Question
What should be the normal testosterone level in grams per deciliter for a three-month-old child?
Answer
The normal testosterone level for a three-month-old child is within the range of 9.9 to 27.8 ng/dl. Testosterone is primarily produced in the interstitial cells of male testicles, while a very small amount of testosterone in female blood is a metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone. Elevated levels may occur in conditions such as idiopathic precocious puberty, pediatric adrenal cortical hyperplasia, certain adrenal cortical tumors, tumors that secrete gonadotropin hormones in males, choriocarcinoma during pregnancy, testicular feminization, primary hypertrichosis, or when consuming barbiturate sedatives, clomiphene (clomiphene), gonadotropins, and oral contraceptives. Low levels may be seen in conditions such as Down syndrome, uremia, muscular dystrophy, liver dysfunction, primary or secondary gonadal dysfunction, cryptorchidism, and others. Female testosterone levels are generally lower than male levels and vary with the menstrual cycle; they decrease after rest and glucose loading and increase after activity. If a female presents with masculinization symptoms, testosterone levels can rise above 7.0 mol/L. Consumption of androgens, dexamethasone, digoxin, and alcohol can lead to lower results.