Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles in men and the ovaries in women. It’s what makes men, well…men. It’s also responsible for muscle and bone growth, hair growth, and sex drive.

Women produce testosterone too, but in much smaller amounts. When testosterone levels rise above normal levels, it can lead to several health implications.

Causes of High Testosterone Levels

High testosterone levels can be caused by a variety of factors such as:.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Adrenal tumors
Use of anabolic steroids
Thyroid disorders
Cushing’s syndrome
Pituitary gland disorders

Effects of Elevated Testosterone in Men

While testosterone is an essential hormone in men, elevated levels can cause several health problems such as:.

1. Acne and Oily Skin

Higher levels of testosterone can increase the sebum production in your skin which can lead to acne and oily skin. This can be especially frustrating for those who already have a history of acne.

2. Mood Swings

Elevated testosterone levels can cause mood swings and increased irritability. It can also lead to increased aggression and hostility.

3. Male Pattern Baldness and Hair Growth

Testosterone is responsible for hair growth, but elevated levels can lead to male pattern baldness. It can also cause unwanted hair growth in other areas of the body such as the chest and back.

4. Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer

Studies have shown that higher levels of testosterone are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.

5. Infertility

Elevated testosterone levels can affect sperm production and quality. This can lead to infertility and difficulty conceiving.

Effects of Elevated Testosterone in Women

While testosterone is usually thought of as a male hormone, women produce it too. Elevated levels of testosterone in women can cause several health problems such as:.

1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Elevated levels of testosterone can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods or no periods at all. This can make it difficult to conceive.

2. Excess Facial and Body Hair

Just like in men, elevated testosterone levels can cause unwanted hair growth in women. This can be especially distressing for women and can lead to a decreased quality of life.

3. Acne and Oily Skin

Just like in men, elevated testosterone levels can lead to acne and oily skin in women as well.

4. Increased Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is characterized by an overproduction of androgens such as testosterone. Elevated testosterone levels can increase the risk of developing PCOS in women.

Treatment for Elevated Testosterone Levels

The treatment for elevated testosterone levels depends on the underlying cause. In cases of PCOS, for example, medications such as birth control pills, metformin, and spironolactone are often prescribed.

In cases of adrenal tumors, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor. In cases of anabolic steroid use, stopping the use of the steroids will help bring the testosterone levels back down to normal.

Conclusion

Elevated testosterone levels can cause several health problems in both men and women. It’s important to identify the underlying cause to effectively treat the high testosterone levels.

If you suspect that you have elevated testosterone levels, speak to your doctor to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.