Elevated testosterone levels can cause a serious health condition called Hyperandrogenism. You can find in this article the main causes that provoke high levels of testosterone in men (including Hyperandrogenism, tumors, medicines, lifestyle, genetics, and others.
Normal Testosterone Levels in Males
Testosterone is the main hormone in males that affects sexual function and ability, bone density, muscular mass, and overall health. Commonly, the normal levels range between 300 and 1000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) in males. Many factors may cause testosterone levels to fluctuate such as aging. Generally, testosterone levels fall after reaching a high in early adulthood or late adolescence. To ensure great physical and mental well-being, this hormone should be kept in the range listed above. Check regularly your testosterone levels because it will help you to prevent health problems provoked by abnormal levels.
Main Causes of High Testosterone Levels in Men
Usually, many factors can increase your testosterone levels, which are often interconnected and may be difficult to pinpoint. However, Primary Hyperandrogenism is often caused by testicular tumors. Secondary Hyperandrogenism may be provoked by disruptions in the hormonal regulatory system.
In addition, a man’s testosterone may be affected by medications, lifestyle habits (including smoking, alcoholic drinks, junk food, and others), reduced physical activity, stress, genes, and others.
In any case, there are two forms of Hyperandrogenism: primary and secondary. If your testicles produce an increased amount of testosterone, it usually causes Primary Hyperandrogenism. A disruption in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis, which leads to high Luteinizing Hormone (LH) levels, may provoke Secondary Hyperandrogenism.
Testicular Tumors
Leydig cell tumors are a type of Testicular cancer, which may also produce excessive testosterone. Therefore, you should consult a doctor at once because you may experience Hyperandrogenism symptoms.
Steroids and Drugs
If you are using Anabolic steroids or Corticosteroid medicines may provoke endocrine upset as well as increase your testosterone levels. Discuss with your healthcare provider before using these medicines.
Lifestyle Factors
There are some lifestyle factors that may affect testosterone levels. Usually, you can experience hormonal imbalances due to poor diet, inactivity, and ongoing stress. To maintain healthy testosterone levels it is recommended to quit smoking, avoid alcoholic beverages, exercise regularly, manage stress, and have a well-balanced diet.
Genetic Conditions
A genetic condition (congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia) may increase your risk of Hyperandrogenism. In such cases, hormonal imbalance causes increased synthesis of testosterone.
Symptoms of High Testosterone
While you experience high levels of testosterone, you may notice many symptoms. For example:
- Male pattern baldness
- Increased body hair (Hirsutism)
- Acne
- Mood swings
- Increased hostility
- Decreased or increased libido and others.
Acne: Excess sebum production may occur usually due to elevated testosterone, which may lead to acne outbreaks.
Hirsutism: You experience increased body hair where normally is not hair or is minimal.
Male Pattern Baldness: Receding hairlines and early hair loss in males also is linked with high testosterone levels.
Mood Swings: Irritation, confusion, and aggression also may occur if you experience increased levels of testosterone.
Increased Libido: An increased sex drive also may occur due to elevated testosterone.
Sleep Problems (Insomnia): Increased levels of testosterone may interact with sleep cycles and make it difficult to fall asleep.
Fertility Problems: Elevated testosterone may harm fertility by altering sperm quality and production.
Muscle Mass Increase: Muscular mass gain and strength also may be related to high testosterone.
Voice Change: In some cases, you may notice that your voice may become deeper, which may also associated with excessive testosterone.
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, tell your physician promptly. In addition, Hyperandrogenism is more common for women than men.
Treatment Methods
Check below some methods that may help naturally decrease your testosterone levels. For example:
- Medicines: Physicians may prescribe GnRH agonists or Anti-androgen drugs to lessen symptoms and reduce testosterone production. However, medicines are used when other methods and not enough. Use any drug under a physician’s supervision.
- Surgery: Surgery may be required in case you experience testicular tumors because they produce excessive testosterone.
- Lifestyle Changes: Try to exercise regularly, have a healthy diet, and decrease stress because it is believed to help you to get balanced hormonal levels.
- Weight Management: Losing weight if you are overweight is advised because it is linked to hormonal levels.
- Psychological Support: In some circumstances, counseling or therapy may help to address psychological and emotional effects due to elevated testosterone levels.
- Regular Monitoring: It is recommended to check regularly hormone levels because it will help to determine the medicine’s effectiveness.
- Hormonal Replacement Therapy: Physicians may prescribe this therapy if medications are not enough and in other medical situations.
To get a better effect in the treatment of high testosterone levels, may need a mix of prescription drugs, dietary modifications, and medical therapies. Additionally, to avoid side effects, it is advised to consult a doctor before self-diagnosis or self-treatment.
Tips
- If you are using any medication for elevated testosterone, keep it away from pets and children because it may be harmful to them.
- In addition, you should not use medication after its shelf life because it may provoke severe side effects.
