What is the normal testosterone level in a 75-year-old (seventy-five years old) male?

From the Guidelines

Normal testosterone levels in a 75-year-old male typically range from 300 to 600 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter), though this can vary somewhat between different laboratories and testing methods. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline at a rate of about 1-2% per year after age 40. This gradual decrease is part of normal aging and doesn't necessarily require treatment unless symptoms of low testosterone are present and levels fall below the normal range. Symptoms of low testosterone might include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, and mood changes. If a 75-year-old man has testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL along with symptoms, his healthcare provider might consider testosterone replacement therapy after carefully weighing the potential benefits against risks, which can include cardiovascular issues, sleep apnea, and prostate concerns, as suggested by the American College of Physicians 1. It's essential to note that testosterone levels should be measured in the morning when they're typically highest, and abnormal results should be confirmed with repeat testing before making treatment decisions.

Key Considerations

• The American College of Physicians suggests discussing testosterone treatment in men with age-related low testosterone and sexual dysfunction who want to improve sexual function, considering the potential benefits, harms, costs, and patient's preferences 1.
• Testosterone treatment may provide small improvements in sexual functioning and quality of life but little to no benefit for other common symptoms of aging, according to the evidence report for a clinical practice guideline by the American College of Physicians 1.
• The efficacy and safety of testosterone treatment in men without established conditions that cause permanent testicular or hypothalamic–pituitary dysfunction are still being studied, with few trials powered to assess important harms and limited data available in men aged 18 to 50 years 1.

Recommendations

• Testosterone replacement therapy should be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual's symptoms, testosterone levels, and potential risks, as recommended by the American College of Physicians 1.
• Clinicians should reevaluate symptoms within 12 months and periodically thereafter, discontinuing testosterone treatment if there is no improvement in sexual function, as suggested by the American College of Physicians 1.
• Intramuscular formulations may be considered over transdermal formulations due to lower costs and similar clinical effectiveness and harms, according to the American College of Physicians 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Normal Testosterone Levels in 75-year-old Males

• The normal testosterone level in a 75-year-old male is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but we can look at the information on testosterone replacement therapy and its effects on older adults 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, and hypogonadism is a common condition in older men 2.
• The diagnosis of hypogonadism is based on clinical signs and symptoms, as well as laboratory confirmation of low morning testosterone levels on two different occasions 2.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Older Adults

• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been shown to have potential benefits for hypogonadal men, including improved sexual function, enhanced sense of well-being, and increased bone density 2, 3, 4, 5.
• However, TRT also carries potential risks, such as stimulating the growth of an occult prostate cancer 2, 3, 6.
• The balance between the benefits and risks of TRT is not always clear, especially for men with mild hypogonadism or andropause 2.

Prostate Cancer and Testosterone Replacement Therapy

• There is ongoing debate about the safety of TRT in men with a history of prostate cancer 5, 6.
• Some studies suggest that TRT may not increase the risk of prostate cancer progression in men with localized prostate cancer 6.
• However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between TRT and prostate cancer risk 5, 6.