Testosterone, Total

Routine annual

also t, total t

What it isThe total amount of testosterone in blood, including the small free fraction and the much larger bound fraction attached to SHBG and albumin. The testes make the vast majority in men; small amounts come from the adrenals.

DoesDrives muscle protein synthesis, libido, energy, mood, red blood cell production, bone density, and metabolic health.

GoodMid-high total testosterone signals robust gonadal and tracks lean body composition, strength, libido, and energy.

BadLow testosterone (hypogonadism) drives fatigue, low libido, depression, muscle loss, bone loss, and metabolic dysfunction. Very high in men not on TRT can rarely signal androgen-secreting tumors.

Standard

264–916 ng/dL (men ages 19–39).

Optimal

700–1000 ng/dL (narrow target)

Modifiers

Declines ~1%/year after 30; diurnal — peaks early AM; falls with sleep deprivation, obesity, alcohol, opioids.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Resistance training (especially heavy compound lifts), sleep 7–9 hours, sun exposure, weight loss in obesity, stress management, limit alcohol.
Diet: Adequate calories, protein (1.6–2.0g/kg), and healthy fats; sufficient zinc and magnesium; avoid extreme caloric restriction.
Supplements: Zinc (15–30mg/day), magnesium glycinate (300–400mg/day), vitamin D3 (target 60–80 ng/mL), boron (5–10mg/day), ashwagandha (600mg/day), tongkat ali (200–400mg/day).
Peptides: Kisspeptin-10, gonadorelin (preserve testicular on TRT); CJC-1295/ipamorelin indirectly support androgen environment.
Drugs: Testosterone replacement (gels, injections, pellets), hCG, clomiphene, enclomiphene, anastrozole if estrogen elevated.

within Men's Hormones