Information about a laboratory test

High Testosterone: What Does It Mean?

High testosterone in females may accompany androgen-excess features; in males, medicines/supplements and less common causes are considered.

Test summary

Test name
Testosterone
Abbreviations
T, Total Testosterone
Category
Endocrinology / Reproductive
Panel
Androgen Tests
Specimen
Serum / plasma
Common units
ng/dL, nmol/L

What does the test measure?

Measures total testosterone in the blood; testosterone is present in both males and females.

Why is the test ordered?

Used to evaluate symptoms of low testosterone in males, androgen excess in females, infertility, and pubertal disorders.

Information about a low result

Low testosterone depends on sex, age, and sampling time; in males, a low result is often confirmed with a repeat morning measurement.

Information about a high result

High testosterone in females may accompany androgen-excess features; in males, medicines/supplements and less common causes are considered.

Reference and clinical context

Use the reference interval printed on your own laboratory report first. Hormone results may vary with the assay, age, sex, pregnancy, menstrual-cycle phase, and sampling time.

Reference range 1

>= 249 – <= 836 ng/dL

Population
Adults
Sex
Male
Age range
17 – 50
Specimen
Serum / plasma

Example reference interval

This is an example total-testosterone interval from the cited source. Age, sex, assay method, and especially sampling time can affect interpretation.

Reference range 2

>= 193 – <= 740 ng/dL

Population
Older adults
Sex
Male
Age range
51
Specimen
Serum / plasma

Example reference interval

This is an example total-testosterone interval from the cited source. Age, sex, assay method, and especially sampling time can affect interpretation.

Reference range 3

>= 8.4 – <= 48.1 ng/dL

Population
Adults
Sex
Female
Age range
17 – 50
Specimen
Serum / plasma

Example reference interval

This is an example total-testosterone interval from the cited source. Age, sex, assay method, and especially sampling time can affect interpretation.

Reference range 4

>= 2.9 – <= 40.1 ng/dL

Population
Older adults
Sex
Female
Age range
51
Specimen
Serum / plasma

Example reference interval

This is an example total-testosterone interval from the cited source. Age, sex, assay method, and especially sampling time can affect interpretation.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Most testosterone is protein-bound. If total testosterone does not fit the clinical picture, SHBG/free-testosterone context may be useful; sampling time matters.

Related specialties

  • Endocrinology
  • Urology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology

Frequently asked questions

Sources

  1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2023 · FSH use with LH, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2023 · LH function and use with FSH and reproductive hormones · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  3. Testosterone Levels Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2025 · Total, free and bioavailable testosterone testing · Verified: Aug 12, 2026

  4. Testosterone — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical encyclopedia · 2026 · Age- and sex-specific example total-testosterone values · Verified: Aug 11, 2026