What Is the Ideal Testosterone Level for Men? A Doctor Explains
By Dr. Eric Lu — Testora Health
What counts as a “normal” testosterone level varies more than most men realize.
Some men feel terrible at a “normal” level of 400 ng/dL.
Others feel great at 650.
So is there an ideal target?
Below, I’ll break down what testosterone levels mean, why symptoms matter more than numbers, and what an optimal range looks like for most men.
What Are Normal Testosterone Levels?
Laboratories typically define the “normal” total testosterone range as: 300–1,000 ng/dL
But this range is problematic because:
It’s based on population averages, not optimal health
It includes older and unhealthy men, lowering the “normal” cutoff
It doesn’t reflect free testosterone (the active form)
Symptoms matter more than any lab number
This means many men with “normal” levels still feel symptoms of low testosterone.
Total Testosterone vs Free Testosterone: Which Matters?
Most testosterone in your body is bound to proteins (SHBG and albumin).
Only 1–3% is “free” and biologically active.
Free testosterone is what drives:
libido
energy
erections
mental clarity
strength
fat-burning
muscle growth
A man with a total testosterone of 550 but a very high SHBG can still have low free T → and feel terrible.
Key takeaway:
Free testosterone is often the best indicator of clinical deficiency.
So What Is the Ideal Testosterone Level?
Based on clinical practice, symptom studies, and therapeutic outcomes:
Most men feel their best when:
Total testosterone:
700–1,000 ng/dLFree testosterone:
20–30 pg/mL (or upper half of reference range)Estradiol (E2):
20–40 pg/mL (balanced, not suppressed)
This is the range where men commonly report:
improved libido
stronger erections
sharper cognitive function
higher daily energy
better workouts and recovery
improved mood and confidence
less visceral fat
deeper sleep
Why Symptoms Matter More Than Numbers
Some men have a total testosterone of 430 and feel exhausted, depressed, and foggy — classic low-T symptoms.
Others sit at 550 and feel normal and energetic.
The key factors aren’t just the total level:
Free T
SHBG
estradiol balance
thyroid function
sleep quality
body fat percentage
insulin sensitivity
This is why Testora Health evaluates labs in context — not just a single number.
What About High Testosterone? Is There a Ceiling?
Yes. Too much testosterone can cause:
irritability
excessively high red blood cell count (Hct/Hgb)
acne
oily skin
fertility suppression
high estradiol symptoms
For most men, keeping testosterone in the upper-normal physiological range is optimal — not supraphysiological levels.
Testosterone Optimization vs “High T”
TRT done properly is not about pushing numbers beyond natural limits.
It’s about restoring normal physiology:
stable levels
minimal side effects
balanced estradiol
healthy hematocrit
steady mood and libido
predictable dosing
ongoing physician monitoring
At Testora Health, this includes regular labs, dose adjustments, and symptom tracking to find your personal sweet spot.
How Often Should You Check Testosterone Levels?
For men on TRT:
Baseline labs
6–8 weeks after starting therapy
Every 4–6 months thereafter
For men not on TRT but symptomatic:
Baseline labs
Repeat every 6–12 months
Summary: Your Ideal Testosterone Level
Total Testosterone700–1,000 ng/dL
Free Testosterone20–30 pg/mL
Estradiol (E2)20–40 pg/mL
SHBGmid-range
Symptomsresolved or significantly improved
The right level is the one where you feel energetic, strong, mentally sharp, and sexually healthy — with balanced labs and no side effects.
Ready to Find Your Personal Optimal Range?
Testora Health offers physician-led, evidence-based hormone optimization for men in California.
Telemedicine TRT
Labs through Quest Diagnostics
$199/month
Book your consultation and let’s find the level where YOU feel your best.
FAQ
What is a healthy testosterone level for men?
Typical lab ranges are 300–1,000 ng/dL, but most men feel optimal closer to 700–1,000.
What is an ideal free testosterone level?
Many men feel best with free T in the upper half of the reference range (around 20–30 pg/mL).
Can I have symptoms of low T even if my labs are “normal”?
Yes — SHBG and free T often explain symptoms better than total T.
Is high testosterone dangerous?
Excessive levels can cause side effects; maintaining upper-normal physiological levels is ideal.
