What is an optimal total testosterone level?
The short answer
An optimal total testosterone level is above 500 ng/dL. Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Peter Attia both put it there. You can watch Hyman say it below.
Most labs call total testosterone low only under 264. So your report can come back normal at 382 while you sit under the line these doctors draw.
These numbers are for men. Labs print 15–70 ng/dL for women.
“now we typically say for a male you should have a testosterone level over 500 but probably it should be more like six seven eight even 900”
Where a number lands, and who said so
- under 264 ng/dL Most labs flag this as low
- 264–500 ng/dL Normal on most reports. Below optimal“So I I shoot for the normal range of 500 to a thousand.” Dr. Peter Attia · 1:26:33 →
- above 500 ng/dL The range Dr. Mark Hyman draws
What total testosterone measures
All the testosterone in your blood, most of it bound to proteins.
It sets the ceiling on how much your body can use. Binding decides how much it reaches.
Checked against MedlinePlus — Testosterone Levels Test.
One of the doctors we cite, on why it matters
“if you don't have adequate levels of testosterone you will find your health diminished you'll have low energy low motivation low concentration low cognitive function low liido low sexual function and erectile dysfunction”
Common questions
What is an optimal total testosterone level?
Above 500 ng/dL, according to Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Peter Attia.
What is a normal total testosterone level?
Most US labs print 264–916 ng/dL. Your report grades you against that range. It exists to catch disease, not to describe your best.
What does your total testosterone number mean?
Under 264 ng/dL, your report marks it low. Between 264 and 916 it prints as normal. Over 916, your report marks it high. Where the people we follow draw their own line is above.
Is total testosterone of 382 normal?
Your lab will call it normal. Dr. Mark Hyman puts the floor at 500 ng/dL, so by that number it is low.
What does the total testosterone test measure?
All the testosterone in your blood, most of it bound to proteins. It sets the ceiling on how much your body can use. Binding decides how much it reaches.
Where does this number come from?
Dr. Mark Hyman, on video. The link above jumps straight to that minute.