Uric Acid
Uric acid is markedly higher in males than females through early and middle adulthood, with the sex gap narrowing after menopause as female levels rise in later life.
Unit: mg/dL · 12 slices · age and sex · 1 source
Filed under panels: Renal Function , Metabolic Panel · topics: Metabolic , Renal
Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism and is cleared primarily by the kidneys. Population levels vary strongly by sex and age, and higher values are associated with gout, metabolic syndrome, kidney disease, diuretic use, and reduced urate excretion. Note: 1 mg/dL is approximately 59.48 umol/L.
Population Distribution
Browse by Demographic
| Age (years) | male (mg/dL) | female (mg/dL) |
|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 4.2–8.1 (5.9) | 2.8–6.7 (4.4) |
| 30-39 | 4.2–8.2 (5.9) | 2.8–6.3 (4.4) |
| 40-49 | 4–8.5 (5.9) | 3–6.6 (4.4) |
| 50-59 | 4.1–8.2 (5.8) | 2.9–6.8 (4.6) |
| 60-69 | 4.2–8.1 (5.9) | 2.9–7.6 (5) |
| 70+ | 3.9–8.4 (5.9) | 3.4–7.9 (5.2) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is uric acid higher in males than females?
Estrogen promotes renal urate excretion, so premenopausal females tend to have lower uric acid than males. The difference narrows after menopause as that hormonal effect declines.
Why does uric acid rise in later life?
Kidney function declines with age, medication use becomes more common, and chronic metabolic disease accumulates. Together these factors shift the population distribution upward in older adults, especially in females after menopause.
How do I convert mg/dL to umol/L?
Multiply by 59.48. For example, 6.0 mg/dL is approximately 357 umol/L.