Is it good to have high testosterone levels? Know the benefits and risks
Testosterone is the male hormone produced by the testes in men. However, women's ovaries also produce some testosterone. In men, testosterone is produced in higher concentrations and is responsible for several secondary sex features like deeper voice and hair on the chest. Testosterone also contributes to the maintenance of energy levels, healthy libido, and muscle mass.
However, normal testosterone levels are essential for both men and women to maintain good health. Unlike low testosterone levels, high testosterone can affect health positively and negatively.
When testosterone levels rise above normal ranges, it leads to noticeable symptoms and potential health risks.
What are normal testosterone levels?
In males between the ages of 19 and 39 years, total testosterone levels are between 300 and 1000 ng/dL. These are considered normal testosterone levels in men. When the testosterone level is higher than 1000ng/dL, it is regarded as high testosterone.
With age, men's natural testosterone levels decline. On the other hand, women generally have lower testosterone levels than men. In women, healthy testosterone levels range from 9 to 55 ng/dL.
Is it good for men to have high testosterone levels?
In men, testosterone is the primary sex hormone that also helps in developing masculinity. As per a study, it is revealed that low testosterone levels can cause low libido in men, delayed ejaculation, and erection disorders.
High testosterone levels can help men boost their libido and change their ejaculation and erection positively.
Testosterone is considered a key hormone for building and maintaining muscle mass. Men with high testosterone levels have better muscle mass and strength than men with low levels.
Testosterone is also the main male sex hormone that plays a vital role in sexual function. Men with high testosterone levels have a strong sexual drive, better sexual performance, and frequent erections than those with low levels of testosterone.
You should know that high levels of testosterone can affect a man's health negatively. As high testosterone increases the production of red blood cells, it can cause heart problems and blood clots.
High levels of testosterone also lead to aggression and decreased production of sperm.
High testosterone levels in females
According to research, it is revealed that hormonal therapy increases testosterone levels in women, which further boosts their libido. Women's memory can be improved by testosterone supplementation.
Apart from the benefits, women can also suffer from health problems due to high testosterone levels. Excessive testosterone levels in women lead to unnatural growth of body and facial hair. It can even decrease feminine traits and lead to acne breakouts. High testosterone levels are also responsible for causing irregularities in menstrual cycles.
Signs of high testosterone levels
Some common signs of high testosterone levels in men include:
- Acne
- Trouble sleeping
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Growth of prostate cancer cells
- Increased sexual drive
- More body hair
- Deeper voice
- Liver disorder
- Damage to the heart muscle
Common signs of high testosterone levels in women include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Decreased breast size
- Deepening of the voice
- Male pattern baldness
- Increased muscle mass
- Risks of high testosterone levels
When testosterone levels are high, they can cause several complications in your body, including:
- Weight gain
- Increased risk of heart problems
- Problem in sleeping
- Stunted growth in adolescents
One of the best ways to know your testosterone levels is through a test that doctors do.
How do you achieve normal testosterone levels?
If you suffer from high testosterone levels, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider. Make sure to have a healthy and balanced diet to maintain normal testosterone levels. Your doctor might suggest indulging in regular exercises and managing stress levels.
It would help if you also quit smoking and alcohol consumption to bring your high testosterone levels to normal range.
Conclusion
Therefore, to ensure your testosterone levels remain in balance, you should monitor them every five years from the age of 35. High testosterone levels are good only to some extent, as they can boost your energy levels, increase muscle strength and mass, and improve mood. However, to remain healthy, men and women must maintain normal testosterone levels.
