Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: July 25, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Elevated Serum Testosterone in Adult Male

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Testicular Tumor: A testicular tumor, such as a Leydig cell tumor, can produce excess testosterone, leading to elevated serum levels. This is a common cause of endogenous testosterone excess in adult males.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): CAH is a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands, leading to an overproduction of androgens, including testosterone. Although typically diagnosed in childhood, some forms of CAH may not be diagnosed until adulthood.
  • Adrenal Tumor: An adrenal tumor, such as an adrenal adenoma or carcinoma, can produce excess androgens, including testosterone, leading to elevated serum levels.
  • Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism can increase the production of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), leading to an increase in total testosterone levels. However, free testosterone levels may be normal or slightly elevated.
  • Obesity: Obesity is associated with increased aromatization of androgens to estrogens, which can lead to an increase in SHBG and, subsequently, an increase in total testosterone levels.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Cushing's Syndrome: Cushing's syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder caused by excess cortisol production. While not typically associated with elevated testosterone, some cases of Cushing's syndrome can present with androgen excess, including elevated testosterone levels.
  • Pituitary Tumor: A pituitary tumor, such as a gonadotropin-secreting adenoma, can stimulate the testes to produce excess testosterone, leading to elevated serum levels.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Familial Glucocorticoid Resistance: This is a rare genetic disorder characterized by resistance to glucocorticoids, leading to an overproduction of androgens, including testosterone.
  • 17,20-Desmolase Deficiency: This is a rare genetic disorder that affects the production of androgens, leading to an overproduction of testosterone.
  • Gonadotropin-Independent Precocious Puberty: This is a rare condition characterized by premature puberty in males, often caused by a testicular tumor or other rare genetic disorders.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.