Why Your Blood Results Differ
Age, Gender, and What's Normal for YOU
🎯 Your Normal ≠ Everyone's Normal
Ever wondered why your friend's iron levels are different from yours? Or why your dad's cholesterol targets aren't the same as yours?
Here's the truth: Blood test "normal ranges" aren't one-size-fits-all. Your age, gender, and life stage dramatically affect what's healthy for YOU. Let's break it down!
Male vs Female: The Big Differences
Your biological sex affects several key blood markers 🧬
Men's Levels
💪 Testosterone
Normal: 10-35 nmol/L
10-20x higher than women. Peaks at 20-30 years, drops 1% yearly after 40.
🩸 Hemoglobin
Normal: 130-180 g/L
Higher due to testosterone stimulating red blood cell production.
⚡ Iron
Normal: 10-30 µmol/L
Generally higher and more stable than women due to no monthly blood loss.
🫀 HDL Cholesterol
Target: >1.0 mmol/L
Lower than women. Testosterone slightly reduces "good" cholesterol.
Women's Levels
💪 Testosterone
Normal: 0.5-2.5 nmol/L
Much lower than men. Varies with menstrual cycle and drops at menopause.
🩸 Hemoglobin
Normal: 120-160 g/L
Lower due to menstruation and less testosterone. Can drop more during periods.
⚡ Iron
Normal: 10-30 µmol/L
More variable due to periods. Pregnancy increases needs by 50%. Very common deficiency!
🫀 HDL Cholesterol
Target: >1.3 mmol/L
Higher than men. Estrogen boosts "good" cholesterol for heart protection.
🌸 Women's Life Stages & Blood Tests
Your results change dramatically through different phases
Menstruation
Iron ⬇️
Drops during/after period. May need supplements if heavy flow.
Hemoglobin ⬇️
Can dip 5-10 points during menstruation.
Pregnancy
Iron needs ⬆️⬆️
50% increase! Baby uses your stores. Supplement essential.
Glucose tolerance ⬇️
Gestational diabetes screening crucial.
Thyroid changes
TSH levels shift. Regular monitoring needed.
Perimenopause
FSH ⬆️
Follicle-stimulating hormone rises as ovaries slow down.
Estrogen fluctuates
Roller coaster levels cause symptoms.
Cholesterol ⬆️
Losing estrogen's protection. Monitor closely.
Menopause
FSH ⬆️⬆️
>30 IU/L confirms menopause.
LDL cholesterol ⬆️
No estrogen protection. Heart health focus.
Bone markers
Check vitamin D, calcium for osteoporosis risk.
📊 How Blood Tests Change With Age
From childhood to senior years - what's expected
Children
🩸 Hemoglobin: 110-140 g/L
Lower than adults - totally normal!
📈 Growth markers
IGF-1, growth hormone checked if concerns.
💪 Creatinine: Low
Less muscle mass = lower kidney marker.
🦴 Alkaline phosphatase: HIGH
Growing bones = elevated enzyme (good!).
Teenagers
💪 Testosterone surge
Boys: rapid increase. Girls: moderate rise.
⚡ Iron needs ⬆️
Girls: periods start. Boys: muscle growth.
🩸 Hemoglobin rises
Approaching adult levels by late teens.
🦴 Still growing
Alkaline phosphatase remains elevated.
Young Adults
✨ Peak health
Most markers at optimal levels.
💪 Peak testosterone
Men: highest at 20-30, then 1% drop/year.
🫀 Cholesterol watch
Start monitoring - lifestyle matters now!
🩸 Stable levels
Less variation year-to-year.
Middle Age
🍬 Glucose creeps up
Pre-diabetes risk. HbA1c screening crucial.
🫀 Cholesterol rises
Women: menopause effect. Men: steady climb.
💪 Testosterone drops
Men: noticeable decline. Check if symptoms.
🦴 Bone density
Women: post-menopause screening starts.
Seniors
💊 Medication effects
Statins, BP meds alter multiple markers.
🧠 Vitamin B12 ⬇️
Absorption declines. Check regularly.
💪 Creatinine rises
Kidney function naturally declines.
🩸 Hemoglobin drops
Mild anemia common. Investigate if severe.
📋 Quick Reference: Normal Ranges Comparison
| Blood Test | Men | Women | Seniors (65+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin (g/L) | 130-180 | 120-160 | 120-170 |
| Iron (µmol/L) | 10-30 | 10-30* | 10-28 |
| Testosterone (nmol/L) | 10-35 | 0.5-2.5 | 8-25 (M) / 0.3-1.8 (F) |
| HDL Cholesterol (mmol/L) | >1.0 | >1.3 | >1.2 |
| Creatinine (µmol/L) | 60-110 | 45-90 | 50-120 |
| Vitamin D (nmol/L) | >50 | >50 | >75** |
* Women's iron levels more variable due to menstruation
** Higher target for seniors due to bone health needs
🚨 When Your Results Need Context
Don't panic - tell your GP about these factors!
✅ Always Mention:
- • Your age - Ranges change significantly!
- • For women: Where you are in your cycle
- • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- • Menopause status - Changes everything!
- • Heavy periods - Explains iron issues
💡 Good to Know:
- • Athletes: Different "normals" for many markers
- • Vegetarian/vegan: B12, iron context needed
- • Weight training: Creatinine may run higher
- • Family history: Some conditions run in families
- • Ethnicity: Some markers vary by background
🎯 Key Takeaways
Gender Matters
Men and women have different normals for hemoglobin, iron, testosterone, and cholesterol. Don't compare!
Life Stages Count
Menstruation, pregnancy, menopause - each phase dramatically affects multiple blood markers.
Age Changes Everything
What's normal at 25 isn't normal at 65. Ranges shift as you age - that's expected!
Context is King
Always discuss your results with your GP who knows YOUR specific situation and health history.
📚 Australian Resources
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Healthdirect Australia: Blood Test Information
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Better Health Channel (Vic Gov): Understanding Blood Tests
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Jean Hailes for Women's Health: Women's Health Information
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Andrology Australia: Men's Health Information
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