From the FDA Drug Label
Absorption Testosterone gel delivers physiologic amounts of testosterone, producing circulating testosterone concentrations that approximate normal levels (e.g., 300 – 1000 ng/dL) seen in healthy men.
The normal testosterone level is approximately 300-1000 ng/dL in healthy men, but this information does not specifically pertain to a 12-year-old male. Since the provided information does not directly address the testosterone level in a 12-year-old male, no conclusion can be drawn for this specific age group. 1
From the Research
The normal testosterone level in a 12-year-old male typically ranges from 7 to 800 ng/dL, with significant variation between individuals as they enter puberty. At this age, boys are often in the early stages of puberty, which explains the wide range of normal values. Testosterone levels begin to rise gradually during puberty, which usually starts between ages 9-14 in boys. The production of testosterone is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, where the brain signals the testes to produce this hormone. It's essential to understand that testosterone levels can vary throughout the day, with highest levels typically occurring in the morning. If there are concerns about a child's development, a pediatrician may order a blood test to check testosterone levels, ideally drawn in the morning. Factors such as timing of puberty onset, genetics, nutrition, and overall health can all influence testosterone levels in adolescents.
Some key points to consider when evaluating testosterone levels in adolescents include:
- The wide range of normal values due to individual variations in puberty onset and progression
- The importance of considering factors such as genetics, nutrition, and overall health when interpreting testosterone levels
- The need for pediatricians to use age-specific reference ranges when evaluating testosterone levels in adolescents, as provided by studies such as 2
- The fact that testosterone levels can vary throughout the day, with highest levels typically occurring in the morning, as noted in studies such as 3 and 4
Parents should consult with healthcare providers if they notice delayed puberty signs or other developmental concerns rather than focusing solely on laboratory values. It's also important to note that the diagnosis of hypogonadism in males is a clinical syndrome complex that comprises symptoms with or without signs as well as biochemical evidence of testosterone deficiency, as described in 5.
In terms of specific reference ranges, a study by 2 provides a validated age-related normative model for male total testosterone, which shows increasing variance but no decline after age 40 years. However, for a 12-year-old male, the most relevant reference range would be based on the normal values for pubertal development, which can vary widely.
Overall, when evaluating testosterone levels in a 12-year-old male, it's essential to consider the individual's overall health, developmental stage, and any concerns about delayed puberty or other developmental issues, rather than relying solely on laboratory values.