Signs and Symptoms of High Testosterone Levels in Men and Women

Signs of High Testosterone Levels in Men and Women

Testosterone is an important hormone that plays a key role in physical and sexual development in both men and women. While testosterone is often associated with masculinity, it is present in both sexes. However, high testosterone levels can cause noticeable symptoms in men and women.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a sex hormone produced by the testes in men and the ovaries in women. It is responsible for the development of male sex characteristics and traits linked to masculinity. Testosterone helps build muscle mass, increase bone density, regulate sperm production, and influence libido and erectile function.

Normal Testosterone Levels

Normal testosterone levels vary greatly depending on age and biological sex. In adult males, normal total testosterone levels range from 240 to 950 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood then gradually decline with age.

In women, normal testosterone levels are much lower, ranging from 15 to 70 ng/dL. Levels peak in the mid-20s then steadily decrease until menopause when ovarian production stops.

High Testosterone in Men

Excess testosterone can occur in men from conditions like testicular tumors or adrenal gland disorders. Anabolic steroid abuse can also spike testosterone to supraphysiological levels. High testosterone can cause the following symptoms in men:

Increased Muscle Mass and Strength

One of testosterones main jobs is to build muscle mass. Abnormally high levels lead to an extreme increase in muscle growth and strength, especially in the upper body.

Hair Loss

High testosterone accelerates male pattern baldness in men predisposed to hair loss. It causes thinning and receded hairline by overstimulating hair follicles.

Skin Changes

Too much testosterone can trigger adolescent-like skin issues like severe acne, oily skin, and skin tags from overactive oil glands.

Mood Changes

Unbalanced testosterone can negatively impact mental health and mood. Symptoms may include increased aggression, impulsiveness, and irritability.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is linked to high testosterone. Excess hormone levels increase soft tissue growth in the throat that can block airways during sleep.

Gynecomastia

Build up of breast gland tissue is a common side effect of elevated testosterone in men. Testosterone is converted to estrogen which stimulates breast tissue growth.

High Red Blood Cell Count

Excess testosterone signals the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. This thickens the blood and increases risk of clots.

Prostate Enlargement

The prostate gland grows in response to increased testosterone. This causes urinary issues like frequent urination, weak stream, and straining.

Testicular Atrophy

Abnormally high testosterone from steroids tricks the brain into thinking normal levels are too low. This suppresses natural production and may shrink testicles.

High Testosterone Symptoms in Women

While less common than in men, women can also experience high testosterone. Potential causes include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal tumors, and steroid use. Symptoms of elevated testosterone in women include:

Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Excess testosterone disrupts the menstrual cycle and can cause infrequent, absent, or heavy periods.

Infertility

By suppressing normal ovulation, high testosterone makes conception difficult for women with excess levels.

Increased Facial and Body Hair

More than normal testosterone can trigger excess facial and body hair growth known as hirsutism in women.

Male Pattern Baldness

Similar to men, increased testosterone may accelerate female pattern hair loss in predisposed women.

Acne

Overactive sebaceous glands caused by high testosterone lead to acne breakouts, especially along the jawline and chin.

Skin Changes

Women with elevated testosterone may experience oily skin, skin tags, and excessive sweating from overactive sweat glands.

Deepened Voice

Enlargement of the larynx and vocal cords causes voice deepening in women with excess testosterone levels.

Decreased Breast Size

High testosterone reduces breast size by inhibiting breast tissue growth. Noticeable breast shrinkage may occur.

Increased Muscle Mass

Building more muscle mass and strength, especially in the upper body, is a masculine trait influenced by heightened testosterone.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a doctor if you experience any of the following more serious signs of possible high testosterone:

• Infertility or erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue, weakness, and muscle loss
• Rapid weight gain, especially around the waist
• Development of breast tissue as a man
• New, excessive acne as an adult woman
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods

A simple blood test can check total and free testosterone levels. Your doctor can help determine if excess testosterone is from a medical condition and recommend appropriate treatment if needed.

Lowering High Testosterone

Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may involve:

• Medications like GnRH analogs, aromatase inhibitors, or anti-androgens
• Surgery to remove tumors on ovaries, testes, or adrenal glands
• Stopping anabolic steroid abuse
• Lifestyle changes like weight loss, stress reduction, and exercise

Normalizing excess testosterone can help resolve troublesome symptoms affecting physical appearance, sexual function, menstruation, and mental health.

The Bottom Line

Testosterone is vital for male physical development and function. However, abnormally high levels can disrupt hormonal balance and cause unwanted symptoms. Pay attention to signs like acne, hair loss, deepened voice, menstrual irregularities, muscle growth, and anger. Seek medical advice for evaluation and treatment if excess testosterone is impacting your health and wellbeing.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.