Here’s a breakdown of the testosterone cycle throughout a human’s life, with approximate testosterone levels in ng/dL:
Infancy and Childhood (0-12 years)
– Testosterone levels: 20-50 ng/dL
– During fetal development, testosterone influences the formation of male genitalia.
– In childhood, testosterone levels remain low, and the hormone’s primary role is to support growth and development.
Puberty (12-18 years)
– Testosterone levels:
– Early puberty (12-13 years): 50-150 ng/dL
– Mid-puberty (14-15 years): 150-300 ng/dL
– Late puberty (16-18 years): 300-500 ng/dL
– Testosterone levels peak during late puberty, around 17-18 years old.
Young Adulthood (18-30 years)
– Testosterone levels: 300-700 ng/dL
– Testosterone supports:
– Muscle growth and strength
– Bone density
– Libido and fertility
– Overall health and well-being
Adulthood (30-50 years)
– Testosterone levels:
– 30-40 years: 200-500 ng/dL
– 40-50 years: 150-400 ng/dL
– Testosterone levels gradually decline with age, typically by 1-2% per year.
Middle Age (50-65 years)
– Testosterone levels:
– 50-60 years: 100-300 ng/dL
– 60-65 years: 50-200 ng/dL
– The risk of hypogonadism (low testosterone) increases with age.
Old Age (65+ years)
– Testosterone levels: <50 ng/dL
– Low testosterone can contribute to:
– Frailty
– Osteoporosis
– Cognitive decline
– Increased risk of chronic diseases
Please note that these are approximate values, and individual testosterone levels can vary greatly. Additionally, these values are based on total testosterone levels, which may not reflect the levels of free testosterone, which is the biologically active form of the hormone