How are the curves on this site built?
Each curve starts from studies published on healthy people, then is simplified so it can be read at a glance. The shapes and timings (when it rises, when it falls) come from the studies; the exact heights are rounded. It is not a measurement of your body.
Where do the figures come from?
From peer-reviewed scientific papers, study reviews and official agency reports (EFSA, HAS). Each page lists its sources at the bottom, with a link to PubMed or the DOI. All sources are gathered on the Sources page.
What do the levels of evidence mean?
| Level | What it means |
|---|---|
| Shown in humans | Measured in studies on people, with consistent results. |
| Seen in animals | Seen in mice or rats; in humans, it is not yet certain. |
| Hypothesis | A serious lead, but not yet verified. |
What does "to be verified" mean?
A figure followed by "to be verified" is a common order of magnitude that we have not yet linked to a precise source. It stays on screen to help understanding, but it should not be quoted as is. We replace these notes as the pages are updated.
Why simplified curves?
Hormones vary a lot from one person to another and from one day to the next. An average, smoothed curve shows the order of events better than a cloud of points. The animations often speed up time: this is stated under each one.
Are the images drawn by AI?
No. The diagrams and animations are drawn in code (SVG) for this site. The molecule formulas are traced from their known structure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these curves to track my health?
No. They show what happens on average in a healthy person. For your own values, you need a blood test and a doctor's opinion.
What should I do if I find an error?
Report it: each correction is dated on the page concerned. See the editorial policy.
Why are some studies old?
Some basic measurements (cortisol on waking, vitamin D and sunlight) were made long ago and have not been contradicted since. We then cite the original study, and a recent review when one exists.