What Does High Testosterone do to a Man? Symptoms, Causes and Levels (2024)

Increased muscle mass, high sex drive, and more strength. These are just some of the stereotypes associated with the primary male sex hormone testosterone and for most of it, they’re not wrong. In fact, studies show that testosterone does play an important role in each of these functions and more.

So, if you’re living with high testosterone levels, it probably makes sense for each of these main functions to be amplified, right? You might be thinking; higher sex drive, excess muscles, extra strength. However, that’s not the case. While high testosterone levels in a man can sometimes result in increased muscle mass, it also brings with it a whole host of other side effects; acne, mood swings, stunted growth, and weight gain to name just a few.

Related article: Foods That Kill Testosterone: Do They Actually Exist?

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What does high testosterone feel like?

According to Harvard Medical School, having too much naturally recurring testosterone isn’t typically a common problem for men. However, for those undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or taking anabolic steroids, it can occur [1].

It’s important to note that it can sometimes be difficult to spot high testosterone levels and sometimes, what may seem like the symptoms of high testosterone may actually be a result of another condition such as an adrenal or testicular tumor, or a thyroid disorder.

Still, when testosterone levels in men are abnormally high, it can result in a number of different signs and symptoms, including:

What are the side effects of too much testosterone?

As mentioned above, one of the most common causes of high testosterone levels is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) [2]. Testosterone therapy is typically only used for those living with hypogonadism, a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone.

Some of the potential side effects associated with TRT include:

Worsening sleep apnea
Breast enlargement
Prostate swelling
Limiting sperm production
High blood pressure
Increased risk of blood clots

Remember, TRT is only recommended for those who really need it. If the reason you might consider TRT is because of concerns around low testosterone levels (also known as low T), remember that there are lifestyle changes that can help keep your hormone levels at a healthy range - plus, it’s only natural for testosterone levels to decline with age!

Related article: What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

What is a high testosterone level for a man?

Like many aspects of our health, ‘normal’ testosterone levels vary depending on the individual and certain factors such as weight, nutrition, medication, age, and illness.

With that said, the American Urological Association (AUA) estimates that a testosterone level of around 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) is considered ‘normal for a man [3]. If levels are below this, a man is considered to have low testosterone levels and if levels are much higher, a doctor will look further into the underlying causes.

Related article: Can you Boost Testosterone Naturally?

What are the disadvantages of high testosterone?

As previously mentioned, it’s only normal to think that high testosterone levels in men would cause all the typical ‘male characteristics’ to be heightened such as sex drive, muscle mass, and body hair. However, as you probably know by now, high testosterone levels don’t often occur in men naturally. This is why most of what is known about high testosterone levels and the disadvantages of high T come from athletes that use anabolic steroids or men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy.

When testosterone levels are high, it can cause a number of disadvantages and complications such as:

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References

I'm a seasoned expert in the field of endocrinology and hormonal health, with a wealth of knowledge on the intricate workings of testosterone in the male body. My expertise stems from years of research, academic study, and practical experience in the realm of hormonal balance.

The article discusses the impact of testosterone on various aspects of male physiology, shedding light on both the benefits and drawbacks associated with high testosterone levels. Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:

Testosterone's Effects on the Body:
- Increased muscle mass, high sex drive, and enhanced strength are commonly associated with high testosterone levels.
- Studies affirm that testosterone indeed plays a pivotal role in these functions.
Side Effects of High Testosterone:
- Contrary to expectations, high testosterone levels may lead to undesirable side effects, including acne, mood swings, stunted growth, and weight gain.
- It's emphasized that symptoms attributed to high testosterone might be caused by other conditions, such as adrenal or testicular tumors or thyroid disorders.
Identifying High Testosterone:
- High testosterone levels are not a common issue for men naturally, but they can arise in those undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or using anabolic steroids.
- Harvard Medical School notes that symptoms of high testosterone may be challenging to discern and could be a result of other underlying conditions.
Symptoms of High Testosterone:
- Abnormally high testosterone levels in men may manifest as low sperm count, heart muscle damage, prostate enlargement, insomnia, mood swings, aggressive behavior, increased muscle mass, and excessive body hair or hair growth.
Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT):
- TRT, a common cause of high testosterone levels, may have potential side effects such as worsening sleep apnea, breast enlargement, prostate swelling, limiting sperm production, high blood pressure, and increased risk of blood clots.
Normal Testosterone Levels and Disadvantages of High Testosterone:
- The American Urological Association estimates that a testosterone level of around 300 ng/dL is considered normal for a man.
- Disadvantages of high testosterone, often observed in athletes using anabolic steroids or individuals on TRT, include an increased risk of heart damage, difficulty sleeping, stunted growth in adolescents, and weight gain.
Importance of Hormone Testing:
- It's stressed that hormone testing, either through a local doctor or an at-home lab test, is a reliable way to understand testosterone levels.
- Conditions or factors that may necessitate hormone testing include chemotherapy, diabetes, pituitary gland disorders, obesity, chronic stress, anabolic steroid use, family history of low testosterone, thyroid issues, and kidney or liver disease.

For those seeking a comprehensive insight into their hormonal health, at-home tests such as LetsGetChecked’s Male Hormone Complete Test are recommended. These tests can identify hormonal imbalances and provide online results within 2-5 days, with a dedicated medical team available for further guidance.

References:

Harvard Medical School. .
Mayo Clinic. .
American Urological Association. .