Female Testosterone Levels by Age Chart: What’s Normal?

Many users on forums like Reddit believe that irregular menstrual cycles in women may be linked to high testosterone, with some even mistakenly thinking that women do not produce this hormone at all.*

In reality, women do produce testosterone, but at lower levels than men, and both excess and deficiency can lead to issues such as cycle irregularities, mood changes, acne, and fertility challenges.

Understanding normal testosterone ranges by age can help detect imbalances early and allow timely adjustments.

Female Testosterone Levels by Age Chart

Testosterone levels in women remain relatively low from birth until adolescence (under 18 years), though they may rise slightly during puberty.

Levels peak beginning around age 18—reaching their highest point at about age 20 [1]—and remain elevated until the years leading up to menopause, after which they gradually decline with age.

Notably, testosterone levels increase significantly during the mid-cycle and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, rising by an estimated 0.34 nmol/L (approximately 10 ng/dL per day) [2].

There are several expert references that define what is considered a “normal” range of testosterone in women.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the normal range is 15–46 ng/dL (Emad Baqer Ali, 2023).

WebMD, meanwhile, cites a slightly broader range of 15–70 ng/dL [3]. Once women reach menopause, levels typically drop further to 7–40 ng/dL. In summary, a reasonable reference range for normal testosterone in women is 15–70 ng/dL [5].

Below is a breakdown of normal testosterone levels by age group:

• Childhood (before puberty): Low, around 7–20 ng/dL

• Puberty: Slight increase, approximately 7–44 ng/dL

• Adulthood (reproductive years): Peak levels, 20–60 ng/dL

• Perimenopause: Gradual decline, 7–40 ng/dL

Overall, testosterone tends to be higher during puberty (when the ovaries complete their development and begin reproductive function) and during the perimenopausal stage, compared with other phases of life.

By contrast, in postmenopause, ovarian activity decreases significantly as the ovaries age, leading to a sharp decline in testosterone. This drop not only affects hormone balance but can also contribute to symptoms such as reduced libido, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.

What Are Normal Testosterone Levels in Women by Age?

Testosterone levels in women vary significantly by age, peaking during adulthood and then declining sharply at menopause. The approximate ranges are as follows:

• Under 1 year old: < 21 ng/dL

• Ages 1–5: < 12 ng/dL

• Ages 6–10: < 25 ng/dL

• Ages 11–17: < 79 ng/dL

• Ages 18–99 (premenopausal): < 40 ng/dL or 10–55 ng/dL

• Postmenopause: 7–40 ng/dL [5]

High Testosterone in Women

When testosterone levels rise abnormally high—above 70 ng/dL—women may experience symptoms linked to excess testosterone [5].

To be more specific, for girls ages 7–10, levels above 10.29 ng/dL are considered high. For adolescents ages 13–17, levels above 31.55 ng/dL are considered high. For adult women, levels above 70 ng/dL are considered high [6].

Causes of High Testosterone in Women

Several underlying factors can cause elevated testosterone levels in women:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. PCOS often leads to irregular menstrual cycles and reduced fertility. It can result from multiple factors, including insulin resistance, genetics, and unhealthy dietary habits.

Nonclassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (NCCAH): A late-onset genetic condition caused by enzyme deficiencies that affect steroid hormone production in the adrenal glands. Because of this enzyme shortage, the adrenal glands overproduce testosterone to compensate.

Adrenal or Ovarian Tumors: Both the adrenal glands and ovaries naturally produce testosterone. When tumors—whether benign or malignant—develop in these organs, they can disrupt hormone regulation and trigger testosterone imbalances.

What are the symptoms of high testosterone in a woman?

Signs that a woman may have elevated testosterone levels include persistent acne, excess oily skin, unwanted or excessive hair growth (hirsutism), irregular menstrual cycles, an enlarged clitoris, frequent mood changes, sudden weight gain, and even an increased risk of diabetes.

Managing High Testosterone in Women

Balancing testosterone requires identifying the underlying cause. It is strongly recommended to consult a physician before starting any treatment. Management approaches include:

Medical Treatments

Certain medical interventions can help balance hormones, limit excess testosterone, and support menstrual cycle regulation.

At the same time, improving insulin resistance plays an important role in maintaining stable testosterone levels in women. These measures should always be carried out under a doctor’s guidance.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet with whole grains, fiber, and minimal refined sugar.

• Limit processed foods and sugary drinks to improve insulin sensitivity.

