Testosterone is an important hormone present in both men and women, though in differing concentrations. It plays a significant role in various bodily functions, including muscle mass development, bone density maintenance, mood regulation, and libido. While appropriate levels are necessary for overall well-being, unusually high levels can indicate an underlying health concern. Understanding the potential reasons behind elevated testosterone is a step toward addressing related health issues.
What Does High Testosterone Mean?
Defining “high testosterone” involves understanding typical ranges, which can vary by age, sex, and laboratory. For adult men, normal total testosterone levels generally fall within 265 to 923 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or 300 to 1,000 ng/dL. Adult women typically have much lower levels, usually between 15 and 70 ng/dL. Levels exceeding these ranges are considered elevated.
Elevated testosterone can manifest through various physical and emotional symptoms in both sexes.
Symptoms in Men
Acne
Increased body hair
Mood changes
Infertility
Enlarged prostate
Headaches and high blood pressure
Symptoms in Women
Irregular menstrual cycles
Excess facial and body hair (hirsutism)
Acne
Thinning hair on the scalp (male-pattern baldness)
Deepened voice
Increased muscle mass
Breast size reduction
Enlarged clitoris
Reasons for Elevated Testosterone in Men
High testosterone levels in men are less common than low levels, but several factors can lead to this. A frequent cause is the use of exogenous testosterone, such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or anabolic steroids, often taken to enhance athletic performance or muscle growth. Such external sources can inflate levels beyond natural production.
Disorders affecting the adrenal glands, small organs located above the kidneys, can also contribute to elevated testosterone. Conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a group of genetic disorders, cause these glands to produce excessive male hormones, including testosterone. In rare instances, tumors in the testicles or adrenal glands may produce androgens, leading to high testosterone. While less common, an overactive pituitary gland, which regulates hormone production throughout the body, can also indirectly influence testosterone levels.
Reasons for Elevated Testosterone in Women
In women, elevated testosterone levels are often more noticeable due to their naturally lower baseline. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause, affecting 6-12% of women. In PCOS, the ovaries may produce excess androgens, including testosterone. This hormonal imbalance can interfere with ovarian function and ovulation.
Adrenal gland disorders can also lead to high testosterone in women. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) results in an overproduction of adrenal hormones, including testosterone. Certain rare tumors on the ovaries or adrenal glands can produce excess testosterone. Specific medications can also impact hormone levels and elevate testosterone.
Confirming High Levels and What to Do
If elevated testosterone is suspected based on symptoms, confirming levels typically involves a blood test. This test measures the amount of testosterone circulating in the bloodstream, often including both total and free testosterone. Proper timing of the blood draw is important for accurate results, as testosterone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day. The highest levels usually occur in the early morning, between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, making this the ideal window for testing.
A healthcare professional will interpret test results in conjunction with reported symptoms and medical history. Self-diagnosis or attempting to self-treat high testosterone is not recommended, as the underlying cause can vary significantly and require specific medical intervention. Consulting a doctor allows for a comprehensive evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and the development of an appropriate management plan to address the elevated levels and any associated health concerns.