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?
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:
- Low sperm count
- Heart muscle damage
- Prostate enlargement
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Aggressive behavior
- Increased muscle mass
- Excessive body hair or hair growth
If you’re not feeling like yourself and you suspect that your hormones might be to blame, it’s important to know more. You can do this by reaching out to your doctor or by taking an at-home male hormone test to check in on your hormone health.
Related article: Is Testosterone a Steroid?
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:
- Increased risk of heart damage
- Difficulty sleeping
- Stunted growth in adolescents
- Weight gain
The most reliable way to know more about your levels of testosterone is through a test. This can be done with your local doctor or from home with an at-home lab test.
LetsGetChecked’s Male Hormone Complete Test offers a comprehensive insight into your hormone levels and hormonal health, the test can help identify any imbalances in your hormones that may be affecting your everyday life. Online results will be available within 2-5 days on your personalized dashboard and our dedicated medical team will be available to answer any questions you may have about your results or the next steps you should take.
You should take a test if:
- You are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- You suffer from Klinefelter syndrome
- You suffer from type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- You suffer from hemochromatosis
- You have a pituitary gland disorder
- You are obese
- You suffer from chronic stress
- You take anabolic steroids
- You have a family history of low testosterone
- You suffer from thyroid issues
- You have kidney or liver disease
- You have anorexia nervosa
Related Article: How do You Check Testosterone Levels From Home?
References
- Harvard Medical School. Testosterone - What it Does and Doesn’t Do. Online: Health.harvard.edu
- Mayo Clinic. Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Benefits and Risks as You Age. Online: Mayoclinic.org
- American Urological Association. Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency (2018). Online: Auanet.org
