Testosterone Levels by Age

Women exhibit high levels of estrogen and progesterone while men have high levels of testosterone hormone. Though testosterone is recognized as a male hormone, it is also present in women in small quantities.

In women, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce this hormone, whereas in men, it is produced by the testicles. The production of testosterone is regulated by the pituitary gland through the release of luteinizing hormone (LH).

There might be a slight difference in the testosterone level readings from lab to lab. Also, the average levels may vary from person to person, depending upon the age and health. The unit of measurement is ng/dL, which stands for nanograms per deciliter.

Age: Testosterone Levels (ng/dL)

7 months to 9 years: less than 30

10 to 19 years: 1-970

20 to 59 years: 270-890

60 years and above: 352-720

Description: Testosterone Levels (ng/dL)

Prepubescent girls: less than 30

Onset of puberty by age 15: 40-50

By age 20: around 70

Menopausal women: around 35

► The elevated levels of this hormone in boys lead to early puberty, hyperactive sebaceous glands, and skin problems like acne. In men, excess of this hormone increases the risk of prostate cancer or cancer of the adrenal glands.

► Inadequate testosterone in men is often a symptom of testicular cancer or tumor in the pituitary gland. Also, it may lead to infertility and loss of libido.

► High testosterone in women may give them masculine characteristics like deepening of the voice and hair on the face, chest, and limbs. The muscle mass may increase, and the women may develop male-pattern baldness. They may experience irregular menstrual cycles, rough skin, and behavioral changes such as aggression. 

Excess levels of this hormone may also lead to disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian tumors, Conn's syndrome, and Cushing's syndrome.

► Insufficient levels may lead to lack of sexual desire, and lower or weaker orgasms. It may also affect the bone density and muscle mass, leading to reduced strength.

Following are the benefits of testosterone for both man and women:

• It influences the gender of the developing embryo.
• It is responsible for the development of male characteristics such as deep voice, muscle mass, enlarged Adam's apple, and facial hair.
• It 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.
• It determines the libido or sex drive in both men and women.
• It helps maintain the physical health by promoting strong muscles.

• It helps increase the bone density.
• It plays a vital role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
• In women, it promotes easier sexual arousal and more frequent orgasms.
• It lowers the risk of osteoporosis in women.

Aging naturally lowers the level of this hormone. Those diagnosed with low levels may experience some side effects of the hormonal injections given as a part of the testosterone therapy.

Abnormally high or low levels may lead to severe health complications. A healthy lifestyle comprising of a healthy diet and regular exercise is essential to maintain the hormonal balance in the body since it helps prevent diseases.