Signs of high testosterone in a man

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Testosterone (T) is considered a male sex hormone, even though both men’s and women’s bodies produce it. For men, it is necessary for healthy development during puberty, maintaining muscle mass, being active and physically strong, having high stamina and full sexual life, being fertile, etc.

We usually speak about TD (testosterone deficiency) and its consequences regarding a man’s health, including depression, issues with erections, hair and muscle loss, and so on. The truth is unbalanced hormone levels are always an undesirable thing.

How much testosterone is too much?

In the male body, testosterone production occurs in the testes and, in small amounts, in the adrenal glands. When a teenager hits puberty, their body starts producing higher levels of hormones, which results in growth and maturing processes. Later in life, though, the T level drops gradually; it requires a balanced diet and a specific lifestyle to maintain it at its best.

Also, the determination of normal testosterone levels in men is pretty tricky. Every organism is unique and functions well at its own pace. For a healthy person with an average BMI (body-mass index), the estimated normal T levels depending on age are:

  • after puberty but before 30s – 264 to 916 ng/dL
  • 40s – 252 to 916 ng/dL
  • 50s – 215 to 878 ng/dL
  • 60s – 156 to 819 ng/dL

The medicine specialists agree that having a total testosterone level of over 950 ng/dL and free testosterone over 30 ng/dLshould be considered high testosterone in men. To determine if you have a too high level of T, address your healthcare provider, who will carry out a physical exam and order a blood test to confirm or disprove the diagnosis.

Symptoms of high testosterone

We listed the signs of high testosterone you should be wary of. It’s worth noting that many of them aren’t related to your T levels and could be caused by something else. Another complication is that the same symptoms may develop both due to high and low T. Consult your family physician is necessary if your wellness starts to get worse.

  • Skin gets oily, and acne occurs more often.
  • Increased sex drive and erection.
  • Increased muscle mass.
  • Balding.
  • Increase of blood pressure, which manifests as skin redness, headaches, dizziness, etc.
  • Mood swings. This point does not necessarily mean stereotypical aggression, but higher irritability, trouble sleeping, and anxiety may take place.
  • If a person has sleep apnea, it may get worse.
  • More fast and excessive growth of the face and body hair.

The lab tests may also display such signs as increased red blood cell count and higher sperm count.
High T levels that go unchecked and untreated can lead to:

  • Limbs that are edematous (swollen);
  • Strokes;
  • Insomnia;
  • Liver and heart diseases;
  • Prostate cancer (some scientists claim that high T level increases the risk of prostate cancer by 18%, but further research is needed);
  • Chest pain;
  • Infertility;
  • High levels of “bad” cholesterol;
  • Pulmonary emboli (formation of a clot that blocks blood flow in a lung, extremely severe and dangerous condition);
  • Trobled breathing.

Possible causes of an increased testosterone level

Testosterone replacement therapy. If you take testosterone medication (patches, gels, oral drugs, injections, etc.), an incorrect dose and irresponsible use may lead to an overdose with intense side effects. Contact your family doctor about the issue and consult them about canceling the course, changing the dose, or changing the prescription drug.

The abuse of anabolic steroids. Athletes and sportspeople often use anabolics to gain impressive muscle mass in the shortest time possible. However, constant stimulation causes hormonal imbalances and may lead to erectile issues and infertility.

Genetically based predisposition to higher T production levels. It is a pretty rare condition.

Testicular or adrenal glands tumors. The tumor, an abnormal tissue growth, will cause abnormalities in organ functionality, leading to hormonal imbalance.

Treatment

The treatment for testosterone proficiency depends on its cause. In general, available methods can be divided into three categories:

  1. Elimination of the causation factor. It is applicable if your T level has increased due to the supplements you take. If you are using testosterone medications or anabolic steroids, consult your doctor regarding modifying the dosage, changing the prescription, or safely stopping use. It is also related to the cases when the T level growth is caused by a tumor—the anti-tumoral treatment will likely help to return your hormones to a balanced state.
  2. Natural testosterone inhibition. This means you will try to control your T level without synthetic medications. You can try switching to a healthier lifestyle, reducing stress, and revising your gym sessions and diet. There are also specific food products that are known to help reduce your T level, such as mint, licorice, soy, soy-based foods, vegetable oils, etc.
  3. Chemical testosterone inhibition and damage control. In this case, your urologist or family medicine specialist will give you a prescription for medication that antagonize testosterone in your body and will help you battle with negative outcomes of its growth. This includes androgen blockers, specific steroids, hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs, and others.

Conclusion

Checking your testosterone level is as simple as getting a blood test. Maintaining it at its optimum is crucial for having a happy, healthy, and wholesome life.

Testosterone spikes may be triggered by various reasons, from medications you get to an imperfect lifestyle and even underlying health conditions. They affect many spheres of your life, from mood and sexual activity to your look and health, and may have grave consequences when left disregarded.

Paying attention to your self-esteem and well-being and regular visits to your doctor’s office will help you avoid many serious health issues caused by hormonal imbalances.