From the Guidelines
Elevated testosterone levels in men can be caused by several factors, including certain medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices, and it is essential to identify the underlying cause to provide appropriate treatment and prevent potential complications.
Causes of Elevated Testosterone Levels
Some medical conditions that can increase testosterone production include:
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Androgen resistance
- Testicular or adrenal tumors Medications that may raise testosterone levels include:
- Anabolic steroids
- Testosterone replacement therapy
- Certain supplements like DHEA Lifestyle factors also play a significant role in regulating testosterone levels, such as:
- Regular strength training
- Adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly)
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Consuming sufficient protein and healthy fats Stress reduction is important as chronic stress increases cortisol, which suppresses testosterone production 1. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium, can impact hormone levels, so a balanced diet or appropriate supplementation may help 1.
Importance of Medical Evaluation
For men concerned about abnormally high testosterone, medical evaluation is essential as it could indicate an underlying condition requiring treatment 1. The body carefully regulates testosterone through feedback mechanisms, and disruptions to this system from any of these factors can lead to elevated levels. It is crucial to address any underlying conditions and make lifestyle modifications to prevent potential complications, such as cardiovascular events or prostate cancer 1. Regular monitoring and evaluation by a healthcare professional can help identify and manage elevated testosterone levels, reducing the risk of associated morbidities and mortalities.
From the Research
Causes of Elevated Testosterone Levels in Men
Elevated testosterone levels in men can be caused by various factors, including:
- Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TART) which can produce 11-oxygenated 19-carbon steroids, including 11β-hydroxytestosterone, 11-ketotestosterone, and 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione 2
- Androgen-secreting adrenal tumors, such as adenomas and adenocarcinomas, which can lead to an increase in plasma androstenedione and testosterone levels 3
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder that can cause an overproduction of androgens, including testosterone 4
- Gonadotropin stimulation, which can activate steroid hormone production along the classic Δ4 pathway and co-activate an alternative pathway of testosterone biosynthesis via androstenediol 5
Other Factors that Can Influence Testosterone Levels
Other factors that can influence testosterone levels in men include:
- Nutritional deficiency, particularly of nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and polyphenols 6
- Stress, which can adversely impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPG) axis 6
- Sleep quality and duration, which can affect the HPG axis and testosterone production 6
- Obesity, which can have a negative impact on testosterone levels, although caloric deficiency in obese individuals may have a neutral or positive effect 6