May 10, 2024

The Standard Cut-Off Point for Low Testosterone May Be Inaccurate for Many Men

Discovering low testosterone in young males also presents extra troubles. 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) is the accepted threshold value for low testosterone. That criterion, nevertheless, neglects the regular age-related drop in testosterone levels and is based on testosterone research studies of older men.
Dr. Zhu and colleagues from the University of Michigan Department of Urology examined data on approximately 1,500 males, aged 20 to 44, from a nationwide health study (the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES) to create a set of age-specific cutoff points. Male on hormonal agent treatment or with a history of testicular cancer or testicular removal (orchiectomy) were left out from the research study. The research exclusively used morning testosterone measurements due to the fact that of the typical daily changes in testosterone levels.
The variety of testosterone levels was evaluated in five-year age. The middle tertile (one-third) of the testosterone level distribution in each five-year age group was specified as the typical variety. Worths listed below this range were utilized to compute age-specific limits for low testosterone levels.
As expected, testosterone levels reduced at older ages. Age-specific cutoff points for low testosterone varied from 409 ng/dL at age 20 to 24 years to 350 ng/dL at age 40 to 44 years– significantly greater than the basic cutoff point. Each one-year boost in age was related to a 4.3 ng/dL decline in testosterone level.
The study provides “the very first assessment of normative, population-based testosterone levels for young guys in the United States,” according to the authors. They keep in mind that their study shows the racial/ethnic diversity of the United States population, and doesnt exclude men with health conditions other than testicular cancer or previous orchiectomy.
” In todays age of customized medication, clinicians can now use age-specific testosterone levels to evaluate young guys instead of depending on a one size fits all method,” Dr. Zhu and coauthors write. They highlight the need for further studies, consisting of how to translate age-specific cutoffs in the context of testosterone shortage symptoms. The researchers also note that the age-specific cutoffs might affect insurance policies– which in some cases do not cover testosterone treatments unless the testosterone level is below the standard 300 ng/dL cutoff.
Referral: “What Is a Normal Testosterone Level for Young Men? Reassessing the 300 ng/dL Cutoff for Testosterone Deficiency in Men 20-44 Years Old” by Alex Zhu, Juan Andino, Stephanie Daignault-Newton, Zoey Chopra, Aruna Sarma and James M. Dupree, 1 December 2022, The Journal of Urology.DOI: 10.1097/ JU.0000000000002928.

Patients suffering from testosterone deficiency have low levels of the male sex hormonal agent testosterone, which triggers signs such as reduced sex drive and erectile dysfunction. That requirement, however, ignores the typical age-related drop in testosterone levels and is based on testosterone studies of older men.
Since of the typical daily fluctuations in testosterone levels, the research solely utilized early morning testosterone measurements.
” In todays age of customized medication, clinicians can now use age-specific testosterone levels to evaluate young men instead of relying on a one size fits all approach,” Dr. Zhu and coauthors compose. The scientists likewise note that the age-specific cutoffs might impact insurance coverage policies– which in some cases do not cover testosterone treatments unless the testosterone level is below the standard 300 ng/dL cutoff.

According to the researchers findings, testosterone levels in younger males must be evaluated utilizing age-specific cutoffs.
A study published in The Journal of Urology, an Official Journal of the American Urological Association (AUA), suggests that for males in their mid-forties and younger, the typical limit for low testosterone levels may not be right.
” Young guys have different testosterone recommendation ranges than older guys,” comments lead author Alex Zhu, DO, of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. “Our findings recommend we ought to be utilizing age-specific cutoffs when evaluating testosterone levels in younger men.”
Different thresholds for low testosterone in more youthful men
Clients experiencing testosterone deficiency have low levels of the male sex hormone testosterone, which causes signs such as reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. Testosterone shortage is often believed to be a disease that impacts older men. However, more youthful guys with stress over testosterone deficiency are becoming more common, and they often present with less-specific signs like tiredness and low energy.