Testosterone Levels By Age Chart: An In-Depth Look!

Testosterone is a key hormone essential for the human body that helps it to carry on its functions. Primarily a male sex hormone, testosterone is also found in females at lower levels. Often cited as a steroid hormone, it is made in the testicles in males and to a lesser extent in the ovaries in women. 

In many studies, it has been found that due to several factors, testosterone levels can fall short leading to complications. In the modern world, as we rely more on fast food and follow a busy lifestyle, maintaining optimal testosterone levels has become a challenge. Experts say it has to be taken seriously, as it can negatively impact health.

In this article, we will see more aspects related to testosterone. We will talk about its role and functions and understand the acceptable levels of this hormone. We will shed light on what an abnormal level of testosterone means to the body and the repercussions it can bring forth. In the concluding part, we will also address a few vital questions.

So without further ado, let’s get right into it.

Understanding Testosterone

Testosterone, as we already know is a hormone that defines masculinity and plays a crucial role in puberty. Testosterone oversees muscle development, the growth of facial hair, and the deepening of the voice. Its role does not end there; and goes further in maintaining a healthy libido and bone density. Testosterone also determines mood and energy levels and directly impacts the production of red blood cells.

Now let’s see what could bring the fluctuations in testosterone levels. Well as pointed out specific health conditions can deplete testosterone levels. The most important factor that decides testosterone’s proportion is age. It is estimated that in between 40-70 years, it decreases by around 40%. Other deciding factors are body weight, nutrition, workouts, and sleep. Although we cannot prevent the decline in testosterone related to aging, other factors can be controlled.

Testosterone Levels by Age Chart

In this section, we will see the testosterone levels in males and females of different age groups.

Age	Male Testosterone Levels	Female Testosterone Levels
Under 1 year old	Less than 12 ng/dL	Less than 12 ng/dL
1 to 5 years old	Less than 12 ng/dL	Less than 12 ng/dL
6 to 10 years old	Less than 25 ng/dL	Less than 25 ng/dL
11 to 17 years old	830 to 1010 ng/dL	Less than 79 ng/dL
18 to 99 years old	193 to 824 ng/dL	Less than 40 ng/dL

Abnormal Testosterone Levels

There can be many factors causing abnormal testosterone levels in both men and women. It can be due to chromosomal abnormalities or inflammatory diseases. Some of the causes are laid down below for a better idea.

Causes Of Low Testosterone Levels In Men

• Klinefelter syndrome: In certain cases, it is found that the male has multiple X chromosomes which leads to underdeveloped testicles and low testosterone.

• Undescended testicles: Testicular dysfunction occurs if the testicles don’t descend into the scrotum before birth and can also cause low testosterone.

• Kallmann’s syndrome: The release of hormones required for testosterone production can be impacted due to the developmental abnormalities of the hypothalamus.

• Pituitary diseases: The pituitary gland’s malfunction due to abnormalities or tumors can sometimes disrupt the release of hormones responsible for testosterone production.

• Aging and obesity: Aging in men leads to a gradual decline in testosterone levels. Similarly, being overweight can also disrupt the production of testosterone.

Causes Of High Testosterone Levels In Women

• Polycystic ovary syndrome: The ovaries tend to produce excess testosterone due to an imbalance of sex hormones.

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: In certain cases, the adrenal glands overproduce testosterone due to some disorders.

Effects Of Abnormal Testosterone Levels

Low testosterone levels in men can lead to decreased sex drive and libido, infertility reduced sperm production, and erectile dysfunction. It can also lead to decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, fatigue, and low energy levels. High testosterone levels can also be problematic as they can lead to aggression and mood disturbances, prostate enlargement, fluid retention, swelling, etc.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is the most common treatment plan for low testosterone conditions. The treatment is administered using various methods such as injections, transdermal patches, Nasal spray, Gels, and oral preparations. In the case of women, high testosterone conditions are treated by medications and certain lifestyle modifications including diet control.

Testing Your Testosterone Levels

Testosterone levels are typically known through blood samples drawn from the vein in the arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory to measure free testosterone and testosterone bound to protein. The blood samples are taken in the morning between 7-10 AM. The testosterone levels tend to be higher in the mornings but fluctuate throughout the day. 

Conclusion

This article gave us an overview of testosterone and how it impacts the body’s function. We saw how testosterone fluctuates in men and women due to many factors. The causes for the abnormalities in testosterone production and its effects were also discussed. Testosterone levels can be tested in a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital. Maintaining optimal levels of testosterone is highly important for overall health and wellness.

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