Signs of High Testosterone in Men: What You Need to Know

Have you noticed sudden changes like increased acne, mood swings, or a stronger sex drive than usual? If so, you might have higher testosterone levels. While testosterone is important for men’s health, having too much of it can negatively affect your overall well-being. By recognising these changes, you’re taking an important step towards protecting your health.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that regulates traits such as facial hair growth, muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, and sex drive. While it’s mainly produced in the testicles, women also produce small amounts in their ovaries and adrenal glands.

Functions in the body

Testosterone plays several crucial roles in male health:

• Develop and maintain male characteristics:

  • It drives the development of male reproductive tissues and promotes secondary sex characteristics like a deeper voice, facial and body hair, and muscle growth.

• Support bone density and muscle mass:

  • It helps maintain strong bones and muscle mass.

• Enables reproduction:

  • It's essential for sperm production and maintaining sex drive.

• Regulates energy and mood:

  • It influences your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being.

Signs of high testosterone in men

Normally, your brain and testicles work together to keep testosterone levels steady. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland in your brain send signals to the testicles to make more or less testosterone when needed, helping to keep your hormones within a healthy range.

However, factors like using anabolic steroids or tumour growth near hormonal glands, such as the testicles, can cause this hormone to be off balance. Here are the most common signs to watch for: 

Acne

High testosterone levels increase sebum production – the oily substance that lubricates your skin and hair. This excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause inflammation, leading to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.

High blood pressure

Elevated testosterone can raise your blood pressure through several mechanisms:

• It increases red blood cell production (polycythaemia), which thickens the blood and makes it harder for the heart to pump efficiently.

• It stimulates the renin-angiotensin system, a hormone pathway that helps regulate blood pressure by controlling salt and water balance, leading to greater fluid retention.

• It promotes blood vessel constriction, increasing vascular resistance and placing additional strain on the cardiovascular system.

Increased sex drive

Testosterone significantly influences your libido by affecting brain regions associated with sexual stimuli and reward pathways. Elevated levels may cause you to experience a stronger or more frequent interest in sexual activity.

Excessive body hair

High levels of testosterone can cause fine, light hairs to become thicker and darker, particularly on the face, chest, and back. This condition happens when testosterone binds to the hair follicles, which triggers this body hair growth.

Mood changes

Testosterone influences neurotransmitters (chemical messengers that carry signals between brain cells) like dopamine (a hormone that helps control pleasure, motivation, and focus) and serotonin (a hormone that helps regulate mood, happiness, and sleep). 

Fluctuations in testosterone levels can lead to irritability, anxiety, or depressive symptoms. It also affects how your brain responds to stress, which can further impact your emotional state.

Increased muscle mass

Elevated testosterone accelerates muscle growth by enhancing protein synthesis – the process by which muscle fibres repair after exercise. Higher testosterone levels lead to more rapid recovery and greater muscle development, even with the same amount of training.

Insomnia

High testosterone can disrupt your sleep by increasing energy levels and causing restlessness, making it difficult to wind down at night. This creates a problematic cycle, as poor sleep lowers testosterone levels, which then further disrupts sleep quality, particularly during REM sleep when testosterone production naturally occurs.

Infertility

When testosterone levels get too high, your body senses that there's already enough and slows down its hormone production. This suppresses the release of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are essential for the creation of sperm. As a result, sperm counts can drop sharply or even disappear (azoospermia), leading to infertility.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they're affecting your well-being, it's recommended to consult a specialist. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical, where our specialists can evaluate your hormone levels and recommend appropriate treatment.

How do testosterone tests work?

Testosterone tests measure the amount of testosterone in your blood through a simple blood draw, typically done in the morning when levels are highest. The doctor will collect blood from a vein in your arm and send it to a lab for analysis, measuring both total testosterone (all testosterone in your blood) and free testosterone (the active, unbound form) to provide a complete picture of your hormone levels.

Different types of testosterone tests

Understanding your testing options can help you choose the most appropriate approach for your situation. Here are the most common options:

• At-home testosterone kits:

  • At-home tests allow you to collect a blood or saliva sample and send it to a lab for analysis. 

  • They’re convenient for getting a baseline reading but can be less accurate than clinical tests due to user error or sample handling issues. 

  • In-person doctor visits are recommended to confirm results and discuss treatment options.

• Clinical testing:

  • This method involves a professional blood draw to measure testosterone levels, often along with other hormones like LH, FSH, and SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin). 

  • The test should ideally be done in the morning between 7 and 10 AM when testosterone levels peak. 

  • Your doctor will also conduct a physical exam and review your symptoms and medical history for a more complete assessment.

If you're concerned about your testosterone levels or experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our specialists can arrange the appropriate tests and provide tailored guidance on your results.

What do high testosterone test results mean?

A testosterone test measures how much of this hormone is in your blood. In men, normal levels are usually 300-1,000 ng/dL, though the amount can vary by age and where the test is conducted.

High testosterone levels may indicate several conditions or factors. The most common cause is anabolic steroid use (synthetic testosterone used to build muscle). Other possible causes include:

• Adrenal or testicular tumours (rare growths that increase hormone production)

• Pituitary gland disorders (issues with the gland that regulates hormones)

• Genetic conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH),an inherited disorder that affects hormone production

• Testosterone supplements or accidental absorption of testosterone gel

If your testosterone is high, your doctor may recommend further tests to find the cause and suggest the right treatment.

FAQ

What are some diseases and conditions that affect testosterone?

Is high testosterone beneficial for a man?

No, having too much testosterone is not beneficial for men. While testosterone is essential for male health, excessively high levels can cause serious problems, including heart issues, mood swings, acne, and an enlarged prostate. It can also stop your body from producing hormones naturally and may lead to permanent infertility.

What causes too much testosterone in a man?

Should I be worried if I have an abnormal testosterone test result?

You should discuss an abnormal testosterone test result with your doctor to understand what it means for your health. A single abnormal result doesn't necessarily indicate a medical condition, as factors like medications, age, health conditions, and lab variations can affect the outcome. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other test results to determine if further investigation or treatment is needed.

What are the risks of a testosterone blood test?

The risks of a testosterone blood test are minimal, usually involving slight pain or bruising at the needle site. This usually resolves quickly, and the main considerations come from potential follow-up treatment decisions rather than the test itself.

How often should testosterone levels be checked?

Can lifestyle factors affect testosterone levels?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical today.