Testosterone is an important hormone found in both men and women, though it’s much more prevalent in men. For men, testosterone is mainly produced in the testes, while women make smaller amounts in their ovaries.

This hormone plays a key role in building muscle, strengthening bones, regulating sex drive, and developing typical male traits like facial hair and a deeper voice. But what happens when testosterone levels are too high? Here are some signs to watch for.

Signs of High Testosterone in Men

While testosterone is crucial for health, having levels that are too high can lead to some noticeable changes.

Here are a few signs that your testosterone may be elevated:

Acne

Acne is a common problem, but for men, it can also be a sign of high testosterone, especially when there’s no obvious cause like poor diet or sweating during workouts. High testosterone can also lead to oily skin due to increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a stronger form of testosterone.

Hair Loss

High testosterone can lead to early hair loss, commonly seen as male pattern baldness. However, you might also experience increased hair growth on areas like the chest, back, or face due to the higher levels of testosterone in your system.

Changes in Blood Pressure

When testosterone levels are higher than usual, it can cause changes in blood pressure, resulting in either high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension). This can cause symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Fainting

Mood Swings

An increase in testosterone can lead to mood swings, which might include feelings of:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression

If you notice these mood changes without an obvious reason, it may be time to check your testosterone levels.

Other Symptoms 

In addition to the previously mentioned symptoms, high testosterone levels can be associated with several other signs, such as:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Slurred or difficult speech
• Polycythemia vera (an excess number of red blood cells)
• Low levels of good cholesterol (HDL)
• Heart attack
• Swelling in the hands or feet
• Stroke
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate
• Sleep apnea or other sleep disorders that interfere with breathing during sleep
• Deep vein thrombosis (formation of blood clots in the veins)
• Pulmonary embolism (blockage of lung arteries caused by a blood clot)

Causes of High Testosterone Levels

High testosterone levels may indicate underlying health problems. Several factors that can increase testosterone levels include:

• Acromegaly or Cushing's syndrome, which affect the pituitary gland
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Testicular tumors
• Use of certain medications, such as fluoxymesterone (Halotestin)
• Use of anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass
• Taking testosterone supplements

How to Treat High Testosterone Levels

Treatment for high testosterone depends on the cause. Some common treatment options include:

Stop using steroid 

If high testosterone is caused by the use of anabolic steroids or supplements, discontinuing them can help restore normal testosterone levels.

Treat your tumors

In rare cases, tumors can elevate testosterone levels. If a tumor is present, removing it may restore testosterone balance. For malignant tumors, treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation may be necessary.

Medications

Several medications can help control high testosterone levels, including:

• Steroid synthesis inhibitors
• Alpha reductase inhibitors
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues

If you're experiencing symptoms related to high testosterone, it's crucial to consult a doctor. You can also take advantage of health consultations through the Ai Care application, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

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