 300 ng/dL on multiple tests
Significant symptoms affecting quality of life
Doesn't improve with lifestyle changes
Medical treatment appropriate
Gray area: Many men fall somewhere in between—testosterone isn't severely low, but it's causing symptoms. This is where individualized evaluation and shared decision-making with your provider matters most.
Lifestyle Factors That Affect Testosterone at Any Age
Before considering TRT, or alongside it, these lifestyle factors significantly impact testosterone:
What Lowers Testosterone:
Obesity - Especially visceral belly fat
Poor sleep - Less than 7 hours or poor quality
Chronic stress - Elevated cortisol suppresses testosterone
Excessive alcohol - More than moderate drinking
Lack of exercise - Sedentary lifestyle
Overtraining - Too much intense exercise without recovery
Poor nutrition - Inadequate calories, protein, or healthy fats
Certain medications - Opioids, corticosteroids, some antidepressants
What Supports Healthy Testosterone:
Resistance training - Particularly compound movements
Quality sleep - 7-9 hours nightly
Stress management - Meditation, hobbies, downtime
Healthy weight - BMI in normal range
Balanced nutrition - Adequate protein, healthy fats, vegetables
Vitamin D sufficiency - Common deficiency in Nebraska
Moderate alcohol - No more than 1-2 drinks occasionally
Strong relationships - Social connection and intimacy
Our recommendation: Even if you start TRT, these lifestyle factors remain important for optimal results and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Testosterone Levels by Age
At what age do testosterone levels start declining?
Testosterone begins its gradual decline around age 30, decreasing approximately 1% per year. However, the rate and impact vary significantly between individuals. Some men notice changes in their late 30s, while others don't experience symptoms until their 50s or 60s.
What's considered a "low" testosterone level?
Clinically, total testosterone below 300 ng/dL is generally considered low testosterone (hypogonadism). However, some men have symptoms at higher levels (350-400 ng/dL), especially if that's significantly lower than their personal baseline. Context matters more than an arbitrary number.
Can testosterone levels fluctuate day to day?
Yes. Testosterone levels peak in the morning (typically 8-10 AM) and decline throughout the day. They can also vary based on sleep quality, stress levels, recent exercise, and other factors. This is why we test in the morning and often retest to confirm levels before making treatment decisions.
Is it possible to increase testosterone naturally?
For some men, yes. Weight loss, strength training, improved sleep, stress reduction, and optimizing vitamin D can help increase testosterone—especially if levels are borderline and symptoms are mild. However, if you're significantly deficient or these interventions don't help, medical treatment (TRT) may be necessary for meaningful improvement.
Should I get tested even if I feel fine?
If you feel great and have no symptoms, testing isn't urgent. However, establishing a baseline in your 30s or 40s can be valuable for comparison later. Some men also want peace of mind knowing their levels are in a healthy range.
How often should testosterone levels be monitored?
If you're not on TRT and feel well, routine testing isn't necessary. If you're experiencing symptoms, testing makes sense. Once on TRT at ZYP Medical, we monitor labs every 3 months initially, then every 6 months once levels are stable.
What if my testosterone is normal but I still have symptoms?
This happens. We'll investigate other potential causes: thyroid dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency, sleep apnea, depression, chronic stress, or other hormonal imbalances. Sometimes optimizing these factors resolves symptoms even without TRT. At ZYP Medical, we look at the complete picture, not just testosterone in isolation.
Can testosterone levels be too high?
Yes. While "too high" is less common naturally, excessively high testosterone (whether from over-treatment or other causes) can lead to problems: elevated red blood cell count, mood changes, acne, sleep apnea worsening, and increased estrogen conversion. This is why proper monitoring during TRT is essential.
Understanding Your Testosterone Levels: Next Steps
If you're wondering where your testosterone levels stand, the path forward is straightforward:
If You're Experiencing Symptoms:
Don't wait. Symptoms like persistent fatigue, low libido, weight gain, mood changes, or brain fog deserve evaluation—regardless of your age.
Schedule testing at ZYP Medical:
$50 consultation to discuss your symptoms
$150 comprehensive hormone panel
Results review and personalized recommendations
If You're Unsure:
Start with our symptom guide. Read our comprehensive blog post on low testosterone symptoms to see if what you're experiencing aligns with low T.
Call for a no-pressure consultation: (402) 407-2847. We'll help you determine if testing makes sense for your situation.
If You Want to Optimize Without Testing Yet:
Focus on lifestyle:
Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep
Engage in resistance training 3-4x per week
Maintain a healthy weight
Manage stress through proven techniques
Ensure adequate vitamin D (especially in Nebraska winters)
Limit alcohol intake
Then reassess: If you're not seeing improvement in energy, body composition, and overall wellbeing after 2-3 months of solid lifestyle habits, testing is warranted.
Take Control of Your Hormonal Health
Understanding testosterone levels by age is just the beginning. What matters most is how YOU feel and whether your testosterone is supporting the quality of life you deserve.
At ZYP Medical in Gretna, we're here to help Omaha men understand their numbers, identify the real causes of their symptoms, and make informed decisions about their health—whether that includes TRT or not.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
ZYP Medical - Gretna, Nebraska 11922 Standing Stone Dr Ste 200 Gretna, NE 68028
📞 Call: (402) 407-2847 🌐 Visit: www.zypmed.com ⏰ Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Serving: Omaha, Gretna, Bellevue, Papillion, Elkhorn, La Vista, Council Bluffs (IA), and surrounding Nebraska communities
What to Expect:
✅ Comprehensive symptom and health evaluation ✅ Honest discussion about whether testing is appropriate
✅ No pressure to start treatment ✅ Transparent pricing explained upfront ✅ Personalized recommendations based on YOUR situation
What Our Patients Say:
"I'd been wondering about my testosterone for years but didn't want to waste money on testing if it wasn't needed. ZYP's consultation helped me understand if I was a candidate, and the testing process was straightforward and affordable." - Omaha Patient, Age 44
"My testosterone was technically 'normal' at 380, but I felt awful. ZYP didn't just look at the number—they evaluated everything and helped me understand why I was symptomatic. Game changer." - Bellevue Patient, Age 51
Your testosterone level is just one piece of your health puzzle. Let's figure out the complete picture together.
Call (402) 407-2847 today or visit our Gretna clinic. Understanding your levels is the first step toward feeling your best.
ZYP Medical - Affordable Men's Health, Weight Loss & Urgent Care
