{"id":14787,"date":"2026-02-24T10:36:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T10:36:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=14787"},"modified":"2026-02-24T10:36:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T10:36:12","slug":"testosterone-replacement-therapy-trt-part-3-ironmag-bodybuilding-fitness-blog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=14787","title":{"rendered":"Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) \u2013 Part 3 \u2013 IronMag Bodybuilding & Fitness Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Normal Testosterone & Estrogen Levels and How to Measure<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

How to read normal bloods, where to get bloods, and how to read a chart<\/b>
It\u2019s vital to know where you stand before a cycle, during and after, especially comparing numbers and keeping a record, time and dates and what compounds where used!<\/p>\n

It\u2019s crucial to get a blood analysis, pre cycle, midway (5 weeks into cycle\/blast) and post cycle (4-6 weeks after PCT is complete for optimal results..
I also suggest getting bloods in the morning AM hrs, when test levels are at peak.\u00a0I also added some additional info on normal E2 and other hormonal levels.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s a \u201cNormal\u201d Testosterone Level and How to Measure Your Testosterone<\/b>
Today we\u2019ll be taking a look at what\u2019s considered a normal testosterone level and how you can get your testosterone levels tested. As I began researching testosterone levels and hormone testing for this series, I quickly learned that there\u2019s a lot of conflicting and confusing information out there \u2014 some websites will say that \u201cX\u201d is a normal testosterone level, while another website says \u201cY\u201d is the ideal range. Even medical labs give conflicting numbers on what\u2019s a normal testosterone level.<\/p>\n

Why so much confusion?<\/b>
The problem is that there hasn\u2019t been much standardization in hormone testing, particularly regarding T levels. Different labs use different methods (and measurements), which has only created confusion among consumers and even family doctors about what testosterone level results even mean.<\/p>\n

Hopefully, the current state of confusion will soon change. The Center for Disease Control here in the U.S. started a project in 2010 to get labs to agree on\u00a0standard hormone testing procedures<\/a>. It\u2019s slowly gaining ground, but not every lab has signed on.<\/p>\n

I also learned that the bottom range of what\u2019s considered \u201cnormal\u201d by many doctors is actually woefully underestimated. Doctors are telling men who come to them with symptoms of low testosterone,<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re barely within normal range, but it\u2019s still normal, so\u2026 you\u2019re fine!\u201d<\/p>\n

No, Dr. Everything\u2019s not-A-Okay. It\u2019s not fine.<\/b><\/p>\n

I hope in this post I can clarify some of the confusion surrounding testosterone levels and hormone tests. I\u2019ll be straight with you. This stuff is super confusing. I\u2019ve done my best to synthesize all the disparate info out there into an easy-to-read format for the layman terms and have sought to create the most accessible resource on the web. However, I\u2019m not a scientist or doctor, and may have gotten a few things wrong. If anyone see an error, I welcome your corrections.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s begin\u2026<\/b><\/p>\n

Total and Free Testosterone Levels<\/b>
Before we begin, I want to reiterate the fact that there are three different types of testosterone floating in your body: free testosterone, SHBG-bound testosterone, and albumin-bound testosterone. When you get tested, there are two tests you can get: total testosterone and free testosterone.<\/p>\n

Total testosterone is the total amount of T floating in your blood at the time of the test: free, SHBG-bound, and albumin-bound combined. Total testosterone is typically measured in ng\/dl, or nanograms per deciliter.<\/p>\n

Free testosterone is the measurement of \u2014 you got it \u2014 free testosterone (which often includes albumin-bound testosterone as well because it can easily convert to free T). Free T is typically measured in picograms per milliliter. As we\u2019ll discuss later in this post, because free testosterone makes up such a tiny, tiny percentage of your total T, it\u2019s really hard to measure accurately. So, when you see research on normal testosterone levels, it usually focuses on total\u00a0testosterone. Consequently, most of the numbers in this post will be about total T levels. With that said, I do include some references to research that indicates what average and optimal free testosterone levels are.<\/i><\/p>\n

What\u2019s a \u201cNormal\u201d Testosterone Level?<\/b>
When you go to get tested for testosterone, the lab will often show you what\u2019s considered the \u201cnormal\u201d range among patients who have tested with that particular lab. It\u2019s called the\u00a0\u201creference range.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

