What are normal testosterone levels? 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An individual’s testosterone levels depend on age, sex, and health. Generally, males have much higher levels of testosterone in their bodies than females. A note about sex and gender Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms, “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more. Testosterone is a hormone known as an androgen. Although people know it primarily as a male sex hormone, females also need certain levels of testosterone. In females, most testosterone converts into the sex hormone estradiol. In males, the testes produce testosterone, while the ovaries produce testosterone in females. The adrenal glands also produce small amounts of testosterone in both sexes. Testosterone in males is important for:development during pubertysperm creationstrengthening of muscles and bonescognitive health and functionheart healthsex drive Testosterone in females is essential for:maintaining levels of other hormonessex drive and fertilitymaking new blood cellscognitive health and functionheart healthstrengthening muscles and bones There is a link between low testosterone and sex drive and fertility across the sex spectrum. Typical testosterone levels by age and sex Share on PinterestThomas Barwick/Getty ImagesThe following tables show typical levels of total testosterone in children and adolescents. Doctors measure testosterone in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). Typical total testosterone levels in children and adolescentsAgeMale (in ng/dl)Female (in ng/dl)7–10 years old1.80 to 5.682.69 to 10.2913–17 years old208.08 to 496.5816.72 to 31.55 Typical total testosterone levels in adults Testosterone levels change throughout a person’s lifetime. Below are typical total testosterone levels in males and females. AgeMale (in ng/dl)Female (in ng/dl)19 years and older265–92315–70 Doctors may also measure testosterone alongside Tanner staging. The Tanner scale tracks the visual development of children during puberty according to five fixed stages rather than a person’s specific age. Because hormone levels change rapidly during puberty and development can occur at different ages for different people, the Tanner scale is a more accurate way to judge changes during puberty than using age. Low testosterone levels A testosterone deficiency in the womb can affect the development of a male fetus. It can also affect puberty and may slow or stop a person’s growth or development. Hormone levels change for people of all sexes as they age. Females experience a more dramatic change in hormones, with levels falling until they reach menopause, while males experience a more gradual change in hormone levels. Testosterone levels decrease naturally with age in both sexes. In males, lower testosterone levels can lead to:hair lossa reduction in muscle tonemore fragile skina reduced sex drivemood disturbancesmemory or concentration problems Low testosterone levels in females can lead to:irregular or missed periodslow sex drivevaginal drynessosteoporosis, or reduced bone densityfertility issues High testosterone levels High testosterone levels are unusual in adult males, while children with high testosterone levels may have a growth spurt or start puberty early. High testosterone in all sexes can cause infertility, obesity, and in some cases, metabolic disorders. Polycystic ovary syndrome Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects females. It occurs when the ovaries produce too much testosterone. Symptoms include:irregular or no periodsoily skinacneincreased hair growth on the face, back, or chest It is not clear what causes PCOS, but researchers believe a combination of genes and environment may be responsible. Steroid use Anabolic steroids have similar properties to testosterone, and some people use them to build muscle or gain weight. However, steroids can affect testosterone levels in both males and females. Excessive steroid use can raise testosterone levels in the blood, causing a person’s body to stop producing testosterone. In males, this testosterone excess can also decrease the amount of sperm the body makes, which may lead to infertility or loss of sex drive. For females, steroids can cause a deeper voice, baldness, irregular periods, and infertility. People of all sexes may also experience hair growth on the face and body, greasy skin, and a range of other symptoms. Testing and diagnosis Anyone who suspects their testosterone levels are high or low should speak to their doctor or undergo testing. To diagnose low or high testosterone, a healthcare professional will ask about a person’s medical history and perform a physical examination and order tests. In males, a doctor might:discuss any use of steroids or opiatestalk about a person’s development at pubertymeasure their body mass index and waist sizecheck the hair for any pattern baldnesscheck the size of the testicles and prostate gland In females, a healthcare professional will usually need to check or ask questions about:menstruationacne or skin conditionsbody or facial hairmuscle bulk For adolescents, a doctor will look for signs of puberty. Total testosterone level test The total testosterone level test is a blood test. The best time to have the test is in the morning when testosterone levels in the blood are usually highest. However, these levels vary throughout the day, so some people may need a retest to confirm the result. Treatment options and takeaway Treatments for low or high testosterone will depend on the underlying health condition. It is possible to treat males for low testosterone levels with an injection or prescription gel. People using this treatment over the long term could experience potentially severe side effects, such as an increased risk of heart problems. Females who develop PCOS could treat their symptoms by maintaining a moderate weight. A doctor could also recommend hormonal contraception and fertility treatment. Last medically reviewed on August 23, 2022EndocrinologyMen's HealthSexual Health / STDsWomen's Health / Gynecology 9 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Anabolic steroid misuse. (2018).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anabolic-steroid-misuse/Emmanuel, M., et al. (2020). Tanner stages.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470280/Park, H. J., et al. (2019). Evolution of guidelines for testosterone replacement therapy.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6462962/Testosterone levels test. (2020).https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/testosterone-levels-test/Total testosterone. (n.d.).https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=testosterone_totalTravison, T. G., et al. (2017). Harmonized reference ranges for circulating testosterone levels in men of four cohort studies in the United States and Europe.https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/102/4/1161/2884621What are the side effects of anabolic steroid misuse? (2018).https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/steroids-other-appearance-performance-enhancing-drugs-apeds/what-are-side-effects-anabolic-steroid-misuseWhat is low testosterone? (n.d.).http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/low-testosteroneYao, Q, et al. (2019). Blood metal levels and serum testosterone concentrations in male and female children and adolescents: NHANES 2011–2012.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6837506/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP — By Claire Sissons on August 23, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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