Hormones

Men… typically 10-50 pg/mL

For women —

Beginning of menstrual cycle, Follicular phase … 30-120 pg/mL… ovulation peak 130-370pg/mL, post-menopause 10-20.

For women estrogen 10x to 30x higher in theory!

Male vs female testosterone

Men: 300-1,000 ng/dL … vs female (15-70 ng/dL)

Numerical differences

The numerical differences in estrogen and testosterone levels between males and females are quite marked, and they reflect the distinct physiological roles these hormones play in each sex. Here are the typical ranges:

Estrogen (Measured in Picograms per Milliliter – pg/mL)

  1. Females:
  • Estradiol (the primary form of estrogen):
    • Follicular phase (beginning of menstrual cycle): about 30-120 pg/mL
    • Ovulation peak: approximately 130-370 pg/mL
    • Luteal phase (post-ovulation): roughly 70-250 pg/mL
    • Postmenopause: generally <10-20 pg/mL
  1. Males:
  • Estradiol: typically ranges from 10-50 pg/mL

Testosterone (Measured in Nanograms per Deciliter – ng/dL)

  1. Males:
  • Total testosterone: generally about 300-1,000 ng/dL
  • Free testosterone (the portion not bound to proteins): around 5-21 ng/dL
  1. Females:
  • Total testosterone: typically ranges from 15-70 ng/dL
  • Free testosterone: usually about 0.7-3.6 ng/dL

Interpretation

  • These values can vary based on the individual, the time of day (hormone levels can fluctuate), age, and health status.
  • In females, estrogen levels are particularly dynamic and change throughout the menstrual cycle.
  • In males, testosterone levels generally decline with age, but this decline is usually gradual.
  • Hormone levels are influenced by various factors including genetics, lifestyle, body composition, and overall health.
  • It’s important to note that hormone levels are just one part of a complex physiological picture. Levels that are outside the typical range don’t automatically indicate a problem but might prompt further medical evaluation.

Estrogen, a key hormone in the human body, plays a vital role in both female and male physiology, although it is more prominent in females. Its functions and effects are diverse:

  1. Reproductive Health: In females, estrogen is crucial for the development and functioning of the reproductive system. It regulates the menstrual cycle, prepares the uterus for pregnancy, and supports the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast growth.
  2. Bone Health: Estrogen helps maintain bone density. It plays a role in the bone remodeling process, helping to prevent bone loss. This is why the risk of osteoporosis increases in women after menopause when estrogen levels decline.
  3. Cardiovascular Health: Estrogen has a protective effect on heart health. It helps maintain the flexibility of blood vessels, ensuring proper blood flow, and also influences cholesterol levels, promoting a higher level of HDL (good cholesterol) and a lower level of LDL (bad cholesterol).
  4. Mood and Brain Health: Estrogen can impact mood and cognitive function. It’s thought to have a protective effect on brain health and may be linked to mood stabilization. Changes in estrogen levels can affect neurotransmitters in the brain and are associated with mood swings or depression in some cases.
  5. Skin and Hair: Estrogen contributes to skin health by increasing skin thickness and improving moisture levels and elasticity. It also impacts hair growth, influencing hair texture and density.
  6. Metabolism: Estrogen affects body composition and metabolism. It influences how the body stores fat and can affect appetite and energy expenditure.
  7. Sexual Function: In females, estrogen is important for vaginal health, maintaining the lining of the vagina and vaginal lubrication. It also plays a role in sexual desire, although this is complex and influenced by multiple factors.
  8. Development During Puberty: In females, estrogen is crucial for the changes that occur during puberty, including breast development, the growth of the uterus, and the onset of menstrual cycles.
  9. Menopause Management: In postmenopausal women, estrogen therapy is often used to manage symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings, as well as to prevent osteoporosis.

In males, estrogen is present in smaller amounts and is important for sexual function and bone health. It’s a common misconception that estrogen only affects females; in reality, it plays several important roles in male physiology as well.

The balance of estrogen with other hormones, such as progesterone in females and testosterone in males, is crucial for overall health. Imbalances can lead to various health issues.