Too much testosterone men: High testosterone in men: Signs and symptoms
High testosterone in men: Signs and symptoms
High testosterone levels can cause various symptoms including, body hair growth, mood disturbances, and acne. They can result from some medical conditions and the use of medications or anabolic steroids.
High testosterone levels can cause serious problems in males, such as an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
In males, testosterone functions include the regulation of libido, bone and muscle mass, and the production of sperm. Females also have some testosterone, but less. In females, testosterone assists in the growth and maintenance of female reproductive tissue and bone mass.
Testosterone is essential for health, but too much may increase the risk of health problems, such as an enlarged prostate gland.
In this article, we discuss the signs of high testosterone, also called hyperandrogenism, in males.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums.
This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Was this helpful?
Testosterone is a hormone. It is produced in the testes in people assigned male sex at birth and in the ovaries in people assigned female sex at birth. Additionally, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor to testosterone is produced in the adrenal glands.
People can also take testosterone synthetically as medication. The effects of high testosterone levels will usually only be apparent with synthetic sources.
A 2017 study involving more than 9,000 men living in Europe and the United States found that the total testosterone range for males aged 19–39 years is 264–916 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). Levels above this are considered high.
The American Urological Association considers 450—600 ng/dl to be a normal range.
High levels of synthetic testosterone may lead to:
- hepatic adenoma, a tumor on the liver
- cholestatic jaundice
- BPH
The authors of a 2021 study noted that males with high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — a substance that works with testosterone — may have a higher chance of acne and hair loss.
However, they did not link this effect directly to high testosterone levels.
Testosterone may also play a role in the development of prostate cancer. Experts note that testosterone does not cause prostate cancer, but it can help fuel it once it appears. Reducing testosterone levels may help lower the risk of it returning or progressing. There may be a link with testosterone replacement therapy and the development of prostate cancer.
Men with very high testosterone levels may experience:
- acne
- aggressive or risk-taking behaviors
- excessive body hair
- headaches
- heart or liver problems
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- high sex drive (libido)
- increased appetite
- infertility
- insomnia
- low sperm count
- mood swings
- prostate enlargement, which may cause difficulty passing urine
- swelling of the legs and feet
- unexplained weight gain
High testosterone levels can be a sign of an underlying health condition that increases levels of circulating testosterone on the body.
Factors that can raise testosterone levels include:
- acromegaly or Cushing syndrome, which affect the pituitary gland
- benign or cancerous adrenal tumors
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- the use of certain medications, such as fluoxymesterone (Halotestin)
- using anabolic steroids
- testosterone supplementation
Athletes and bodybuilders sometimes use anabolic steroids to improve athletic performance and build muscle mass. Testosterone replacement therapy can treat low testosterone levels.
What causes high testosterone in females, and what are the symptoms?
Doctors typically use the following procedures to diagnose high testosterone in males:
A physical examination
A doctor may check for signs and symptoms of high testosterone, including acne and increased muscle mass. They will also ask about a person’s libido and mood.
Blood tests
A doctor may order blood tests to check the person’s testosterone hormone levels.
They may also check their glucose and cholesterol, as testosterone levels can affect them.
As testosterone secretion is typically highest in the early morning hours, the doctor will often draw blood for the tests in the morning.
The type of treatment for high testosterone will depend on the underlying cause of the imbalance.
Stopping steroid or medication use
Where high testosterone levels result from anabolic steroid use or testosterone supplementation, discontinuing these substances will usually resolve the issue.
In one study, 88.4% of the male participants taking testosterone supplements did not produce sperm. However, 6 months after stopping the use of the supplements, 65% of these individuals began to produce sperm again.
Treatment for tumors
In rare cases, a tumor can produce sex hormones, which can increase the levels of testosterone. If a tumor is contributing to high testosterone levels, the person may need surgery.
If the tumor is cancerous, the person may need other treatments, including:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiation therapy
Medication
Medications can help lower high testosterone levels for people with underlying conditions.
