{"id":61842,"date":"2023-12-01T16:57:52","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T21:57:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=61842"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:23:44","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:23:44","slug":"low-testosterone-during-puberty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/low-testosterone-during-puberty\/","title":{"rendered":"How to increase testosterone during puberty"},"content":{"rendered":"

Testosterone is a <\/span>male sex hormone<\/span><\/a> responsible for male sex characteristics, sperm cell development, and fertility. The hormone plays an important role in the development of young adults during <\/span>puberty<\/span><\/a>, the period when children become young adults through emotional and physical changes.<\/span><\/p>\n

“In males assigned at birth, the hormone is produced in the testicles and has several developmental functions,” says Victoria M. Smith, a registered dietitian nutritionist at <\/span>Top Nutrition Coaching<\/span><\/a>. “This includes growing facial and body hair, deepening vocal tones, aiding in fat storage and distribution, and playing a vital role in muscle strength and bone health.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Some young men may develop more slowly than peers, which may cause concern. Low testosterone, also known as “low T” or <\/span>male hypogonadism<\/span><\/a>, is the cause of delayed puberty in males. The deficiency can be caused by a genetic disorder of testosterone production by the testes, damage after birth to the testes, or a pituitary gland disorder since the gland produces hormones that stimulate testosterone production by the testes. These conditions can be permanent. A temporary low testosterone level may also result from an underlying inflammatory disease or poor nutrition since the body lacks the energy and resources to support pubertal development. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s a look at the factors associated with <\/span>low testosterone levels<\/span><\/a> during puberty and how teens can increase their levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Normal testosterone levels during puberty<\/span><\/h2>\n

Understanding the normal range of total testosterone for young men can make it easier to detect male hypogonadism and help teens achieve higher testosterone levels. Teen boys typically begin puberty between <\/span>ages 9 and 14<\/span><\/a>, and young girls between <\/span>ages 8 and 13<\/span><\/a>. Teen girls can also produce testosterone during puberty, but in <\/span>smaller amounts<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Average testosterone levels<\/span><\/a> for females ages 9 to 14 can range from 7–75 nanograms per deciliter (ng\/dl). For males, it ranges from 7–1,200 ng\/dl. “It’s important to note that there can be considerable individual variation,” says <\/span>Justin Houman, MD<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified urologist and men’s health specialist at <\/span>Tower Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Low testosterone during puberty<\/span><\/h2>\n

Low testosterone levels during puberty “can impact growth, development, and overall well-being,” Dr. Houman says. For adolescents assigned male at birth, the <\/span>effects of low testosterone before or during puberty<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n