What Is The Lowest Testosterone Level?
Both men and women need testosterone in their bodies. Naturally, age progression causes a decline in the testosterone levels. But the normal levels of testosterone in the bloodstream will differ widely in men and women due to differences in body structure and other factors. Testosterone levels also change significantly during the day.
Usually, the normal range for testosterone is 300 to 800 nanograms per deciliter. Having low testosterone would mean having testosterone levels that are below 300 nanograms per deciliter. Testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL are considered low testosterone levels, enough to get testosterone treatment.
Some men have reported levels as low as 20 ng/dL. This is the lowest level and it leads to:
- Complete loss of libido
- Impotence
- Severe erectile dysfunction
- Tender and enlarged breasts
- Severe osteoporosis
- Depression
- Severe fatigue
- Anemia
- Weight gain
- The causes for this kind of low testosterone include:
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Noonan syndrome
- Ambiguous genitalia
- Accidental damage to testicles
- Removal of the testicles because of cancer
- Chemotherapy and radiation
- Diseases of the pituitary gland causing hormone deficiency
- Infection
- Autoimmune diseases
- Aging
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Use of some medications
Low testosterone in these severe cases is treated through testosterone replacement therapy. Fortunately, it is very rare for testosterone levels to hit such extremely low levels.
