Testosterone is a critical hormone in the male body, responsible for developing and maintaining male characteristics such as a deep voice, facial hair, and muscle mass.
However, high testosterone levels can negatively affect a man’s health, including heart muscle damage, prostate enlargement, insomnia, mood swings, and aggressive behavior.
So, let’s dive in and look at the signs of high testosterone in men!
5 Signs Of High Testosterone In A Men
As a hormone produced in the testes of people assigned male sex at birth and in the ovaries of people assigned female sex at birth, testosterone is responsible for a range of bodily functions in both men and women. In some cases, people may also take synthetic testosterone as a medication.
Here are the steps you can take to identify signs of high testosterone levels in men:
Step 1: Understand the normal testosterone range for males aged 19-39. According to a 2017 study involving more than 9,000 men in Europe and the United States, the total testosterone range for this age group is 264-916 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). Levels above this range are considered high.
Step 2: Be aware of the potential side effects of high levels of synthetic testosterone.
These may include hepatic adenoma, a tumor on the liver, cholestatic jaundice, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Step 3: Recognize the possible link between high levels of dihydrotestosterone, a substance that works with testosterone, and increased chances of acne and hair loss in males. However, this effect is not directly linked to high testosterone levels.
Step 4: Understand the role of testosterone in prostate cancer development.
Although testosterone doesn’t cause prostate cancer, it can exacerbate the disease once it has developed. Reducing testosterone levels may reduce the likelihood of relapse or progression. There may also be a connection between testosterone replacement therapy and prostate cancer.
Step 5: Be aware of the physical and behavioral changes that can occur with high testosterone levels in men. These may include
- High Sex Drive (libido)
- Insomnia
- Acne
- Low Sperm Count, Mood Swings
- Increased Appetite, Infertility
- Aggressive Or Risk-taking Behaviors
- Heart Or Liver Problems
- High Blood PressureProstate Enlargement
- Excessive Body Hair
- Headaches
- Unexplained Weight Gain.
But What Is A High Testosterone Level For A Man?
As we mentioned earlier, A 2017 study looked at more than 9,000 guys from Europe and the US to find out. According to the study, males aged 19-39 have a total testosterone range of 264-916 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl).
Your testosterone levels are considered high if your levels are higher than this range. However, the American Urological Association has established a standard range of 450-600 ng/dl.
So, if your testosterone levels are within this range, you’re good to go.
Side Effects Of Too Much Testosterone
Excessive levels of testosterone can lead to some problems. Here are some of the side effects to be aware of:
Estrogen:
Too much testosterone can result in excess estrogen in the body. While a certain amount of estrogen is necessary for a man’s hormonal balance, an excessive amount can cause mood swings, water retention, high blood pressure, breast sensitivity, or even growth.
It is important to administer testosterone at proper levels to limit the chance of such side effects. Skilled professionals can also recommend highly effective estrogen inhibitors if this problem arises.
Oily skin and acne:
These are common side effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to varying degrees.
While not everyone experiences these effects, they can be brought on or aggravated by elevated levels of DHT associated with increased testosterone. Careful dosage and proper monitoring can help prevent or limit these side effects.
Hair loss:
Many people associate too much testosterone with hair loss or male pattern balding.Even though there is a link between hair loss and amounts of DHT, it is a common misconception that hair loss is caused by high testosterone levels.
Prostate:
There is a highly debated link between the prostate and testosterone in the medical world. While there was once a widely-accepted but incorrect belief that a direct link existed between prostate growth or cancer, and high levels of testosterone, most recent studies do not show any significant increase in PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) with testosterone therapy.
Short-term tests show that there are no bad effects on the size of the prostate, the rate of urine flow, or the number of prostate symptoms. But there isn’t much long-term information, and people with a family history of prostate cancer should consider this possible side effect.
Testicular shrinking:
When the brain senses high levels of testosterone in the body, it assumes the testosterone is coming from the testicles. The brain then shuts off the production of LH (luteinizing hormone), which tells the testicles to produce testosterone. This can cause a change in testicular firmness or volume.
Increased red blood cell production:
This can be especially risky for older men, as it can increase the chances of having a stroke or heart attack. If you notice that your hematocrit levels are too high, you can reduce the testosterone replacement therapy dosage or donate blood regularly to thin out your blood.
It’s really important to keep an eye on your hematocrit levels if you’re undergoing testosterone replacement therapy, so make sure to get them checked regularly.
What Causes High Testosterone in Men?
If you’re a man with high testosterone levels, you should be aware of several key potential causes and associated risks. Here’s the details:
- Excess testosterone can result from tumors. Both testicular and adrenal tumors can cause testosterone levels to rise above healthy levels. Even if these tumors are not cancerous, they can still pose health risks.
- Steroid use and abuse can also lead to high testosterone levels. If you’re taking steroids without a prescription or in amounts greater than what’s recommended, you may be putting yourself at risk.
- High testosterone levels can lead to heart health issues. Specifically, elevated testosterone can increase your “bad” cholesterol levels, contributing to heart disease, cardiovascular disease, or even a stroke.
- Sleep apnea and infertility risks are heightened with high testosterone levels. Men with high testosterone may experience difficulty sleeping and may be at greater risk of infertility.
- Genetic predisposition can play a role. Some men have a genetic predisposition to high testosterone levels, which can increase their risk of developing blood clots, heart disease, and other cardiovascular issues.
It’s essential to be tested and aware of your risks. Because high testosterone levels can pose significant health risks, getting tested is important if you suspect you may have elevated levels. Being aware of your risks can help you take steps to mitigate them and protect your health.
What are normal testosterone levels?
So for guys, the normal range is between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
So for females, the normal range is between 15 to 70 ng/dL.
Can High Testosterone Be Good?
High testosterone levels can have positive and negative effects on the body, depending on age, sex, and overall health. Here are some potential benefits of high testosterone levels:
Deeper sleep and feeling more rested: Testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating sleep patterns, and individuals with higher levels of testosterone may experience deeper, more restful sleep.
Increase in muscle mass and bone health: Testosterone helps promote the growth and maintenance of muscle tissue and bone density. This can lead to increased strength and overall physical fitness.
Decrease in fat mass: High testosterone levels have been linked to decreased body fat, particularly in the abdominal area.
Decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer: Testosterone has been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer in men.
Alleviates symptoms of erectile dysfunction: Some men have found testosterone therapy to be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Less joint pain and decreased risk of osteoporosis: Testosterone helps promote the growth and maintenance of bone tissue, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and alleviating joint pain.
Final Verdicts
Though The signs of high testosterone in men can vary and might not be noticeable to everyone, men experiencing the symptoms mentioned above should speak with their healthcare provider, who can conduct tests to check their testosterone levels.
Reducing testosterone levels can typically alleviate symptoms, but treatment depends on the underlying cause. If you’re feeling discomfort or noticing signs of high testosterone, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment and get checked out.