For example, LabCorp (the lab I used to test my T levels here in Tulsa, OK) shows a reference range of 348 \u2013 1197 ng\/dl (nanograms per deciliter) for total testosterone levels. According to this reference range, my total testosterone level of 383 ng\/dl at the beginning of my experiment would mean my total T levels were \u2014 barely \u2014 within the normal range.
Here\u2019s the problem.<\/p>\n

That reference range consists of a wide variety of men who tested with LabCorp: 80-year-old men and 20-year-old men; obese men and super fit men; men with pituitary gland problems and men with glands that work like champs.<\/p>\n

Sure, my 383 ng\/dl was considered normal, but normal compared to whom? An 80-year-old man with Type 2 diabetes?<\/p>\n

The fact that reference ranges don\u2019t break patients down by age or health status explains why a 30-year-old man can go to his doctor with the symptoms of low T, only to be told that his T levels are fine because they\u2019re within the \u201cnormal\u201d range. If you\u2019re 30 (or even 50), but have the same testosterone level as an 8o-year-old, diabetic man, your doc may say you\u2019re okay, but you\u2019re still not going to feel good. Plain and simple.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s interesting is that for many years, the bottom number of the reference range for T levels at many medical labs was much lower. For example, up until last year, LabCorp\u2019s reference range for testosterone was 249-836 ng\/dl. You could have had a testosterone level of 250 (which is super low) and still be told by your doctor that you were normal.<\/p>\n

All this is to say that the \u201cnormal\u201d levels put out there by doctors and labs aren\u2019t all that useful.<\/p>\n

Average Testosterone Levels by Age<\/b>
When determining what\u2019s considered a normal testosterone level, it\u2019s best to look at what the reference range is for men your age. Researchers have known for years that T levels typically drop by about 1% every year after you hit your mid-30s. So if you\u2019re 35, comparing yourself to a bunch of 80-year-old men isn\u2019t very useful because they likely have really low T levels.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, many labs don\u2019t break down reference ranges by age. However, studies have been done in which researchers do just that. Below, I include the results from two such studies.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n
Measurements in Conventional Units (ng\/dl), SHBG in (nmol\/L)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Age<\/th>\n# Subjects<\/th>\nTotal
Test.<\/th>\n		Stand.
Dev.<\/th>\n		Free
Test.<\/th>\n		Stand.
Dev.<\/th>\n		SHBG<\/th>\nStand.
Dev.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
25-34<\/th>\n45<\/td>\n617<\/td>\n170<\/td>\n12.3<\/td>\n2.8<\/td>\n35.5<\/td>\n8.8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
35-44<\/th>\n22<\/td>\n668<\/td>\n212<\/td>\n10.3<\/td>\n1.2<\/td>\n40.1<\/td>\n7.9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
45-54<\/th>\n23<\/td>\n606<\/td>\n213<\/td>\n9.1<\/td>\n2.2<\/td>\n44.6<\/td>\n8.2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
55-64<\/th>\n43<\/td>\n562<\/td>\n195<\/td>\n8.3<\/td>\n2.1<\/td>\n45.5<\/td>\n8.8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
65-74<\/th>\n47<\/td>\n524<\/td>\n197<\/td>\n6.9<\/td>\n2.3<\/td>\n48.7<\/td>\n14.2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
75-84<\/th>\n48<\/td>\n471<\/td>\n169<\/td>\n6.0<\/td>\n2.3<\/td>\n51.0<\/td>\n22.7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
85-100<\/th>\n21<\/td>\n376<\/td>\n134<\/td>\n5.4<\/td>\n2.3<\/td>\n65.9<\/td>\n22.8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The above chart groups men into seven ten-year age increments. It\u2019s based on results from\u00a0this 1996 study<\/a>. According to this chart, my T level at the beginning of the experiment (383 ng\/dl) was closer to the average of an 85-100-year-old man. Yikes! This chart also lists the average free testosterone levels of the subjects. My beginning free testosterone was below the average of men my age and my end level was above average.<\/p>\n

