Testosterone Levels: Normal Levels by Age, Gender, and More

Testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics. Testosterone is also present in females but in smaller amounts. Here are the normal testosterone levels for various age groups and genders:

Adult males:

• Age 19 to 39 years: 264-916 ng/dL

• Age 40 to 59 years: 240-870 ng/dL

• Age 60 years and older: 196-859 ng/dL

• Adult females:

• Age 19 to 49 years: 8-60 ng/dL

• Age 50 years and older: 7-40 ng/dL

It's important to note that the normal range can vary slightly depending on the laboratory that conducts the testing. Additionally, testosterone levels can fluctuate throughout the day and can be affected by a variety of factors such as stress, diet, exercise, and medications.

Low testosterone levels in men can cause a range of symptoms, including reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, and fatigue. High testosterone levels in women can cause symptoms such as acne, facial hair growth, and menstrual irregularities. However, it's important to note that many factors can affect testosterone levels, and a medical professional should interpret the results in the context of a person's overall health and medical history.

What is the Normal Level of Testosterone in Women?

Testosterone is an important hormone for both men and women, but women naturally have lower levels of testosterone than men. The normal range of testosterone levels in women varies depending on factors such as age and stage of menstrual cycle.

Here are the general guidelines for normal testosterone levels in women:

Pre-menopausal women:

Total testosterone: 15-70 ng/dL

Free testosterone: 1-8 pg/mL

Post-menopausal women:

Total testosterone: < 25 ng/dL

Free testosterone: < 1 pg/mL

It's important to note that the normal range can vary slightly depending on the laboratory that conducts the testing. Additionally, testosterone levels can fluctuate throughout the day and can be affected by a variety of factors such as stress, diet, exercise, and medications.

If you have any concerns about your testosterone levels, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and discuss treatment options.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men

Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, is a condition where the body doesn't produce enough testosterone. Here are some of the common symptoms of low testosterone in men:

• Reduced sex drive: Testosterone plays a key role in the development of male sex drive, so low levels of testosterone can cause a decrease in sexual desire.

• Erectile dysfunction: Testosterone is important for maintaining an erection, so men with low levels of testosterone may have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.

• Fatigue: Low testosterone levels can cause feelings of tiredness or low energy levels.

• Loss of muscle mass: Testosterone is important for building and maintaining muscle mass, so low levels of testosterone can lead to a decrease in muscle mass and strength.

• Increased body fat: Low testosterone levels can lead to an increase in body fat, particularly around the midsection.

• Decreased bone density: Testosterone is important for maintaining bone density, so low levels of testosterone can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures.

• Mood changes: Low testosterone levels can cause mood changes, including irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating.

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. If low testosterone is diagnosed, treatment options may include testosterone replacement therapy or other medications.

Symptoms of High Testosterone in Women

High testosterone levels in women, also known as hyperandrogenism, can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Acne: High levels of testosterone can cause an increase in sebum production, leading to the development of acne.

• Excess hair growth: Testosterone is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, including body and facial hair. High levels of testosterone in women can cause excess hair growth in areas such as the face, chest, and back.

• Menstrual irregularities: High levels of testosterone can interfere with ovulation and menstruation, leading to irregular periods or even the absence of periods.

• Deepening of the voice: High levels of testosterone can cause the vocal cords to thicken, leading to a deeper voice.

• Decreased breast size: Testosterone can interfere with breast development, leading to a decrease in breast size.

• Mood changes: High levels of testosterone can cause mood changes, including irritability, aggression, and anxiety.

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. Treatment options may include medication to regulate hormone levels, lifestyle changes, or other therapies.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women

Low testosterone levels in women, also known as hypoandrogenism, can cause a range of symptoms, including:

Decreased sex drive: Testosterone is responsible for the development of male and female sex drive, so low levels of testosterone in women can cause a decrease in sexual desire.

• Fatigue: Testosterone plays a role in energy levels, so low levels of testosterone can lead to feelings of tiredness or low energy levels.

• Muscle weakness: Testosterone is important for building and maintaining muscle mass, so low levels of testosterone can lead to muscle weakness.

• Weight gain: Low testosterone levels can cause an increase in body fat, particularly around the midsection.

• Mood changes: Low testosterone levels can cause mood changes, including depression, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

• Osteoporosis: Testosterone is important for maintaining bone density, so low levels of testosterone can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures.

• Menstrual irregularities: Testosterone plays a role in regulating menstruation, so low levels of testosterone can cause irregular periods or even the absence of periods.

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. Treatment options may include medication to regulate hormone levels, lifestyle changes, or other therapies.

Conclusion

Testosterone is an important hormone for both men and women, and having levels that are too low or high can cause a range of symptoms that can interfere with daily life. It's important to get tested if you suspect your levels may be abnormal and to work with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and discuss treatment options.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.