They include:
- steroid synthesis inhibitors, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), to treat Cushing disease
- alpha reductase inhibitors, for instance finasteride (Proscar), to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia
- gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs, such as degarelix (Firmagon) to reduce testosterone levels in people receiving treatment for prostate cancer
Anyone who experiences symptoms while using testosterone replacement therapy should speak with a doctor. People who are using testosterone replacement therapy will usually have regular appointments, as the doctor will need to monitor their progress.
Individuals who believe they may have high testosterone levels should talk with a doctor. They may need treatment to address an underlying health issue or reduce the risk of complications such as liver problems and osteoporosis.
Here are some questions people often ask about high testosterone in males.
What happens when a man’s testosterone levels are too high?
High testosterone levels are known as hyperandrogenism.
In adults, there are few noticeable signs. But, there may be a risk of complications such as a liver tumor, jaundice, and an enlarged prostate gland.
What happens when a man’s testosterone levels are too low?
Low testosterone levels are known as hypogonadism. An adult male with low testosterone levels may have:
- small testes
- enlarged breasts, known as gynecomastia
- difficulty gaining muscle mass
- low sperm count
- low energy
- low libido
- osteoporosis
- hot flashes, in severe cases
- anemia
As men get older, testosterone levels tend to fall, which may lead to these symptoms.
How can exercise help build muscle mass?
What is a normal testosterone level in an adult male?
The American Urological Association considers a normal range to be 450—600 ng/dL. If levels fall below 300 ng/dl, a doctor may diagnose a deficiency and prescribe testosterone replacement therapy.
Levels vary by age groups and can fluctuate throughout the day.
The most accurate readings will be in the early morning.
Is there such a thing as the male menopause?
High testosterone in males can cause a variety of symptoms, including excessive facial and body hair, aggression, and infertility.
In males, high testosterone is most frequently due to anabolic steroid use or testosterone supplementation.
People who show symptoms associated with high testosterone should see their doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Untreated high testosterone levels can raise the risk of infertility, cancer, and other problems.
High testosterone in men: Signs and symptoms
High testosterone levels can cause various symptoms including, body hair growth, mood disturbances, and acne. They can result from some medical conditions and the use of medications or anabolic steroids.
High testosterone levels can cause serious problems in males, such as an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
In males, testosterone functions include the regulation of libido, bone and muscle mass, and the production of sperm.
Females also have some testosterone, but less. In females, testosterone assists in the growth and maintenance of female reproductive tissue and bone mass.
Testosterone is essential for health, but too much may increase the risk of health problems, such as an enlarged prostate gland.
In this article, we discuss the signs of high testosterone, also called hyperandrogenism, in males.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Was this helpful?
Testosterone is a hormone. It is produced in the testes in people assigned male sex at birth and in the ovaries in people assigned female sex at birth. Additionally, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor to testosterone is produced in the adrenal glands.
People can also take testosterone synthetically as medication. The effects of high testosterone levels will usually only be apparent with synthetic sources.
A 2017 study involving more than 9,000 men living in Europe and the United States found that the total testosterone range for males aged 19–39 years is 264–916 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). Levels above this are considered high.
The American Urological Association considers 450—600 ng/dl to be a normal range.
High levels of synthetic testosterone may lead to:
- hepatic adenoma, a tumor on the liver
- cholestatic jaundice
- BPH
The authors of a 2021 study noted that males with high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — a substance that works with testosterone — may have a higher chance of acne and hair loss. However, they did not link this effect directly to high testosterone levels.
Testosterone may also play a role in the development of prostate cancer. Experts note that testosterone does not cause prostate cancer, but it can help fuel it once it appears. Reducing testosterone levels may help lower the risk of it returning or progressing.
There may be a link with testosterone replacement therapy and the development of prostate cancer.
Men with very high testosterone levels may experience:
- acne
- aggressive or risk-taking behaviors
- excessive body hair
- headaches
- heart or liver problems
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- high sex drive (libido)
- increased appetite
- infertility
- insomnia
- low sperm count
- mood swings
- prostate enlargement, which may cause difficulty passing urine
- swelling of the legs and feet
- unexplained weight gain
High testosterone levels can be a sign of an underlying health condition that increases levels of circulating testosterone on the body.
