Optimal Ranges:

[jomamma007]

I'm sure this has been posted but I think becoming a sticky could be a great asset to those wondering "Optimal Ranges'.

Of course we know we aren't numbers, we're people.
It's more of how we feel, but using these ranges as a guideline for most, will make it easier for them to find that o' so sweet, sweet spot .

Free Testosterone
Free testosterone blood levels should be at the high-normal of the reference range. We define high-normal range as the upper one third of the reference range. Under no circumstances should free or total testosterone be above the high end of the normal range.

What too often happens is that a standard laboratory "reference range" deceives a man (and his physician) into believing that proper hormone balance exists because the results of a free testosterone test fall within the "normal" range. The following charts show a wide range of so-called "normal" ranges of testosterone for men of various ages. While these normal ranges may reflect population "averages," the objective for most men over age 40 is to be in the upper one-third tes-tosterone range of the 21- to 29-year-old group. Based on the following reference range chart from LabCorp, this means that optimal free testosterone levels should be between 21-26.5 nanogram/dL in aging men.

Total Testosterone
Some men have their total testosterone measured. Standard reference ranges are between 241-827 nanograms/dL for most laboratories. Many older men are below 241. Optimal levels of total testosterone for most men are between 500-827 nanograms/dL. If your levels are lower than 500 nanograms/dL or even a little higher and you still have symptoms, you should check your free testosterone by the Direct (RIA) method.

Estrogen (Sensitive Panel)
Estrogen (measured as estradiol) should be in the mid- to lower-normal range. If estradiol levels are in the upper one-third of the normal reference range, or above the normal reference range, this excessive level of estrogen should be reduced. Labcorp lists a reference range of between 3-70 picogram/mL for estradiol while Quest states a reference range of between 10-50. For optimal health, estradiol should be in the range of 10-30 picogram/mL for a man of any age.

PSA
Under 2.6 ng/mL
(optimal range)
Standard reference range is up to 4, but if your level is persistently 2.6 or above, have a blood test to measure the percentage of free vs. bound PSA and a digital rectal exam to help rule out prostate cancer.

DHEA
400-560 mcg/dL
(optimal range)
For older men, standard DHEA ranges are very low. It is important for men without prostate cancer to restore them to the youthful range (400-560).

DHT
20-50 nanogram/dL
(optimal range)
Reference range is 30-85. DHT is 10 times more androgenic than testosterone and has been implicated in prostate problems and hair loss.

Sex Hormone Binding
Under 30 nanomoles/L
(optimal range)
Reference range is 13-71 nanomole/L. Excessive binding inactivates testosterone (297).

Male Hormone Modulation Therapy.. HGH replacement, Testosterone Replacement

[gatornate97]

Great post!
Thanks, I think this is a very informative and gives a reference point for every individual to dial in what works for them

[Novice489]

Hmmm useful post. I think I need to learn more about DHT and DHEA.