• Add omega-3 fatty acids to support hormonal balance.

• Engage in regular physical activity—at least 30 minutes per day at a moderate intensity.

• Prioritize quality sleep (7–9 hours per night) and avoid frequent late nights.

Low Testosterone in Women

For perimenopausal women, normal testosterone levels range between 10–55 ng/dL. In postmenopausal women, levels typically fall to 7–40 ng/dL [5].

Causes of Low Testosterone in Women

A significant drop in testosterone in women can occur for many reasons. The most common include:

Turner Syndrome:

A genetic disorder caused by chromosomal abnormalities, most often affecting women. Normally, females have an XX genetic structure, while males have XY. In Turner Syndrome, one of the X chromosomes is missing or altered, which can lead to reduced sex hormone production, infertility, and other health complications.

Pituitary Tumors:

The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, is responsible for producing several key hormones, including those that regulate reproductive function.

A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth in this gland that can reach up to 1 cm in size, sometimes pressing on surrounding brain structures. Although generally benign, untreated tumors may worsen over time and, in rare cases, become life-threatening.

Chemotherapy Treatment:

The chemicals used in cancer chemotherapy can unintentionally damage cells in the pituitary gland, which is responsible for natural testosterone production.

This disruption may impair the gland’s ability to regulate hormones properly. Additionally, chemotherapy can harm nearby healthy cells, negatively affecting not only the pituitary but also other organs.

Malnutrition:

Inadequate nutrition does not only cause fatigue and weakness but also disrupts metabolism and hormone synthesis. Diets lacking in protein, vitamins, and minerals—combined with high intake of unhealthy fats—leave the body without the necessary “building blocks” to produce adequate testosterone.

In addition to these common causes, women may also experience low testosterone due to ovarian insufficiency, excessive stress, early menopause, or prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives.

For this reason, it is essential to schedule a medical evaluation early to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

What are signs of low testosterone in females?

Possible signs of low testosterone levels in women may include noticeable changes such as a reduced interest in sexual activity, ongoing low energy, frequent tiredness, or difficulty sleeping.

Some women might observe muscle weakness, less ability to build or maintain muscle tone, or a decrease in overall physical strength.

Menstrual cycle irregularities, absent periods, or challenges related to conception can also appear. Other reported signs include vaginal dryness, shifts in mood, occasional stress, hair thinning, dry skin, and nails that break easily. In some cases, unexplained changes in body weight may also occur.

Managing Low Testosterone in Women

Depending on the underlying cause, treatment options may vary. Common approaches include:

Medical Treatments

• Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): Administered through gels, creams, or injections to restore hormone balance.

• Hormonal Contraceptives with Corticosteroids: Used to help regulate androgen activity.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in lean proteins and healthy fats to support hormone production.

• Prioritize foods high in zinc, vitamin D, magnesium, and B vitamins.

• Engage in regular physical exercise, particularly resistance training, to strengthen muscles and support metabolism.

• Keep a healthy body weight, avoiding both malnutrition and excessive weight gain.

• Ensure adequate sleep—on average 7–9 hours per night—and avoid frequent late nights.

How to Check Testosterone Levels

To determine your current testosterone level, you need a blood test. There are three main types of testosterone tests:

• Total Testosterone Test: Measures both bound and free testosterone.

• Free Testosterone Test: Measures only testosterone that is unbound and available for use.

• Bioavailable Testosterone Test: Measures free testosterone plus testosterone bound to proteins other than SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin).

You should consult a healthcare provider or lab specialist to identify which test is most appropriate for your needs.

Additional important details to note before testing:

• Blood samples must be collected at a licensed medical facility or laboratory.

• The best time for testing is in the morning, between 7:00–10:00 AM.

• You may be asked to fast and stop certain prescription medications prior to testing to ensure accurate results.

• The blood draw is quick—usually just five minutes. A needle is used to collect blood from a vein in the arm, which is then stored and processed in the lab.

• The test is safe. In some cases, individuals with sensitive skin may experience mild swelling, slight pain, or bruising at the puncture site. These symptoms are temporary and usually resolve within a few days.

Conclusion

This guide has outlined testosterone levels in women across different ages, including what is considered normal, high, and low. With this knowledge, you can take proactive steps if your hormone levels are outside the healthy range—helping to manage unwanted health issues.

Overall, maintaining a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle, and consistent sleep habits can support stable testosterone levels and slow age-related decline.