In a study done that same year by another team of researchers, they produced the following chart of testosterone levels broken down by age:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n
Measurements in Conventional Units (ng\/dl) (source<\/a>)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Age<\/th>\nNumber
of
Subjects<\/th>\n		Mean
Total
Test<\/th>\n		Stand.
Dev.<\/th>\n		Median
Total
Test<\/th>\n		5th %<\/th>\n10th %<\/th>\n95th %<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
<25<\/th>\n125<\/td>\n692<\/td>\n158<\/td>\n697<\/td>\n408<\/td>\n468<\/td>\n956<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
25-29<\/th>\n354<\/td>\n669<\/td>\n206<\/td>\n637<\/td>\n388<\/td>\n438<\/td>\n1005<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
30-34<\/th>\n330<\/td>\n621<\/td>\n194<\/td>\n597<\/td>\n348<\/td>\n388<\/td>\n975<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
35-39<\/th>\n212<\/td>\n597<\/td>\n189<\/td>\n567<\/td>\n329<\/td>\n388<\/td>\n945<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
40-44<\/th>\n148<\/td>\n597<\/td>\n198<\/td>\n597<\/td>\n319<\/td>\n378<\/td>\n936<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
45-49<\/th>\n154<\/td>\n546<\/td>\n163<\/td>\n527<\/td>\n329<\/td>\n358<\/td>\n846<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
50-54<\/th>\n164<\/td>\n544<\/td>\n187<\/td>\n518<\/td>\n289<\/td>\n348<\/td>\n936<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
55-59<\/th>\n155<\/td>\n552<\/td>\n174<\/td>\n547<\/td>\n319<\/td>\n338<\/td>\n866<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

While this chart doesn\u2019t show average free testosterone levels, I like the fact that it shows the T levels of men in the bottom five and ten percentiles as well as the T levels of the men in the top 95%. You can see how you compare to men with the lowest and highest T levels.<\/p>\n

According to this chart, my beginning T level (383 ng\/dl) was near the bottom 5% and 10% across all age groups. Even for 55-59-year-old men. (Boo!)
My testosterone level after 90 days of good living (778 ng\/dl), was above average for my age group (Bully!).<\/p>\n

These charts are a much better source than labs\u2019 reference ranges to check if your T levels are normal. If your doctor tells you that your T levels are normal, make sure to compare the results to these charts to ensure he\u2019s not shortchanging you.<\/p>\n

As far as normal percentages of free testosterone go, ~2-3% is considered normal. If you\u2019re significantly below that percentage range, you\u2019ll likely experience symptoms of low T even if your total T is average or above average.<\/p>\n

Go For Optimal, Not Average<\/b>
If your testosterone levels match up with the average in the charts above, it\u2019s safe to say that you have adequate amounts of T in your system. But we don\u2019t want to go for just adequate, we want optimal testosterone levels so that we can derive as much benefit as we can from this virile molecule.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s an optimal T level, you ask? Great question!<\/p>\n

The answer is: \u201cIt depends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Every man is different, so their level of optimal testosterone will be different, too. For some men, a testosterone level of 600 ng\/dl will make them feel great, while other men need to be around 800 ng\/dl in order to experience the benefits of optimal T.<\/p>\n

Clinical research still hasn\u2019t determined a hard threshold level for when symptoms of low T begin appearing<\/a>. Some recent research suggests that symptoms of low T might begin appearing in men\u00a0when their total testosterone level dips below 320 ng\/dl<\/a>. According to anecdotal evidence from the owner of Peak Testosterone,\u00a0many men start noticing low T symptoms when their total testosterone dips into the 400s<\/a>. Of course, it\u2019s anecdotal, so take it for what it\u2019s worth, but it\u2019s probably a good idea to stay above 500 ng\/dl if you don\u2019t want to experience symptoms of low T.<\/p>\n

So that\u2019s a good rule of thumb for the lower threshold. And from there you can shoot for levels that are in the higher range for your age group.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s important to note that optimal testosterone doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you need super-high levels. Past a certain level, testosterone can actually cause a bunch of not-so-good side effects, like sleep apnea and overly thick blood. You typically only have to worry about too much testosterone if you\u2019re using testosterone replacement therapy. Barring some physiological defect, too much T usually isn\u2019t a problem found in men increasing their testosterone naturally through changes in lifestyle and diet.<\/p>\n

How to Measure Your Testosterone Levels<\/b>
There are three ways to test your testosterone levels: saliva sample, urine sample, and blood sample. Each method has its pros and cons.<\/p>\n

