Elevated Testosterone in Men: Causes and Symptoms

Testosterone is a crucial hormone that determines not only the normal development and function of the male sexual system but also the overall physical and psychological well-being of men. The norm of testosterone is 10-34 nmol/L or 330-950 ng/dL.

What Does a Slight Hormone Excess in the Body Mean?

With a slight excess of the norm, especially if it is associated with physiological reasons or has a short-term nature (rapid puberty, vigorous exercise), there may be no violations, or changes in the body are so minor that they are not subjectively felt.

Causes of Elevated Testosterone

The most common causes of increased testosterone are:

• The use of anabolic steroids. Men use these drugs to increase muscle mass and strength in professional and amateur sports.

• Tumors of the testicles, adrenal glands, or pituitary glands.

• Pathology of endocrine glands (hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex, etc.).

• Unbalanced physical activity.

• Obesity.

Symptoms of Elevated Testosterone

Symptoms can vary greatly and depend on individual characteristics, the degree of increase in hormone levels, and the duration.

Signs by which one can determine the presence of a high level of testosterone:

• Excessive hair growth on the body and loss on the head, so-called androgenetic alopecia. There is a predominant loss of hair on the top of the head, as well as the transformation of hair into downy hair.

• An increase in the intensity of sweat and sebaceous glands. Under the influence of androgens, the volume of sebum increases. The concentration of alpha-linolenic acid decreases, forming open and closed comedones and creating favorable conditions for the reproduction of bacteria. This primarily causes acne on the face, back, and seborrhea. Increased sweating can lead to inflammation of the skin and sweat glands in the armpits, and groin area, the cause of an unpleasant odor.

• Increased aggression, the tendency to take risks, weakening of the instinct of self-preservation, and even the appearance of suicidal thoughts and behavior.

• Psychological disorders: irritability, intemperance, anxiety, panic attacks. Many note memory impairment, difficulty concentrating, and rapid exhaustion of cognitive functions.

• Sleep disorders. There are often nocturnal awakenings with subsequent difficulty falling asleep and no sense of rest after sleep.

• Hypersexuality. This is a pathologically increased libido and associated sexual activity. It is difficult to control consciously.

• Hyperplasia of the prostate gland. It can be manifested by frequent, difficult urination and nycturia.

Depending on the range of problems that have come to the fore, excess testosterone can be identified by a urologist, endocrinologist, or psychiatrist (psychotherapist).