Factors that can raise testosterone levels include:
- acromegaly or Cushing syndrome, which affect the pituitary gland
- benign or cancerous adrenal tumors
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- the use of certain medications, such as fluoxymesterone (Halotestin)
- using anabolic steroids
- testosterone supplementation
Athletes and bodybuilders sometimes use anabolic steroids to improve athletic performance and build muscle mass.
Testosterone replacement therapy can treat low testosterone levels.
What causes high testosterone in females, and what are the symptoms?
Doctors typically use the following procedures to diagnose high testosterone in males:
A physical examination
A doctor may check for signs and symptoms of high testosterone, including acne and increased muscle mass. They will also ask about a person’s libido and mood.
Blood tests
A doctor may order blood tests to check the person’s testosterone hormone levels. They may also check their glucose and cholesterol, as testosterone levels can affect them.
As testosterone secretion is typically highest in the early morning hours, the doctor will often draw blood for the tests in the morning.
The type of treatment for high testosterone will depend on the underlying cause of the imbalance.
Stopping steroid or medication use
Where high testosterone levels result from anabolic steroid use or testosterone supplementation, discontinuing these substances will usually resolve the issue.
In one study, 88.4% of the male participants taking testosterone supplements did not produce sperm. However, 6 months after stopping the use of the supplements, 65% of these individuals began to produce sperm again.
Treatment for tumors
In rare cases, a tumor can produce sex hormones, which can increase the levels of testosterone. If a tumor is contributing to high testosterone levels, the person may need surgery.
If the tumor is cancerous, the person may need other treatments, including:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiation therapy
Medication
Medications can help lower high testosterone levels for people with underlying conditions.
They include:
- steroid synthesis inhibitors, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), to treat Cushing disease
- alpha reductase inhibitors, for instance finasteride (Proscar), to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia
- gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs, such as degarelix (Firmagon) to reduce testosterone levels in people receiving treatment for prostate cancer
Anyone who experiences symptoms while using testosterone replacement therapy should speak with a doctor.
People who are using testosterone replacement therapy will usually have regular appointments, as the doctor will need to monitor their progress.
Individuals who believe they may have high testosterone levels should talk with a doctor. They may need treatment to address an underlying health issue or reduce the risk of complications such as liver problems and osteoporosis.
Here are some questions people often ask about high testosterone in males.
What happens when a man’s testosterone levels are too high?
High testosterone levels are known as hyperandrogenism. In adults, there are few noticeable signs. But, there may be a risk of complications such as a liver tumor, jaundice, and an enlarged prostate gland.
What happens when a man’s testosterone levels are too low?
Low testosterone levels are known as hypogonadism. An adult male with low testosterone levels may have:
- small testes
- enlarged breasts, known as gynecomastia
- difficulty gaining muscle mass
- low sperm count
- low energy
- low libido
- osteoporosis
- hot flashes, in severe cases
- anemia
As men get older, testosterone levels tend to fall, which may lead to these symptoms.
How can exercise help build muscle mass?
What is a normal testosterone level in an adult male?
The American Urological Association considers a normal range to be 450—600 ng/dL. If levels fall below 300 ng/dl, a doctor may diagnose a deficiency and prescribe testosterone replacement therapy.
Levels vary by age groups and can fluctuate throughout the day. The most accurate readings will be in the early morning.
Is there such a thing as the male menopause?
High testosterone in males can cause a variety of symptoms, including excessive facial and body hair, aggression, and infertility.
In males, high testosterone is most frequently due to anabolic steroid use or testosterone supplementation.
People who show symptoms associated with high testosterone should see their doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Untreated high testosterone levels can raise the risk of infertility, cancer, and other problems.
Body on edge: how to recognize a dangerously high level of testosterone in a man
- Health
We know that a decrease in testosterone levels can negatively affect men’s health, and not only intimate.
But then, if testosterone is in excess, is it good? Doctors say – excess testosterone is also bad.
July 30, 2022
- Source:
- iStockphoto
Testosterone is one of the main male sex hormones. It is he who helps a man to be courageous, build muscle mass, endurance and forms a male type of figure, stimulates hair growth on the face and body. When testosterone levels change, men notice not the most pleasant symptoms.