Saliva and urine tests are relatively inexpensive and fast. You can even buy a\u00a0saliva test kit on Amazon for about $30<\/a>. Just spit in the cup, put it in the mail, and a week later you\u2019ll get a total testosterone measurement. The problem is that\u00a0saliva and urine tests aren\u2019t very accurate<\/a>, which is why endocrinologists typically don\u2019t use saliva or urine samples when diagnosing low testosterone levels. Instead they use blood serum tests.<\/p>\n

While blood tests are much more accurate and sensitive than saliva or urine tests, they\u2019re also much more expensive \u2014 blood tests for total and free testosterone can set you back $130. Because I wanted the most accurate results, I went with the blood serum testing.<\/p>\n

What I didn\u2019t know before I got tested was that there are different kinds of testosterone blood tests, some more accurate than others. As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, there isn\u2019t much standardization amongst labs when it comes to testing. Some labs use one method, while another lab will use another test.<\/p>\n

I later learned that the blood test I used to measure my total testosterone for my experiment wasn\u2019t the most accurate on the market and wasn\u2019t what the CDC is recommending labs use in their goal to standardize hormone testing. (I tested myself a month after my 90-day experiment with the blood test the CDC recommends. I\u2019ll share my results in a bit.) I also learned that measuring free testosterone is pretty dang hard and that most free T measurements that labs give are typically just estimates.<\/p>\n

Below I share what I learned about the confusing world of testosterone blood tests.<\/p>\n

Blood Tests for Total Testosterone<\/b>
ECLIA Method. When I tested myself for total testosterone for my experiment, the method the lab used was ECLIA, short for Electro chemiluminescent Immunoassay. It\u2019s a fast and affordable method to measure total testosterone in your blood. Many labs use this method because it\u2019s automatic and doesn\u2019t require too much work on a lab technician\u2019s part. However, some studies have shown that values obtained with ECLIA are significantly higher compared to the more reliable LC\/MS method. Which brings me to\u2026<\/p>\n

LC\/MS Method. LC\/MS is short for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. It\u2019s considered the gold standard method by many researchers in measuring small molecules. Its accuracy and consistency is why the CDC is recommending LC\/MS to be the standard method used when testing total testosterone.
Because LC\/MS is more sensitive than ECLIA, doctors typically use this method when testing patients with really low testosterone levels, such as women and children. While it\u2019s more accurate and sensitive, the LC\/MS method is more expensive than ECLIA. And it takes a bit longer to get your results.<\/p>\n

A month after my 90-day experiment, I got tested again, but this time using the LC\/MS method. My total testosterone level using this method was 826.9 ng\/dl. Meaning my T levels increased even more since starting my testosterone changes.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll have to make the call on which method you go with. If you don\u2019t think you have extremely low T, ECLIA will work just fine. Just know that most researchers see LC\/MS as the method that produces the most accurate and consistent results. Labs often offer both ECLIA and LC\/MS tests. Later on, I\u2019ll share where you can get tested using either method.<\/p>\n

Blood Tests for Measuring Free Testosterone<\/b>
Reading about the myriad of ways to measure free testosterone has nearly put me in the nut house. It\u2019s confusing.<\/p>\n

The problem that labs face is that there is so little free testosterone in our body, it\u2019s hard to measure directly. Below I lay out the methods available right now to measure free T.<\/p>\n

RIA Direct. It\u2019s cheap, fast, but not very accurate. Recent studies have been calling into question the use of RIA direct methodology to measure free testosterone. Unfortunately, most labs across the country only use RIA direct because of its cost effectiveness. LabCorp, the lab I used, only measures free T using RIA direct. Despite the criticisms levied at RIA direct tests, many researchers believe it\u2019s an adequate method for routine tests.<\/p>\n

Equilibrium Ultrafiltration. Many in the field of endocrinology argue that equilibrium ultrafiltration is a superior and more accurate testing method to RIA direct. The problem is that many commercial labs don\u2019t offer the method because it\u2019s so time consuming and requires well-trained technicians. If you can find a lab that uses equilibrium ultrafiltration, expect to spend a bit more than you would for a RIA direct.<\/p>\n

