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What
is a normal blood concentration for androgens and estrogens in men
and women
A healthy man can have a blood androgen concentration between 300-1100
nanograms per deciliter. However, androgen levels are different
with different stages of life. Before puberty the androgen concentration
may be as low as 100 nanograms per deciliter. The production is
naturally highest during late teens, 20s and 30s, but androgen concentration
gradually decreases with age. When reviewing any blood test for
androgen concentration one should bear in mind what might be considered
a normal concentration range will change depending on age.
Estrogen concentration in men should be very low, below 50 picograms
per milliliter. Some concern has been expressed about apparent increases
in estrogen levels in men observed in recent years. Drinking water
contaminated with farm waste and fertilizer has been suggested as
a potential cause of increased estrogen activity in some men. Increased
estrogen levels in men may result in reduced fertility due to a
lower sperm count. It may also promote breast enlargement.
Women have a low androgen concentration compared to men. Typically,
the range for a normal healthy woman is 10-100 nanograms per deciliter.
Women do need a minimum level of androgen production for continued
health. Very low androgen production in women is associated with
reduced libido and low energy levels.
Estrogen concentrations in women varies considerably depending
on age and the stage of the reproductive cycle. The normal range
may be anywhere between 50-700 picograms per milliliter. At time
of ovulation the range may be between 100-400 picograms per milliliter.
Estrogen is an indirect antagonist to androgens so it may have a
role to play in female susceptibility to androgen induced hair loss.
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