Most often, men worry about whether their level of this hormone is low, especially after reaching the age of 40-45. However, too high a level of this hormone is not good. Problems with the hormonal background are especially noticeable during puberty and adolescence. But even in mature men, excessive testosterone production can negatively affect general and sexual health.
Why it is important to keep testosterone under control and prevent its increase, “Doctor Peter” discussed with Stanislav Sosnovsky, PhD, urologist-andrologist, reproductive specialist.
What is it and why is it needed?
Testosterone belongs to the group of steroid hormones. In the male body, most of the hormone is produced by the testicles, and some by the adrenal glands. This compound has a high biological activity and helps to control numerous processes in the male body.
So, testosterone stimulates body growth in length during puberty, weight gain due to muscles, protein synthesis for its use in various metabolic processes. It is due to a sufficient amount of the hormone that a specific physique is formed according to the male type. This is due to the distribution of fat and muscle.
Testosterone stimulates the synthesis of red blood cells and hemoglobin, affects the nervous system and the genital area, forming libido and stimulating blood circulation to maintain a full erection.
Read also
Not too much and not too little
Testosterone is one of the main male hormones. Its excess, as well as its deficiency, significantly affects the quality of life of the patient.
That is why doctors categorically do not recommend the use of testosterone (or its synthetic analogues) to increase muscle mass.
But if the lack of testosterone is more often thought about, then men know very little about the effect of an excess level of this hormone on the body. Let’s clarify how to recognize an increase in testosterone in time, and what to do with it.
Symptoms of high testosterone
High testosterone affects the physical and mental state of a man. You may notice the following signs:
Aggressiveness . A man is pissed off by any little thing, and sometimes such impulsiveness leads to fights.
Male pattern baldness . If testosterone is too high, even a young guy can face hair loss on his head.
Excessive growth of body hair . An increase in “vegetation” on the chest, back, legs and other parts of the body becomes noticeable.
Precocious puberty . The teenager looks much older than his age.
Eruptions on the skin . Painful purulent acne appears.
An increase in testosterone levels is possible at any age, including even older men. But especially noticeable changes associated with an increase in testosterone levels become in children and adolescents. In adulthood, hormonal changes are more difficult to notice.
Read also
Why is the body overflowing with testosterone?
Most often, the mechanisms of testosterone regulation are affected, an increase in the level of the hormone is formed with serious lesions in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, pathologies in the adrenal cortex or retail processes in the testicles.
A sharp increase in testosterone levels in a man can be one of the signs of a tumor in the testicles, adrenal glands (often in combination with other types of hormones) or brain.
Consequences for the body: why is too much bad?
Increased testosterone is not an indicator of strength and masculinity at all! This is a serious problem that requires prompt treatment. An excess of the hormone makes the body work “for wear and tear”, which can soon affect your well-being and lead to insomnia, depression and exhaustion of the body. There are frequent cases of testicular atrophy that occurs when the body tries to lower testosterone levels on its own.
For quick and competent treatment of testosterone excess, the patient must undergo the most complete examination, which will accurately determine the cause of the disease. Then the man will need to undergo a course of treatment to correct the level of the hormone in the blood.
Text author: Alena Paretskaya
Testosterone in men – responsible for libido and erection
Testosterone in men is produced by the glands of the genital organs located in the testicles. Under its action, the development of the organs of the reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics is enhanced.
It stimulates sperm production and is also responsible for sex drive. The hormone helps build muscle and bone mass. Let’s talk about it!
The name of the main hormone in men comes from the words testicle and steroid. By its chemical nature, it belongs to steroids.
In higher vertebrates and humans, it is produced by the glands of the genital organs, more precisely, by the testes, as well as by the liver; a smaller amount is synthesized by the cells of the reticular layer of the adrenal glands.
Intermediate products of hormone biosynthesis are progesterone and cholesterol. The normal level of concentration in the blood of testosterone in men is 0.5-0.6 mcg / 100 ml. During the day, a mature male body produces approximately 15 mg.
5 misconceptions and myths
The “hormone of masculinity” is senselessly slandered. It is worth putting things in order in the existing myths about him.
Testosterone is prohibited
In fact, it is an absolutely legal drug for use, but it is sold by prescription.
