From the Research
High testosterone levels can be caused by several factors, including genetic determinants, certain medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting that genetically determined testosterone levels are substantially different between sexes and have varying effects on disease outcomes 1.
Causes of High Testosterone
The causes of high testosterone levels can be categorized into several groups, including:
- Medical conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and tumors in the adrenal glands or testes can lead to elevated testosterone.
- Medications: Some medications that may increase testosterone include anabolic steroids, testosterone replacement therapy, and certain performance-enhancing supplements.
- Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors such as intense resistance training, obesity, and high-protein diets can also contribute to higher testosterone levels.
- Genetic determinants: The most recent study suggests that genetically determined testosterone levels are substantially different between sexes and have varying effects on disease outcomes, with genetically higher testosterone being harmful for metabolic diseases in women but beneficial in men 1.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms of high testosterone include acne, excessive body hair, deepening voice in women, increased muscle mass, mood changes, and fertility issues. If you suspect high testosterone, consult a healthcare provider who can order blood tests to measure hormone levels and recommend appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause, which might include medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, or specific treatments for underlying conditions.
Disease Outcomes
The effects of high testosterone on disease outcomes are complex and vary between sexes. For example, a genetically determined 1 s.d. higher testosterone increases the risks of type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome in women, but reduces type 2 diabetes risk in men 2. Additionally, higher testosterone has adverse effects on breast and endometrial cancers in women and prostate cancer in men 2. However, a more recent study suggests that there is little evidence for a substantial contribution from normal variation in testosterone levels to most traits beyond sex-specific health 1.