Signs of High Testosterone: Recognizing the Symptoms in Men and Women

Testosterone, a vital hormone in both men and women, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. 

It influences everything from muscle development to mood regulation. 

However, like any hormone, too much of it can lead to imbalances with undesirable effects. 

In this article, we’ll explore the signs of high Testosterone in both men and women. 

Also, we will shed some light on what happens when this hormone is elevated beyond normal levels.

Symptoms of High Testosterone

High Testosterone is also known as Hyperandrogenism. 

High Testosterone levels can result in various symptoms, including increased body hair, mood disorders, and acne. 

Males with elevated Testosterone levels can develop significant health issues like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate.

Women with high Testosterone levels may experience various physical and emotional changes.

Below, we have discussed signs of high Testosterone in men and women.

Signs of High Testosterone in Men

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Men may experience symptoms like balding, acne, etc., due to increased Testosterone levels

Increased Testosterone is also linked with an increased sex drive and desire for sexual activity.

Consult a doctor if you experience any such symptoms.

Aggressive Behavior: Elevated Testosterone levels can lead to an increase in aggressive behavior in men. They might find themselves more irritable and prone to verbal and physical conflicts.

Acne and Oily Skin: High Testosterone can increase sebum production. This leads to oily skin and an increased risk of developing acne.

Balding: Interestingly, high levels of Testosterone are linked to male pattern baldness. This is due to the conversion of Testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks hair follicles.

Increased Muscle Mass: One of the more desired effects, elevated Testosterone levels can lead to rapid muscle growth and enhanced physical performance

Change in Voice: During puberty, Testosterone contributes to the deepening of the voice. Excessive Testosterone in adult men may not cause further deepening, but it can maintain a deep voice.

Mood Swings: Testosterone imbalances can cause mood swings, irritability, and even anxiety in men.

Signs of High Testosterone in Women

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High Testosterone symptoms in women include abnormal facial hair, deepened voices, or excess body hair.

If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect high Testosterone levels, it is important to consult your doctor.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Elevated Testosterone levels in women can disrupt menstrual cycles, leading to irregular periods or even missed periods.

Hirsutism: High Testosterone can lead to the development of dark, coarse hair in areas where women typically don’t have much hair, such as the face, chest, and back.

Deepened Voice: While women naturally have higher-pitched voices, excess Testosterone can lead to a deepening of the voice.

Clitoral Enlargement: The clitoris can enlarge due to increased Testosterone levels, leading to discomfort and changes in sexual sensitivity.

Reduced Breast Size: High Testosterone levels can reduce breast size as it affects the body’s balance between Testosterone and Estrogen.

To learn more about signs of high Testosterone in women, read What are the Signs of High Testosterone in Women

What Happens if Your Testosterone is Too High

Some common health issues that men and women may experience include, heart problems, infertility, mood disorders, etc.

Below, we have discussed some health issues that may arise when Testosterone levels are too high:

Cardiovascular Issues: Elevated Testosterone levels are associated with an increased risk of heart problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

Infertility: In men, excessively high Testosterone can lead to decreased sperm production, resulting in fertility issues.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): High Testosterone is a common factor in developing PCOS in women. This can lead to a lot of reproductive and metabolic issues.

Mood Disorders: Beyond mood swings, high Testosterone levels can contribute to developing mood disorders like Depression and Anxiety.

Liver Problems: Elevated Testosterone levels can strain the liver, potentially leading to problems with liver function.

Sleep Apnea: High Testosterone can contribute to sleep apnea

Aggressive Behavior: Both men and women with excessively high Testosterone levels might experience heightened aggression and irritability.

How to treat High Testosterone

Usually, lifestyle changes, hormonal therapy, or medications can help treat high Testosterone in men and women.

If you suspect you might have high Testosterone levels, it’s important to consult a medical professional for proper evaluation and guidance. 

They can recommend appropriate tests and develop a tailored treatment plan if necessary.

To learn more about high Testosterone levels in women, read Discover How to Treat High Testosterone in a Woman.

Conclusion

Testosterone is a vital hormone for both men and women.

However, high Testosterone levels can negatively affect physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

Some common signs of high Testosterone in men include, acne, increased libido, balding, etc.

Women with high Testosterone levels may show symptoms like Hirsutism, a deep voice, etc.

Recognizing the signs of high Testosterone is crucial to addressing potential imbalances and maintaining optimal health. 

Talking to a doctor is the first step towards finding a suitable solution and restoring hormonal balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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• healthline.com
• mayoclinic.org