Journal Article 2 Mentions
What Is a Normal Testosterone Level for Young Men? Rethinking the 300 ng/dL Cutoff for Testosterone Deficiency in Men 20-44 Years Old
Alex Zhu2022
Juan J. AndinoStephanie Daignault‐Newton
Top 5% · 95th Percentile
31 citations · Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Summary

1 Sample Definition And Size

The study analyzed data from the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), including 1,486 men aged 20 to 44 years. Exclusions were men on hormonal medications, with a history of testicular cancer or orchiectomy, and those with afternoon or evening laboratory values. ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36282060/?utm_source=openai))

2 Study Type

Observational, cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative survey (NHANES) to derive age-specific normative testosterone levels and cutoffs. ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36282060/?utm_source=openai))

3 Conflicts Of Interest

No conflicts of interest or sources of bias were declared in the abstract or available metadata. ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36282060/?utm_source=openai))

4 Results Summary

Age-specific middle tertile (normal) total testosterone ranges and corresponding low-testosterone cutoffs were: 20–24 years: 409–558 ng/dL (cutoff 409 ng/dL); 25–29 years: 413–575 ng/dL (cutoff 413 ng/dL); 30–34 years: 359–498 ng/dL (cutoff 359 ng/dL); 35–39 years: 352–478 ng/dL (cutoff 352 ng/dL); 40–44 years: 350–473 ng/dL (cutoff 350 ng/dL). These cutoffs are substantially higher than the traditional 300 ng/dL threshold. ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36282060/?utm_source=openai))

Abstract

Diagnosis of testosterone deficiency has traditionally been performed in an age-indiscriminate manner. However, young men have different testosterone reference ranges than older men. Accordingly, age-specific normative values and cutoffs should be integrated into the evaluation of young men presenting with testosterone deficiency.

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