Though people often associate testosterone with men, it’s essential for women as well.



Unfortunately, a significant portion of the population lives with low testosterone, which leads to numerous health problems.



In men, it seems to even increase the risk of a severe case of COVID-19.



What does testosterone do, and how can you maintain optimal levels throughout your life? Let’s find out.



How Common is Low Testosterone?



Some experts believe a quarter of 30-year-old men have low testosterone.



A 2006 study found 39% of U.S. men, age 45 and older, were testosterone-deficient. With about 40% deficient, most men are below optimal levels.



The situation is slightly better for women. Daniel Amen, in his book, Unleash the Power of the Female Brain, points out that 20% of women have low testosterone. He also suggests another 20% of women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is caused by testosterone levels that are too high.



Unfortunately, these numbers are based on people who have gone to the doctor and are experiencing symptoms. Chances are, many more men and women have testosterone levels out of balance. If you haven't had your testosterone levels checked, you could be among them.



Why Are So Few Aware of the Low Testosterone Problem?



Most people don’t know how important testosterone is. They see it as a hormone for making muscles and boosting libido.



They don't relate testosterone to heart disease, insulin resistance, degenerative brain disease, or depression. As you'll see, low testosterone plays a role in these conditions and many more.



It's for this reason I recommend adults, beginning at age 30, get a complete lab panel each year. If everyone did this, they'd likely identify trends leading to health problems, long before they became actual “health problems.”



Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone



Healthcare practitioners diagnose men as “low” in testosterone when it falls below 300 ng/dL. However, signs and symptoms of low testosterone often occur at levels much higher.



The “normal” range for men is 300 ng/dL to 1100 ng/dL. That’s an enormous range!



It would be like saying someone from Dallas lives near the Mexican border. They might live in the state next to Mexico, but it's still 878 miles to the border. It's far from Mexico.



And a testosterone level of 400 ng/dL is far from optimal, even though it's in the “state” of normal.




As far back as the 1970s, some endocrinologist actually knew the proper optimized range of total testosterone (800-1200 ng/dL).
Dr. Dan Purser Improving Male Sexuality, Fertility and Testosterone



Here we are, decades later, and the optimal range is rarely discussed. Many doctors don't know of this “optimal” range. As a result, a doctor tells a guy he's normal as long as his levels are above 300 ng/dl.



In women, the “normal” range for testosterone is 15-70 ng/dL. Because testosterone levels are so much lower in women, doctors often dismiss the importance of measuring it.



Though their total levels are much lower, they still have a broad range in what's considered “normal.” A woman can feel entirely different at a concentration of 15 ng/dL, versus 65 ng/dL, even though she’d be considered normal in both circumstances.



The following two tables outline common signs and symptoms of low testosterone.



Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone in MenIncreased “central” body fat (“pot” belly)Irritability and anxietyHot flashesGynecomastiaSleep disturbancesPoor memoryOsteoporotic fractureFatigueLack of morning erectionsLoss of heightMuscle achesDecreased ejaculate volumeLoss of facial, axillary and pubic hairDecreased strengthInfertilityTesticular atrophyReduced libidoPoor memory



Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone in WomenGain in body fatReduced sex drive or sexual functionLoss of muscle or muscle weaknessFatigueHot flashesMenstrual irregularity or absenceIrritabilityDepressionMood swingsDiminished exercise performanceFatigueBone lossL...