While it’s true that older men tend to have lower testosterone levels than younger men do, low testosterone doesn’t just affect older men. It can also affect young guys—like you! It’s not easy to tell if your T-levels are too low when you’re 18 since you could just be finishing a major growth and development phase (puberty), but there are a few signs that can tell you if you should be getting tested and treated for low testosterone levels.

Testosterone: The Male Hormone

Testosterone is a hormone that promotes the development of male characteristics. It is produced in the testes and the adrenal glands, and men have about 10-15 times more testosterone than women. Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass, bone strength, sex drive, and sperm production.

How Much testosterone Should An 18-Year-Old Have?

Testosterone levels vary widely, but the average 18-year-old man’s testosterone level should fall between 300 and 1000 ng/dl. If your testosterone is lower than 300 ng/dl (nanograms per deciliter), it’s considered low. If it’s higher than 1000 ng/dl, it’s considered high. A blood test will tell you whether you have a normal amount of this hormone in your body or not.

If the results show that you don’t have enough testosterone—and there are several reasons why this might be the case—your doctor will likely prescribe an artificial version of this hormone, called Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). This form of treatment can help improve symptoms such as fatigue and moodiness by restoring balance to your body’s endocrine system (which controls hormones).

Is it possible to have low testosterone as a teenager?

Yes, it’s possible to have low testosterone as a teenager. And while this can be an indication of something serious, it’s important to remember that not all teenagers with low testosterone will experience negative symptoms or health problems.

Low testosterone in teens is sometimes called “adolescent hypogonadism,” and it’s caused by a decrease in the amount of testosterone your testes produce. In other words, instead of having what is considered “normal” hormone levels, you may have greatly lower levels than normal (under 300 ng/dL). But do not panic; hypogonadism will go away on its own in many cases. If it doesn’t, your doctor will guide you through treatment. 

Low testosterone levels in your teenage and younger years are not typical and could signal alarm for other, more complicated conditions. Therefore, you should never ignore unusual, long-lasting symptoms.

Does Low Testosterone Mean I’m Sick?

Several conditions can cause low testosterone. Some of these include: 

• Autoimmune diseases
• Pituitary gland conditions (like tumors)
• Obesity
• Using certain medications such as statins and beta-blockers
• Testicular injury

Some lifestyle choices can also significantly lower your testosterone levels, such as:

• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol regularly
• Unhealthy diet
• Lack of exercise
• Stress
• Lack of sleep

Leading a healthy lifestyle (exercising regularly, healthy diet, sufficient sleep) can help you produce and maintain optimal hormone levels. However, if you’re experiencing unusual symptoms, you should get tested and discuss your results with your doctor. 

Keep An Eye Out For These Symptoms

A blood test is the most common way to determine if your testosterone levels are low. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you could benefit from a testosterone test:

• Hot flashes
• Fatigue
• Low muscle mass, difficulty gaining muscle
• Low sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Mood changes
• Enlarged breasts
• Loss of body hair

If your results are abnormal, speak with your doctor for advice on further testing and treatment. 

Fortunately, Low T-levels Are Easily Treated With TRT

You can treat low testosterone with hormone therapy, namely Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). This is the most common treatment for low testosterone in men. TRT can be given as a pill, pellet, or injection. 

The main goal of TRT is to raise your testosterone levels back to normal levels. It doesn’t always have the same effects on everyone, but the vast majority of men who take it report feeling better emotionally and physically. Be sure to do so under the guidance of a professional, and get your blood tested at least every three months initially. Once you’re stable, you should get tested at least twice per year to monitor your treatment.

Conclusion

If you’re feeling sluggish, losing interest in sex and other things that used to be fun, or just generally not yourself, you could be suffering from low testosterone, even if you’re just 18 years old. However, no need to despair: TRT is an effective treatment for low-T and can make you feel like yourself again. 

Key Takeaways

• Testosterone is responsible for the development of male characteristics.
• It is possible to have low T-levels even if you are a young man, but it is not typical and should be treated.
• If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms, you could benefit from getting your blood tested for testosterone levels.
• If your results are abnormal, speak with your doctor. Getting TRT can be life-changing and put you back on track to your best self.