What are the symptoms of a very high testosterone level?
Testosterone is the fundamental male sex hormone produced by testicles in the body. It is responsible for developing many secondary characteristics or traits in males, such as building muscle mass, the hair on the chest, a more resonant voice, and maintaining energy levels.
Testosterone is found in much higher levels in men, and it is also present in the female’s body but much lower concentrations produced by ovaries.
Therefore having an optimal testosterone level is necessary for overall health and growth, no matter your sex.
Abnormally high testosterone can cause some serious issues like health problems, fertility problems and may develop the risk of certain types of cancer.
Testosterone is also an essential hormone for women; it helps maintain bone health, produces new blood cells, and boosts libido and other reproductive hormones.
Women can also have low testosterone levels, but this typically happens after menopause and not usual during pregnancy.
The symptoms of a very high testosterone level in men
Men with very high testosterone level may experience symptoms like:
- Changes in blood pressure(BP)
- Both high and low blood pressure can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and headaches
- Acne
- Oily skin on the face
- Excessive body hair growth and early baldness
- Mood swings causing anxiety and irritability
- Heart or liver problems
- Lower than normal sperm count
- Depression
- Sleep apnea (making it hard to breathe while sleeping)
- Trouble in breathing and pain in the chest
- The decrease in testicles size and breast enlargement
- Hands or legs swelling.
Causes in males
It is not typical for high testosterone levels in males to occur naturally. Abnormally high testosterone levels in males may result from anabolic steroid use.
Some athletes and bodybuilders use these drugs to enhance athletically and build muscle mass. The use of testosterone supplements can also increase testosterone levels very high.
The other causes of high testosterone levels in males may include tumors in testicles or adrenal glands.
Symptoms of high testosterone in female
Women naturally produce lower testosterone (9–55 ng/dL), but high testosterone levels may indicate a possible fertility obstacle.
- Menstrual irregularity
- Increase in muscle mass throughout the body
- Abnormal acne and oily skin
- Excessive hair growth on areas like face, upper lip, chest, and back
- Having trouble in infertility
- Reduction in breast size
- Unexpected weight gain
- Deepening of voice
- Mood swings causing irritability and anxiety
- Depression
Causes in Females
Similarly to males, females may experience high testosterone levels as a result of anabolic steroid use.
However, drastically high testosterone in females typically results from a medical condition, such as:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
Did you know?
Hypergonadism is the result of having a testosterone level above 950 ng/dL. And the average or free testosterone level is above 30 ng/dL.
Treating High Testosterone Levels
Medications used to treat high testosterone include:
- Spironolactone
- Metformin
- Oral contraceptives
- Glucocorticosteroids
But there are several things that you can do to minimize your testosterone levels. Regular exercise and eating a nutrient-rich diet also helps in balancing testosterone.
Conclusion
High testosterone can be a sign of a severe health issue or problem for both men and women.
Maintaining proper amounts of testosterone in the body is essential to sustain overall health and well-being.
So if you notice any symptoms of high testosterone, it is better to consult your doctor.
