What is the normal hormone level in men and women?

Hormones play an essential role in regulating women’s reproductive and mental health. Changes in hormone levels can lead to various issues such as menstrual disorders, reduced libido, and premature aging. Therefore, the question “what is the normal hormone level” always draws a lot of attention. This article will help you better understand what normal female hormone levels are and how to maintain healthy hormone levels.

What is considered normal hormone level?

Normal hormone levels vary depending on the type of hormone and factors such as menstrual cycle, age, and health condition. For example, estrogen levels in postmenopausal women are significantly lower than in premenopausal women. Normal hormone results are not only based on fixed values but also depend on circumstances and testing methods.

Normal hormone levels by type in both men and women

1. Normal estrogen levels

Estrogen is the primary female hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and maintains bone health.

• Follicular phase: 30–400 pg/mL
• Ovulation: Up to 400 pg/mL
• Menopause: Below 30 pg/mL

2. Normal progesterone levels

Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy and maintains pregnancy.

• Follicular phase: <1 ng/mL
• Luteal phase: 5–20 ng/mL
• Menopause: <1 ng/mL

3. Normal testosterone levels in men and women

Although primarily a male hormone, testosterone is also vital for women.

• Normal testosterone levels in women: 15–70 ng/dL
• In men: Normal testosterone levels in adult men (19 years and older) range from 280–1,100 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter of blood). The average value is typically around 400–600 ng/dL. In older men (over 50 years old): Testosterone levels naturally decrease with age but remain within 200–900 ng/dL.

Testosterone levels are typically highest in the morning.

4. Normal FSH and LH levels in women

FSH and LH are hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.

• FSH: 3–30 mIU/mL, higher during menopause.
• LH: 2–80 mIU/mL, highest during ovulation.

5. Normal prolactin levels in women

Prolactin stimulates milk production and affects fertility.

• Non-pregnant: <25 ng/mL
• Pregnant: 34–386 ng/mL

Prolactin levels increase after sleep or during stress.

Situations causing changes in hormone levels

Hormone levels in the body can change due to various situations. Below are common causes of these changes:

1. Menstrual cycle

Women’s hormones change continuously throughout the menstrual cycle:

• Follicular phase (days 1–14): FSH increases to stimulate follicle development, while estrogen gradually rises.
• Ovulation (mid-cycle): LH spikes, triggering ovulation, and estrogen peaks.
• Luteal phase (days 15–28): Progesterone rises to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone and estrogen levels drop, leading to menstruation.

2. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormones change significantly:

• Estrogen and progesterone increase to maintain pregnancy and support fetal development.
• Prolactin rises to prepare for milk production.
• HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin): Increases dramatically during the first trimester to maintain corpus luteum function and progesterone production.

3. Menopause

• Estrogen and progesterone drop significantly as ovarian function declines.
• FSH and LH rise because the body attempts to stimulate the ovaries.
• This condition often leads to symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone loss.

4. Stress

• Cortisol (stress hormone) rises, negatively affecting reproductive hormones.
• Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone may be suppressed, leading to menstrual disorders, reduced libido, or infertility.

5. Endocrine disorders

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Causes elevated androgen (male hormone) levels, resulting in menstrual irregularities and infertility.
• Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism: Alters TSH levels, affecting FSH, LH, and prolactin.
• Pituitary tumors: Can cause abnormally high prolactin levels, leading to amenorrhea or reduced libido.

6. Medication or hormone therapy

• Birth control pills: Alter estrogen and progesterone levels, preventing ovulation.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Used during menopause to increase estrogen and progesterone levels.
• Steroids: Can lower testosterone and cause hormone imbalances.

7. Lifestyle and diet changes

• Poor nutrition: Lack of healthy fats, protein, or vitamins such as D and B6 can reduce hormone production.
• Sudden weight loss or gain: Affects leptin, FSH, and estrogen levels, causing menstrual irregularities.
• Sleep deprivation: Increases cortisol and reduces melatonin production, impacting reproductive hormones.

8. Aging

• Puberty: Hormones like FSH, LH, and estrogen spike to trigger sexual development.
• Aging: Estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone gradually decline, causing aging symptoms like reduced bone density and mood changes.

9. Autoimmune conditions

• Autoimmune diseases like lupus or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can affect the thyroid and related hormones, causing hormonal imbalances.

How to maintain normal hormone levels in men and women

• Eat a healthy diet with foods rich in phytoestrogens.
• Exercise regularly to improve blood circulation and hormone levels.
• Schedule regular hormone checkups and consult a doctor when needed.

Understanding “what is the normal hormone level” is an essential first step in caring for women’s hormonal health. Normal hormone results depend on various factors, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help you improve overall health.

References:

• https://www.webmd.com/women/normal-testosterone-and-estrogen-levels-in-women
• https://www.perimenopause.help/how-to-read-female-hormone-blood-test-results/
• https://www.invitra.com/en/female-hormone-check/ 
• https://www.mymenopausecentre.com/gp-resources/oestrogens-and-blood-testing/ 
• https://www.livestrong.com/article/63806-list-normal-hormone-levels-women/ 
• https://www.invitra.com/en/female-hormone-check/normal-hormone-levels-in-women/ 

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