Signs and Symptoms of High Testosterone in Men

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 1 year ago · 7 min read

You hear a lot about low testosterone and how it can affect all aspects of a man’s life. But did you also know that high testosterone can throw off a man’s body, too? 

While low testosterone can lead to problems, such as a low libido, high testosterone can lead to problems as well. High levels of testosterone can lead to a number of problems that affect many aspects of a man’s life, including his physical well-being. 

According to experts, high testosterone can lead to an enlarged prostate, which is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Having enlarged prostates can lead to urinary problems. BPH becomes more common as men get older, and the prostate itself tends to get larger with age.

The signs of high testosterone are not necessarily noticeable at first. High testosterone comes with many signs and symptoms. However, these signs are often so faint that many men don’t even realize they have high testosterone. 

It’s important to understand the role that testosterone plays in a man’s body. Testosterone is responsible for a number of things, including endurance, sex drive, and physical appearance. Sperm production and muscle mass are also controlled by testosterone. While women have low traces of testosterone, testosterone levels in their bodies are very low. 

Testosterone is the male hormone. High testosterone can raise a man’s risk of developing certain health problems. High levels of the hormone can cause men to develop a number of symptoms. These include excess body hair, acne, and risk-taking or aggressive behaviors. There is also a potential to develop heart or liver problems, a high sex drive, and headaches. 

There are many other symptoms of high testosterone in men.

Increased appetite

Men with high testosterone may develop an increased appetite that can lead to weight gain. High testosterone can also lead to a decreased sperm count, erectile dysfunction, and a shrinking of the testicles. 

According to one study, testosterone boosts strength and muscle mass, while regulating biological processes. When this gets thrown out of balance by high testosterone, men often find that their bodies retain fluid, particularly in the legs and feet. Men with high testosterone may develop high cholesterol and high blood pressure. 

When a man’s blood pressure increases, so do his chances of developing a heart attack, stroke, or dying. Men who develop high blood pressure as a result of high testosterone may need to get on blood pressure medication.  

High testosterone also has the potential to cause other problems, such as insomnia and an increased risk of blood clots. High testosterone has been associated with hormone replacement therapy. Men who take steroids sometimes have trouble sleeping. Steroid use has been linked to trouble sleeping and reduced sleep quality, experts say. Men with high testosterone may also find that they have increased muscle mass, mood swings, and sometimes “impaired judgment.” 

There are also other signs of high testosterone that you don’t often hear about. High testosterone can lead to irritability, worsened sleep apnea, and oily skin.  What causes high testosterone? According to experts, high testosterone can be the result of adrenal or testicular tumors. Even if these tumors aren’t cancerous, they can still cause testosterone to be abnormally high. 

High levels of testosterone can lead to infertility. Some men are genetically predisposed to high testosterone. It is important for men with high testosterone to get tested and get educated on the risks associated with high testosterone. Testosterone is produced in the testes and minimally in the adrenal glands. 

Your risk of developing a number of conditions is increased if you have high testosterone. Studies have found that high testosterone is linked to a number of mood disorders. These mood disorders in themselves can cause men to take risks that may end with poor outcomes. 

 High testosterone doesn’t normally develop on its own. According to experts, high testosterone may be due to a number of factors, which can include adrenal or testicular tumors, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), testosterone gel, or anabolic steroids. Illegal steroids can sometimes be blamed for high testosterone.

High testosterone is relatively uncommon. However, if your levels stay high for an extended period of time, you may begin to experience symptoms of high testosterone. For men between the ages of 19 and 39, normal testosterone levels typically hover between 264 and 916 nanograms per deciliter. Experts consider a normal testosterone range to be between 450 and 600 ng/dl. 

Although weight gain is often the result of an increased appetite, men with high testosterone may experience “unexpected weight gain.” High testosterone can also be the result of certain conditions that increase circulating testosterone levels. Cushing syndrome affects the pituitary gland and may be the cause of high testosterone in some men. 

Men who develop high blood pressure as a result of high testosterone may become dizzy or fatigued. Additionally, men with high testosterone may experience nausea, fainting, and headaches. Men with high testosterone may also experience male pattern baldness. Anxiety and depression can also be caused by high testosterone. 

According to Healthline, men with high testosterone may experience a number of other symptoms. These include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Chest pain

• Deep vein thrombosis

• Pulmonary embolism

Some men with high testosterone may develop a lower sex drive. Some men may develop chest pain, difficult or slurred speech, and lowered levels of good cholesterol. Additionally, some men may experience an overproduction of red blood cells. Muscle and heart damage can be the result of high testosterone as well. 

Testosterone replacement therapy is most often only used in men with low testosterone. However, getting too much of it can lead to other problems you might not expect. According to Stanford Medicine, high testosterone can weaken your immune system. Studies have found that men are more vulnerable to fungal, viral, and bacterial infections than women are. 

According to experts, high testosterone can cause just as many problems as low testosterone or low T. Although high testosterone can have negative effects on a man, studies have also found that high levels of testosterone can benefit a man’s body. 

According to experts, testosterone therapy can be beneficial. However, testosterone levels will eventually drop. Because having high testosterone can cause problems, it helps to know ways to lower your testosterone levels. Some studies have found that mint has the ability to soothe your stomach. Some studies have found that mint can cause testosterone levels to lower. 

One study found that drinking spearmint herbal tea every day can cause testosterone levels to dip. Licorice root has also been found effective in lowering testosterone levels. Because licorice root affects hormone levels, it can cause testosterone levels to dip over an extended period of time.   

Flaxseed is a healthy food that is filled with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats. Flaxseed contains lignans, which bond with testosterone. This forces testosterone out of the body. Flaxseed also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which also causes testosterone levels to decline. 

Studies have found that trans fats can increase testosterone levels. If you are looking to lower your testosterone levels, it may be beneficial to lower your consumption of foods containing trans fats. A study found that men who consumed the highest amount of trans fat had lower testosterone levels than those who consumed a low intake of trans fat.

Research has found that high testosterone can influence a man’s physical appearance. Men with high testosterone sometimes appear to have darker complexions, strong jawlines, and cheekbones that appear hollower. 

Anger and physical aggression are also classic signs of high testosterone. Men with too much testosterone may become impatient and are prone to making “rash decisions.” Men with high testosterone may also have highs and lows in their moods. In some cases, a man’s personality may change to the point that he does not act like himself.

In fact, some men find that their social life suffers, because of his fluctuating mood. There are some lesser-known symptoms of high testosterone. These include a decrease in hemoglobin, mild anemia, and osteoporosis. In some cases, men may experience a decrease in body hair.  

For men, testosterone levels can increase in response to sexual arousal. Men who experience increases in testosterone typically engage in sexual activity more frequently than others. Aging men typically need a better testosterone production to maintain a healthy sex drive and erectile function. 

Having unusually high testosterone levels can sometimes result in complications. According to experts, having too much testosterone can cause slurred speech and blurry vision. This may seem surprising, especially when testosterone is supposed to promote healthy functioning. 

High testosterone levels may cause a sudden inability to speak, weakness in the leg or arm, and weakness on one side of the body. High testosterone can lead to fluid retention and reduced testicle size. You should see a doctor if you experience chest pain, trouble breathing, or symptoms of a stroke. Some men with this condition may experience increased urination that may be due to swelling.

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Nu Image Medical has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.