Testosterone levels are naturally higher in the morning compared to the evening, with the difference varying significantly based on age.
Understanding the Daily Cycle
Testosterone levels follow a daily (diurnal) rhythm. They tend to be lowest around 8 in the evening and then gradually climb during the night, reaching their peak in the morning. This pattern is more pronounced in younger men.
Age and the Morning Boost
The magnitude of the morning increase in testosterone is larger for younger men compared to older men. Based on the provided information:
- For men 40 and younger, the peaks and valleys in testosterone levels throughout the day are more significant.
- For men in their 70s, this daily fluctuation is less pronounced.
Specifically, the reference indicates the following difference between morning and evening testosterone readings based on age:
- For a 40-year-old: A morning testosterone reading may be 200 points higher than in the evening.
- For a 70-year-old: The difference may be around 50 points.
This difference highlights why the timing of testosterone testing is often recommended for the morning to capture peak levels accurately.
Comparing Morning vs. Evening Testosterone Levels
Here's a summary based on the age groups mentioned:
| Age Group | Approximate Morning Increase vs. Evening |
|---|---|
| Around 40 | May be 200 points higher |
| Around 70 | May be 50 points higher |
These numbers illustrate that while testosterone is naturally higher in the morning across different ages, the amount by which it is higher decreases with age. The larger peaks and valleys seen in younger men mean a more dramatic drop from the morning high to the evening low compared to older men.
