Having too much testosterone is quite rare for men and isn’t generally a clinical condition that doctors look out for. With that said, it’s important to be aware of the condition and its side effects. Can T levels be too high?
Testosterone is the sex hormone and both men and women experience a decline in testosterone levels as they age. It is a common misconception that the more testosterone you have the better. Testosterone levels need to be managed, and if they’re declining too much then testosterone therapy might be needed, but it is very important not to let testosterone levels get too high. As with all hormones, a balance needs to be maintained.
It is rare for a man to suffer from excess levels of testosterone but if a man undergoes hormone therapy when he doesn’t need it then this can lead to symptoms associated with excess levels of testosterone. This is why it is always important to have a proper evaluation and visit the doctor frequently.
Side effects of excess T for men
- Excess hormone levels are strongly linked with depression in men. Though it’s hard to believe that having too much of this sex hormone can cause depression, it has been proven. Professional intervention is very necessary to resolve depression caused from too much T.
- High blood pressure. When testosterone levels are too high, it can lead to hypertension. Blood pressure increasing too much can be very dangerous and since hypertension is so common it’s important to check with a physician before starting any supplements that are known to increase the production of testosterone.
- Low sperm count. It’s weird to think that the very hormone necessary for a healthy sperm count can be responsible for a low sperm count, but when levels are too high our body reacts unexpectedly.
- Insomnia is a very common symptom and hypertension can also be affected by not being able to sleep well.
- Mood changes. Males with too much testosterone suffer from aggressiveness, mood swings, and unpredictability. Such unpredictable emotionality can really take its toll on relationships.
- Reduction in testicle size. Elevated testosterone levels for a long period of time can actually cause a reduction in testicular size which can lead to infertility.
- Hair loss.
When looking at these symptoms, it would seem that having too much testosterone leads to the same symptoms as not having enough, which is why it is always important not to self-diagnose and get help from your practitioner.
Side effects of excess T for women
For women though, it’s a different story. High testosterone in women is a very common hormone disorder and leads to a number of undesirable symptoms.
- Hormonal outbreaks can happen if you are menstruating.
- Irregular menstrual cycles.
- Low libido. If testosterone is too high, other hormones can be unbalanced in which case libido drops.
- Male balding patterns or an increase in hair growth.
Excess levels of testosterone in women can be caused from thyroid disorders, PCOS, stress, or diabetes. Women with high testosterone can choose to treat the symptoms it causes or use a medical/hormone treatment.
In conclusion, monitoring T levels with regular visits to a physician is necessary. Keeping healthy with regular exercise and proper nutrition is also important.