Calculated free testosterone. Instead of directly measuring free testosterone in your blood,\u00a0it\u2019s possible to get a rough estimate by calculating the amount of albumin, SHBG, and total testosterone in your blood<\/a>. The problem with this method is that 1) it\u2019s not very accurate and 2) it requires you to pay for three different tests: albumin, SHBG, and total testosterone. This can get pretty expensive, pretty fast.<\/p>\n

As you can see, you have a variety of options when getting tested for T levels. My recommendation is to try to get your total testosterone number using the LC\/MS method and use whatever method is available and cost effective to measure free testosterone. Of course, I\u2019m just a guy who writes a blog about manliness, so take that recommendation with a grain of salt.<\/p>\n

Where to Get Tested for Testosterone<\/b>
Here\u2019s how: Order the test. You\u2019ll need to order a blood test using a website that sells blood tests to consumers. No, you don\u2019t send the website a blood sample. These sites contract with labs across the country to draw blood. They basically act as a middleman. Here are the sites I used to buy my tests:<\/i><\/p>\n

You can also order albumin and SHBG tests from both Health Testing Centers and Request a Test so you can use the calculation method to figure out your free testosterone levels.<\/p>\n

Go to a local lab. After you pay for your blood test, you\u2019ll get an email from the website with your order information. You\u2019ll also be told which lab you need to visit in your area to have the test done. Both Health Testing Centers and Request a Test sent me to\u00a0LabCorp<\/a>. If you\u2019ve ever applied for a job that requires a drug test, you\u2019ve probably been to LabCorp yourself, as they are a national company.<\/p>\n

Get blood drawn. A nice nurse will draw some blood samples. The whole process takes less than 2 minutes. It\u2019s best to get your blood drawn first thing in the morning, as T levels are at their highest in the morning and steadily decline throughout the day.<\/p>\n

Get your results. Two or three days later, you\u2019ll get an email from the lab with your results.<\/p>\n

Test more than once. Because testosterone levels are sensitive to a whole host of environmental factors, it\u2019s important to get tested more than once when diagnosing low T. You could have below average T levels one week, but slightly above average the next. This is particularly important if your doctor is considering putting you on testosterone replacement therapy. You don\u2019t want him to make the decision from a single test!<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/b>
Don\u2019t use lab reference numbers to determine if your T is low. They\u2019re not usually accurate. Use the charts above for your specific age range.<\/p>\n

Take a blood test to determine your total T levels. You can get this blood test at the doctor, or by signing up online and going to a local lab. Make sure to get tested in the morning!<\/p>\n

If you can, take the LC\/MS test to measure your total T \u2014 it\u2019s the most accurate. If that\u2019s not available, the ECLIA test will work okay.<\/p>\n

To find your free T, try to use the Equilibrium Ultrafiltration test \u2014 it\u2019s the most accurate. If that method isn\u2019t available, the RIA Direct test will work okay.<\/p>\n

Below is some general information in regards to other hormonal levels that indicate the normal ranges<\/p>\n

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)\u00a0<\/b>\u2013 This is a more potent form of testosterone that is metabolized by the body from other androgens. In men most is made from testosterone, while in women the main source is androstenedione (which is first converted INTO testosterone). Current research indicates that DHT is responsible for male-pattern balding and excessive, unwanted hair in both sexes. In males it is also responsible for non-cancerous prostate swelling (BPH).<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
DHT LEVELS<\/b><\/td>\n\n\n<\/tr>\n
SEX<\/td>\npg\/ml<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n
Females:<\/td>\n\n\n<\/tr>\n
\n
\"clear.gif\"<\/div>\n<\/td>\n
Premenopausal<\/td>\n24-368<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Postmenopausal<\/td>\n10-181<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Males:<\/td>\n250-990<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

