Testosterone Levels by Age

Women exhibit high levels of estrogen and progesterone; while men have high levels of testosterone hormone. Though progesterone is recognized as a male hormone, it is also present in small quantities in women. In women, ovaries and adrenal glands produce testosterone while in men, it is produced in testicles. Testosterone is also known as 'androgen'. Release of testosterone is regulated by the pituitary gland through release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH).

Levels of Testosterone

Normal Levels in Men by Age
There can be slight difference in testosterone level readings from lab to lab. And do not forget to check the unit of measurement before interpreting the results. Average testosterone levels by age may vary from person to person, depending upon the health condition. The unit ng/dL stands for nanograms per deciliter.

Age	Testosterone Levels (ng/dL)
7 months - 9 years	Less than 30
10-19 years	1 to 970
20 to 59 years	270 to 890
60 years and above	352 to 720

Normal Levels in Women by Age

Description	Testosterone Levels (ng/dL)
Prepubescent girls	Less than 30
Onset of puberty by age 15	40-50
By age 20	around 70
Menopausal woman	Around 35

High and Low Levels in Men
Elevated levels of testosterone in boys lead to early puberty. They are responsible for hyperactive sebaceous glands and skin problems like acne. In men, high levels of this hormone increase the chances of prostate cancer or cancer of adrenal glands. Inadequate testosterone in men is often a symptom of testicular cancer or tumor in pituitary gland. The condition can lead to infertility and loss of libido.

High and Low Levels in Women
High testosterone in women can give them masculine characteristics like deepening of the voice and hair on the face, chest and limbs. There can be increase in muscle mass and the women may develop male pattern baldness. Women may suffer from irregular menstrual cycles, rough skin and they may behave aggressively like men if they have excess testosterone. High levels of this hormone can lead to polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian tumors, Conn's syndrome, Cushing's syndrome. Lower than normal levels can lead to lack of sexual desire and lower or weaker orgasms. Low levels of this hormone can affect bone density and muscle mass seriously, leading to reduced strength.

Functions of Testosterone in Men and Women

• Testosterone influences the gender of developing embryo.
• Males develop the typical deeper voice, muscle mass, enlarged Adam's apple and facial hair due to the presence of the hormone testosterone.
• This hormone plays an important role in the development of sex organs in men at puberty.
• Sperm health or sperm maturity depends upon the levels of this hormone.
• Libido or sex drive in both men and women is determined by this hormone.
• The hormone helps men and women to maintain physical health by promoting strong muscles.
• It helps increase bone mass and bone density.
• Muscular mass which differentiates men from women, is determined by testosterone.
• By offering a good physique, it helps you lead a quality life.
• By improving the metabolic functions in men, it contribute to faster healing or quicker recovery after any illness.
• In men, it plays an important role in reducing total body fat.
• In women, it promotes easier sexual arousal and more frequent orgasms.
• It lowers the risk of osteoporosis in women.

Aging naturally lowers the levels of testosterone. Those diagnosed with low levels of this hormone may have to suffer from side effects of the testosterone injections given as a part of testosterone therapy. Abnormally high or low levels of this hormone can lead to severe health complications. A healthy diet and regular exercise help maintain normal levels of not only testosterone but of all other hormones, in both men and women. A healthy lifestyle is essential to maintain hormonal balance in the body. It helps prevent diseases and disorders.