Testosterone plays an important role in many male bodily functions. Produced by the testicles, it is key to the following processes:
- Fat distribution
- Red blood cell production
- Bone and muscle development
- Genital development
- Energy level maintenance
- Sperm production
It is also essential in the establishment of many different male traits and characteristics, such as growth of body hair, the enlargement of the penis and the testes, and the deepening of the voice, during the puberty stage.
Normal male testosterone levels by age
Testosterone levels in men generally peak around 20 years of age and start to slowly decline after 30 years or 40 years of age by about 1% per year.
The following are the normal ranges for male testosterone levels according to age (testosterone levels are measure in nanograms per deciliter or ng/dL):
- 0 to 5 months: 75 ng/dL to 400 ng/dL
- 6 months to 9 years: <7 ng/dL to 20 ng/dL
- 10 years to 11 years: <7 ng/dL to 130 ng/dL
- 12 years to 13 years: <7 ng/dL to 800 ng/dL
- 14 years: <7 ng/dL to 1,200 ng/dL
- 15 years to 16 years: 100 ng/dL to 1,200 ng/dL
- 17 years to 18 years: 300 ng/dL to 1,200 ng/dL
- 19 years to 25 years: 240 ng/dL to 950 ng/dL
- 25 years to 29 years: 257 ng/dL to 1,081 ng/dL
- 30 years to 34 years: 233 ng/dL to 1,009 ng/dL
- 35 years to 39 years: 219 ng/dL to 975 ng/dL
- 40 years to 44 years: 201 ng/dL to 993 ng/dL
- 45 years to 49 years: 220 ng/dL to 872 ng/dL
- 50 years to 55 years: 170 ng/dL to 918 ng/dL
- 55 years to 59 years: 204 ng/dL to 900 ng/dL
If your testosterone levels are above the ideal range for your age group, you have high testosterone and may be in danger of encountering a number of side effects that can negatively impact your sexual and reproductive functions.
Measuring testosterone levels
To know how much testosterone there is in your body, you should see a doctor and undergo a testosterone level test.
Usually, testosterone level tests are done in the morning, from around 7 am to 10 am, as it is that time of the day when the body’s hormones are at their optimal levels.
For the test, you have to provide a blood sample. A health worker will draw blood from your arm and send the specimen to a laboratory for analysis.
If you get a test result that indicates you have high testosterone levels, you should talk to your doctor about the available treatment options you can try to fix the problem.
Common symptoms of high testosterone in males
Cases of high testosterone are less common than cases of low testosterone, but they do occur, and can trigger similarly risky and hazardous signs and symptoms that include:
- If a male child has high testosterone, he may start puberty early, and experience the various physical changes a few years before other children his age.
- From puberty to adulthood, high testosterone can cause acne, oily skin, and other skin problems.
- There is also a significant increase in sex drive or libido if testosterone levels are abnormally high.
- Men with testosterone levels that are higher than the norm may become prone to high blood pressure, high red blood cell count, and other health problems that can endanger their heart, blood vessels, and overall health.
- Even though testosterone is necessary to produce sperm, too much of it can be detrimental and can actually result to decreased sperm count and quality.
- If not dealt with right away, high testosterone can lead to infertility.
- Many studies have found that a higher than normal testosterone level can make men highly aggressive or irritable.
- There are also studies that show how high testosterone can make men more inclined to get into risky decisions and behaviors.
Causes of high testosterone in males
There are several things that can cause an increase in a man’s testosterone levels. Some examples are:
Steroid abuse
This is common among athletes and body builders. Because many wants to build bigger muscles and improve physical and athletic abilities in a short period of time, they tend to take high doses of steroids. Doing this is strongly discouraged as excessive use of steroids can be extremely harmful to the body, and significantly increase the risk of liver damage, enlarged heart, kidney problems, tumors, high blood cholesterol, heart attack, and enlarged heart.
Testosterone supplements
Men with low testosterone levels in the body are usually prescribed testosterone supplements to boost their testosterone. However, if they take more than what the doctor advised, they can raise their testosterone way over the normal levels and suffer from the side effects. In addition to that, there are men who illegally purchase these products or buy products that are not approved by reputable health organizations, and they are putting not only their sexual and reproductive health but also their overall health and wellbeing in jeopardy.
Tumors
The growth of tumors testicles or adrenal gland can trigger an abnormal rise in testosterone levels in the body. It is also often accompanied by weight gain, muscle cramps, frequent urination, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, mood change, skin problems, and weakened bones and muscles.
Ways to fix high testosterone problems
The correct treatment for any high testosterone problem varies per individual.
If your high testosterone levels are triggered by a testicular or adrenal tumor, your doctor may require surgery or radiation therapy to remove the growth.
If your high testosterone levels are due to excessive use of steroids or testosterone supplements, then your doctor will advise you to stop taking these things. Studies have found that it usually takes around six months after quitting steroids or testosterone supplements for testosterone levels in men to get back to normal.