LDL\u00a0<\/b>\u2013 this is the so-called \u201cBad cholesterol\u201d and may be a factor for some people. Estrogen therapy tends to lower the LDL level while testosterone therapy makes it go up. If you have a high LDL level and are on TRT therapy, you may have to make adjustments to diet or take other medications to address it.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
LDL CHOLESTEROL LEVELS<\/b><\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n
160 mg\/dL or more<\/td>\nHIGH<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
130 to 159 mg\/dL<\/td>\nBORDERLINE<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
100 to 129 mg\/dL<\/td>\nNEAR OPTIMAL<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Less than 100 mg\/dL<\/td>\nOPTIMAL<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
source: National Cholesterol Education Program<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Estradiol (E2) \u2013\u00a0<\/b>this is the main \u201cfemale\u201d hormone. There are two others, Estriol and Etrone, that are also sometimes tested, but they are metabolized from Estradiol, so it is usually the main one checked. The full name is 17-beta-Estradiol, which is also available in several medications for ERT therapy. Current research indicates that, in some people, this hormone may play a role in the loss of bone density, prevents male bodies from clearing DHT out of the prostate gland, and can stimulate estrogen-sensitive tumor growth (if estrogen-sensitive cancer cells are already present).<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
ESTRADIOL LEVELS<\/b><\/td>\n\n\n<\/tr>\n
SEX<\/td>\npg\/ml<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n
Women (> 18 years old)<\/td>\n\n\n<\/tr>\n
\n
\"clear.gif\"<\/div>\n<\/td>\n
Follicular Phase<\/td>\n30-120<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ovulatory Peak<\/td>\n130-370<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Luteal Phase<\/td>\n70-250<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Post-Menopausal<\/td>\n15-60<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Male<\/td>\n15-60<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Progesterone (Pg) \u2013\u00a0<\/b>This steroid hormone is a female sex hormone which, in conjunction with estrogens, regulates the accessory organs during the menstrual cycle and it is particularly important in preparing the endometrium for the implantation of the blastocyte and in maintaining pregnancy. In non pregnant women progesterone is mainly secreted by the corpus luteum, whereas in pregnancy the placenta becomes the major source. Minor sources are the adrenal cortex for both sexes and the testes for males. Current research indicates it balances agaisnt overactivity of both testosterone and estrogen, and effectively blocks 5-alpha-reductase enzymatic conversion of testosterone into DHT. Progesterone also plays a role in stimulationg Osteoblast (bond building) enzymes, lowering cholesterol levels, stimulating growth of epithelial tissue and lobule-alveolar systems in the breasts, and upregulation of the P-53 cell-division gene, thus offering an anti-carcinogenic effect against run-away cell division in hormone sensitive tumors.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
PROGESTERONE LEVELS<\/b><\/td>\n\n\n\n<\/tr>\n
SEX<\/td>\nng\/ml<\/td>\nnmol\/l<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n
Females<\/td>\n\n\n\n<\/tr>\n
\n
\"clear.gif\"<\/div>\n<\/td>\n
Follicular phase<\/td>\n0.2-1.4<\/td>\n0.64 \u2013 4.45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Luteal phase<\/td>\n4 \u2013 25<\/td>\n12.7 \u2013 79.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Post-Menopausal<\/td>\n0.1 \u2013 1<\/td>\n0.32 \u2013 3.18<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Males<\/td>\n0.1 \u2013 1<\/td>\n0.32 \u2013 3.18<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n