Just like most antibiotics, contraceptives and other drugs that are present in every person’s first aid kit.
This is a synthetic drug, but more powerful. It is illegal to consume it without a prescription, as it is a potent substance that can cause unnecessary side effects such as female-type obesity in men, swollen nipples and puffiness. Athletes for taking such hormonal drugs are disqualified, eliminated from participating in competitions and games.
Testosterone is a steroid
Therefore, it is very harmful and dangerous. This myth is one of the most common and has no justification. In science, a steroid is an abbreviated name for a molecule that has four rings, which consist of carbon atoms. The same cholesterol and elements of any cell membrane have a similar structure.
In the “sports” world, steroids and anabolics were called the actual similarity of testosterone to increase muscle mass. Many studies and experiments have been carried out, which have proven that its use, even in large doses (up to 2 grams per week), is safe.
However, the use of any drug similar in properties must be controlled by a specialist according to the developed schemes.
All these precautions are justified by the fact that chemically created analogues of testosterone affect the human body many times stronger than the natural hormone and can disrupt functions, cause irreversible testicular atrophy, and, subsequently, make you take it for life.
Testosterone is responsible for aggression
There is an opinion that an increased level of the hormone causes aggression and animal-like behavior. At the moment, there is no evidence of a direct relationship between testosterone levels and aggression. Rage, anger and other negative emotions in an abnormal form are formed due to the disturbed balance of dopamine and serotonin in the central nervous system. And the hormone has nothing to do with it. But with the help of it, you can even cure depression and asthenia.
Testosterone and prostate cancer
All men with high testosterone levels get prostate cancer.
This statement is based on the result of … one patient. To date, according to studies, it has been proven that the threat of developing the disease is genetically based and does not depend in any way on the level of testosterone, but rather on the enzyme systems that exchange it. The clue is that in peripheral tissues, testosterone is converted into cancer-causing derivatives of the female sex hormones. Thanks to this knowledge, estrogens began to be used to treat prostate cancer. The principle of operation in this case is similar to estrogens.
Testosterone and baldness
At high levels, baldness occurs. Contrary to popular myth, the level of balding men is not at all higher than that of men with thick hair. Only men who are genetically predisposed to baldness lose hair, regardless of the amount of testosterone in their body.
Why is testosterone a male hormone?
Let’s try to give some arguments to answer this question.
First of all, it plays a major role in the development of the genital organs and the formation of secondary sexual characteristics in men (thickening of the vocal cords, hair growth on the face, body).
Secondly, it takes part in the formation and maintenance of normal sexual function, more specifically: sexual desire, erection, sexual behavior and sperm formation.
Thirdly, thanks to it, protein production is stimulated, which is so necessary for the normal development of muscles and bones.
In addition to all this, it has been proven that testosterone is actively involved in the work of the central nervous system, hematopoietic and urinary, cardiovascular systems. That is why he was called the king of all hormones. Unfortunately, with age, its level in the body decreases, starting around the age of 30-35. As a result, by the age of 50-55 (sometimes earlier), the amount in the male body is only half of what it was in youth. The decline is gradual, about 1-2 percent per year. The level in old and mature age directly depends on genetic factors.
Signs of low testosterone in men
Due to a decrease in the level of the hormone, various symptoms can occur, which can be divided into several groups.
1. Disorder of the functions of the genital organs:
- decrease in sexual desire;
- erection problems;
- lack of orgasm or decrease in its intensity;
- infertility
2. Disorders associated with abnormal vascular tone:
- severe hyperemia of the face, upper body and neck;
- flushes of heat;
- blood pressure instability;
- pain in the cardiac region;
- dizziness;
- feeling of lack of oxygen.
3. Psychoemotional disorders:
- increased irritability;
- insomnia;
- fatigue;
- impaired memory and attention;
- decline in working capacity, creative productivity;
- depression;
- deterioration of health;
4. Changes in the structure of the body:
- loss of muscle mass, loss of muscle strength;
- decreased bone mineral density;
- obesity in the waist and hips;
- breast swelling;
- dryness and thinning of the skin;
- reduced facial hair growth.
