A cycle of plasma testosterone in the human male

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1975 Mar;40(3):492-500. doi: 10.1210/jcem-40-3-492.

Abstract

The object of the study was to assess the lability of testosterone levels in plasma of normal human males over a long period of time and to search for periodicities in changing levels. Blood samples obtained from 20 healthy young men every second day for 2 months were assayed for total testosterone concentration by radioligand saturation analysis with late-pregnancy plasma. The flucturations of plasma testosterone levels over the total time span were substantial for most individuals; the coefficients of variation ranged from 14 to 42% (median 21%). The presence of periodic functions in these fluctuations was tested by 4 different, relatively independent methods. Close agreement among at least 3 analytic methods was found for 12 out of the 20 subjects. These 12 subjects had cycles of plasma testosterone levels with periods ranging between 8-30 days, with a cluster of periods around 20-22 days. The majority of such cycles were significant at least at the 5% level. The mean amplitudes of these cycles ranged from 9 to 28% of the subjects' mean testosterone levels (average 17%).

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affect
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Periodicity*
  • Radioligand Assay
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self-Assessment
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sleep
  • Testosterone / blood*

Substances

  • Testosterone