Conversion factor: 1 ng\/ml = 3.18 nmol\/l<\/td>\n\n\n\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Testosterone (T)<\/b> \u2013 one of the most important male sex hormones. In men it is mainly synthesized by the testes, in women both the ovaries and by the adrenal cortex; it is secreted into circulation. Testosterone is transported in the plasma by a beta-globulin, called testosterone binding globulin. It is estimated that about 98 % of the circulating testosterone is bound. The remainder, present as free testosterone, is assumed to be the metabolicly active portion. In the target organ, it is transformed by 5-alpha-reductase into the physiologically effective androgen DHT. In men the determination of testosterone is used as an indicator for the function of the testes: low hormone levels are found in cases with Klinefelter\u2019s syndrome, cryptorchism or anorchia. Male or female patients with an androgen producing tumor (ovaries, adrenal cortex, testes) show increased values. Measurement of testosterone is used to confirm hirsutism in woman. The determination of free or not specifically protein-bound testosterone can be helpful in cases of hyperprolactinemic women or hyperandrogenism. It promotes the burning of fat and the building of lean muscle mass. It also appears to be the fuel for the libido in both sexes. The role of testosterone in cardiovascular health is still hotly debated, but it appears that it may have a detrimental effect over the long term. Testosterone, like progesterone, upregulates the P-53 gene to turn off rampant cellular division, so in that sense is anti-carcinogenic. Testosterone also stimulates oil production in the skin, which can lead to acne problems.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
TOTAL TESTOSTERONE LEVELS<\/b><\/td>\n\n\n<\/tr>\n
SEX<\/td>\nng\/dl<\/td>\nng\/ml<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Females<\/td>\n6 \u2013 86<\/td>\n0.1 \u2013 1.2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Males<\/td>\n270 \u2013 1100<\/td>\n2.4 \u2013 12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conversion factor: 1 ng\/ml = 3.47 nmol\/l<\/td>\n\n\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Free or Unbound Testosterone (\u201cFree T\u201d)\u00a0<\/b>\u2013 As mentioned above, about 98% of the testosterone in a man or woman\u2019s body is bound to blood proteins. This means that only a small portion is actually \u201cbio-available\u201d and acting on the body\u2019s tissues. A healthy percentage for either men or women is around 2.5%. One thing that sometimes frustrates gender patients is that the measurements for the biologically significant free testosterone are not easily compared between men and women. Labs often will state the percentage free for men, but give a measurement in pg\/ml for women. Or the male measurements will be in ng\/dl requiring a mathematical conversion for direct comparison to the \u201cnormal\u201d range of the opposite sex. The percentage is usually higher in adolescents (up to 5%) and quite low in elderly people (around 1%). Many doctors believe that any reading below 2% means the patient should take testosterone supplements, and that any reading below 1% indicates a completely absent sex drive. The level readings between men and women are so vastly different because the number represents a percentage of the TOTAL testosterone. Women naturally start with a lower total amount, so 2.5% of 40ng\/dl is going to be much less than 2.5% of 800ng\/dl in a man.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
FREE TESTOSTERONE LEVELS<\/b><\/td>\n\n\n\n<\/tr>\n
SEX<\/td>\nng\/dl<\/td>\npg\/ml<\/td>\n% Free Range<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Females<\/td>\n0.3-1.9<\/td>\n0.6 \u2013 6.8<\/td>\n0.4 \u2013 2.4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Males<\/td>\n9-30<\/td>\n47.0-244.0<\/td>\n1.6 \u2013 2.9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total Free Range is 0.3 \u2013 5% ( 2% average )<\/td>\n\n\n\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

