Testosterone Levels Bragged by Kim Seung-soo on My Little Old Boy: Normal Ranges by Age and Andropause Guide for Men in Their 50s
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Following the buzz around male hormone levels on SBS's 'My Little Old Boy' in September 2026, normal total testosterone levels in adult men range from 2.5 to 10.6 ng/mL. According to medical guidelines, levels below 3.5 ng/mL accompanied by chronic fatigue or abdominal obesity indicate male menopause (andropause). Because levels peak in the morning, testing between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM ensures an accurate diagnosis.
When watching SBS's flagship variety show My Little Old Boy, you often see male cast members engaging in prideful rivalries over their testosterone levels. In the episode aired on September 27, 2026, the mother of 55-year-old actor Kim Seung-soo (born in 1971) drew significant attention by proudly boasting about her son's high hormone score in front of his blind date.
What do scores like 7 or 8 mentioned on television actually mean? Why is this number considered a benchmark for health among men in their 50s? From normal reference ranges by age to the exact time you should get tested and practical methods to boost your levels, here is everything you need to know.
What Is the Real Meaning Behind the 'Testosterone Score' Bragged About by Kim Seung-soo on My Little Old Boy?
The testosterone score celebrities confidently bring up on air refers to total testosterone concentration in 1 mL of blood, measured in ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter).
Typically, healthy young men in their 20~30s have an average concentration between 6.0~8.0 ng/mL. Stating that someone scored a "7 or 8" means that despite being in their 50s, they maintain a vigorous hormone secretion level comparable to men in their 20s.
Testosterone is a vital hormone that regulates muscle mass retention, body fat breakdown, bone density preservation, sexual function, vitality, as well as mental focus and drive. Therefore, having a high score indicates not only strong sexual vitality, but also smooth overall physical energy and metabolic function.
What Are the Normal Testosterone Ranges by Age, and How Is Male Menopause Diagnosed in Men in Their 50s?
The medical normal range for total testosterone in adult males generally falls between 2.5 ~ 10.6 ng/mL. However, because testosterone naturally declines by about 1% per year starting in a man's late 30s, it is important to understand age-specific reference levels.
| Age Group | Average Normal Total Testosterone Range (ng/mL) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 20s ~ 30s | 6.0 ~ 9.0 ng/mL | Peak hormone secretion period |
| 40s | 4.5 ~ 6.5 ng/mL | Gradual decline begins |
| 50s | 3.5 ~ 5.5 ng/mL | Increased frequency of male menopause symptoms |
| 60s and above | 3.0 ~ 4.5 ng/mL | Approaching lower normal limit; monitoring required |
According to diagnostic guidelines from the Korean Society for Men's Health and Aging, male menopause (andropause) is diagnosed when total testosterone drops below 3.5 ng/mL accompanied by symptoms such as chronic fatigue, lower libido, abdominal obesity, reduced muscle strength, and depressive moods. If levels plunge to 2.0 ng/mL or lower, it enters a critical range requiring medical intervention.
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Has Testosterone Dropped 54% in 50 Years? What Is Causing Hormone Decline in Modern Men in Their 50s?
According to findings presented by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) in July 2026, average testosterone levels in men worldwide plummeted by 54% over a 50-year period from 1972 to 2019.
There are three major causes behind why modern middle-aged men experience significantly lower hormone levels than previous generations:
- Visceral Fat and Abdominal Obesity: The enzyme aromatase present in fat cells converts male hormones into female hormones (estrogen). As abdominal fat increases, testosterone depletion accelerates.
- Chronic Stress and Cortisol: When excessive stress continuously triggers cortisol secretion from the adrenal glands, testosterone synthesis in the testes is directly suppressed.
- Sleep Deprivation and Endocrine Disruptors: Over 80% of testosterone synthesis occurs during sleep. Irregular sleep patterns and exposure to plastics or environmental toxins disrupt the endocrine system.
Why Shouldn't You Miss the 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM Window for a Testosterone Test?
If you are planning to get tested, adhering strictly to the blood collection time is essential. Testosterone is not released at a constant rate over 24 hours; it follows a distinct circadian rhythm.
Testosterone synthesizes throughout the night and peaks between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM, reaching its highest level of the day. As daily physical activities consume the hormone, levels fall by 20~30% or more by late afternoon or evening.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Health Information also strongly recommends that blood tests evaluating male menopause be performed in a fasting state between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Drawing blood late in the afternoon might result in a false diagnosis of andropause even if your baseline levels are normal.
What Are 4 Practical Ways to Naturally Boost Testosterone in Your 50s, and What Cautions Should You Take with Treatment?
Even if your test results come back somewhat low, you do not need to immediately jump to hormone injections. Making targeted lifestyle adjustments can lead to a significant rebound in your levels.
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1. Weight Training Focused on Thighs and Glutes
Stimulating the quadriceps and gluteal muscles—the largest muscle groups in the body—triggers a substantial increase in testosterone secretion. Incorporating lower-body strength training such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts 3~4 times a week is highly effective.
2. Zinc and Vitamin D: Oysters and Sunlight
This explains why the cast members on My Little Old Boy went out to harvest oysters. Oysters are rich in zinc, an essential element for testosterone synthesis. Furthermore, to support hormone production, aim for at least 20 minutes of daily sunlight exposure or take vitamin D supplements.
3. At Least 7 Hours of High-Quality Sleep Daily
Testosterone is predominantly produced when you enter deep, slow-wave sleep. Going to bed before 11:00 PM and maintaining 7~8 hours of consistent sleep is vital for optimal hormone production.
4. Cautions for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
If lifestyle changes do not improve your numbers and levels remain below 2.5~3.5 ng/mL, impacting your daily quality of life, you can consult a urologist regarding Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).
However, as highlighted in a Chosun Ilbo Medical Column, introducing external hormones in excess can signal your body to shut down its endogenous production, leading to side effects such as testicular atrophy, suppressed sperm production, and erythrocytosis (increased red blood cell count, elevating blood clot risk). A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and comprehensive blood work must always precede TRT under specialist supervision.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What do the '7' or '8' testosterone scores mentioned on 'My Little Old Boy' actually mean?
The scores mentioned on the show refer to total testosterone concentration in ng/mL. A level of 7–8 ng/mL represents a very high concentration, typical for healthy men in their 20s and 30s.
Q. Why must a testosterone test be taken specifically in the morning?
Testosterone follows a circadian rhythm, peaking early in the morning and declining throughout the day. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, blood samples must be drawn between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Q. If my level is below 3.5 ng/mL, do I automatically need testosterone injections?
Not necessarily. If you don't experience noticeable symptoms despite lower levels, treatment may not be required. Doctors generally recommend trying lifestyle adjustments first, such as lower-body strength training, dietary changes, and adequate sleep.
Q. What side effects should I be aware of when undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?
Excessive external testosterone administration can cause your body to stop producing its own hormones, leading to testicular atrophy, decreased sperm production, and erythrocytosis (increased red blood cells, raising blood clot risks). Specialist supervision is essential.