DHEA-S<\/i>\u00a0(Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate)<\/b>\u00a0is secreted by the adrenal cortex. DHEA-S is thought to be a biologically weak androgen, but because of its high concentration in blood, it contributes significantly to the androgenization process. The physiological role of DHEA-S is not well known, but it seems to be intricately involved in adrenarche (axillary and pubic hair growth). DHEA-S appears to be an excellent indicator of adrenal androgen production.<\/p>\n

Elevated levels of DHEA-S have been reported in states of excess androgen production such as cystic acne, hirsutism, infertility, enzymatic adrenal defects, Cushing\u2019s syndrome due to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, and virilizing adrenal tumors.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
DHEA-S<\/i>\u00a0SERUM LEVELS<\/b><\/td>\n\n\n\n<\/tr>\n
SEX<\/td>\n\u00b5g\/ml<\/td>\n\u00b5mol\/l<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n
Females<\/td>\n\n\n\n<\/tr>\n
\n
\"clear.gif\"<\/div>\n<\/td>\n
Premenopausal<\/td>\n0.8 \u2013 3.9<\/td>\n2.1 \u2013 10.1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pregnancy (3. Trimenon)<\/td>\n0.2 \u2013 1.2<\/td>\n0.5 \u2013 3.1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Postmenopausal<\/td>\n0.1 \u2013 0.6<\/td>\n0.3 \u2013 1.6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Newborns (both sexes)<\/td>\n1.7 \u2013 3.6<\/td>\n4.4 \u2013 9.4<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n
Males<\/td>\n1.0 \u2013 4.2<\/td>\n2.6 \u2013 10.9<\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n
Conversion factor: 1 \u00b5g\/ml = 2,6 \u00b5mol\/l<\/td>\n\n\n\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Androstenedione<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 this hormone is produced by the adrenals and gonads. Therefore, the determination of the level of androstenedione in serum is important in the evaluation of the functional state of the glands. Androstenedione is a precursor of testosterone and estrone. Besides the adrenals, in females, the ovaries have been shown to be an important source of androstenedione during the ovulatory cycle.The principle production of testosterone in females is from the conversion of other related androgens, especially androstenedione. An abnormal testosterone level in women should be accompanied by the estimation of serum androstenedione. The use of serum testosterone determination in conjunction with Enzyme Immunoassay of androstenedione can be used to determine if source of excess androgen production is adrenal or ovarian.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
ANDROSTENEDIONE LEVELS<\/b><\/td>\n\n\n<\/tr>\n
SEX<\/td>\nMean [ng\/ml]<\/td>\nAbsolute Range [ng\/ml]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Females (18-49 years)<\/td>\n2.15<\/td>\n0.70 \u2013 3.50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Females (50-80 years)<\/td>\n1.80<\/td>\n0.20 \u2013 3.40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Males<\/td>\n1.75<\/td>\n0.35 \u2013 3.15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conversion factor: To convert to nmol\/L: ng\/ml x 3.45 = nmol\/l<\/td>\n\n\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Leutenizing Hormone (LH)<\/b>\u00a0-LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce and secrete testosterone (T). As the testosterone travels through the bloodstream it passes through the anterior pituitary gland and hypothalamus it creates a \u201cnegative feedback loop\u201d that triggers a decrease in GnRH and LH. LH also stimulates the adrenal gland to produce androstenedione and progesterone. A problem with LH levels alone is rarely seen, so testing is only needed if testosterone level is abnormal, for example, if the patient is suspected to have been born with Klinefelters Syndrome. In women a normal LH level is similar to FSH. An LH that is higher than FSH is one indication of PCOS.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
LH LEVELS<\/b><\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n
SEX<\/td>\nmIU\/ml<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Females (follicular)<\/td>\n< 7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Females (Surge 48 hours before ovulation)<\/td>\n> 20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Males<\/td>\n2 \u2013 18<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)\u00a0<\/b>\u2013 In women FSH is often used as a gauge of ovarian reserve. In general, under 6 is excellent, 6-9 is good, 9-10 fair, 10-13 diminished reserve, 13+ very hard to stimulate. In PCOS testing, the LH:FSH ratio may be used in the diagnosis. The ratio is usually close to 1:1, but if the LH is higher, it is one possible indication of PCOS. Basic hormone testing for males often only includes testosterone and FSH. However, in cases such as Klinefelters Syndrome doctors will usually look at both FSH and LH levels. In males FSH stimulates the Sertoli cells in the testes to produce androgen-binding proteins, testosterone, and a protein called inhibin. Inhibin, in turn, travels in the blood back to the pituitary gland whre it creates a \u201cnegative feedback loop\u201d that decreases the output of FSH. Since FSH stimulates testosterone production, and testosterone can be converted to DHT and estradiol, an increase of any or all three can also create a \u201cfeedback loop\u201d that decreases FSH secretion.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
FSH LEVELS<\/b><\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n
SEX<\/td>\nmIU\/ml<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Females<\/td>\n3-20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Males<\/td>\n1-18<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)\u00a0<\/b>\u2013 this is the principle blood protein that ties up the bulk of the steroids the body produces. For example, it bind with about 98% of the total testosterone, but also binds with other steroids as well. As androgen production increases, available SHBG decreases.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
SHBG LEVELS<\/b><\/td>\n\n<\/tr>\n
SEX<\/td>\nnmol\/l<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Females<\/td>\n18-114<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Males<\/td>\n7-50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Normal Testosterone & Estrogen Levels and How to Measure How to read normal bloods, where to get bloods, and how to read a chartIt\u2019s vital to know where you stand before a cycle, during and after, especially comparing numbers and keeping a record, time and dates and what compounds where used! It\u2019s crucial to get […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":13393,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-14787","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news"},"yoast_head":"\nTestosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) \u2013 Part 3 \u2013 IronMag Bodybuilding & Fitness Blog - World Bodybuilding News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=14787\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) \u2013 Part 3 \u2013 IronMag Bodybuilding & Fitness Blog - World Bodybuilding News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Normal Testosterone & Estrogen Levels and How to Measure How to read normal bloods, where to get bloods, and how to read a chartIt\u2019s vital to know where you stand before a cycle, during and after, especially comparing numbers and keeping a record, time and dates and what compounds where used! 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