It is believed that a low level of testosterone has a bad effect over human health and significantly reduces the quality of life. At the same time, very few people know that high testosterone does not always mean getting benefits. It can cause health problems and a lot of inconvenience.
As a rule, when it comes to high testosterone in men, it is not considered a disorder. As the main male hormone, testosterone is closely linked with sexual activity and ensures a normal development of the body.
When testosterone level is high in a female body, this condition is considered pathological and is called hyperandrogenism. This disorder can occur at any age and cause changes in the function of various body systems.
High level of testosterone affects not only the nature and appearance of a woman, but can adversely affect the reproductive function and disrupt the metabolic processes in her body.
To eliminate the problem with high testosterone, you need to identify the causes that contribute to the onset of this disorder.
The most prevalent causes, which increase the risk of this disorder in women, include:
- polycystic ovary syndrome;
- use of androgenic medications;
- consumption of junk food;
- hypothyroidism;
- hereditary factor;
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Some signs may hint at high testosterone level. Women should treat these signs with special care.
Symptoms of high testosterone in women may differ from those in men, yet they mostly are the same and manifest in the form of:
- increased sexual desire;
- deepening of the voice;
- acne and seborrhea;
- weight gain;
- sleep disorders;
- frontal balding;
- increase in the amount of hair on the body and face (hirsutism).
Yet one important sign of high testosterone in women is menstrual irregularities. If you notice some of the above symptoms, you should consult a doctor and go through specific laboratory tests.
If the testosterone level is really high, based on the results, the doctor will prescribe you a treatment and a special diet, which in combination will help normalize the level of the hormone in the body.
Depending on the reasons that led to an excess of testosterone, you will be prescribed medications. Oral contraceptives are among the most frequently used drugs for suppressing high testosterone in women.
It is considered that high testosterone in men is good. Many believe that the higher its level , the better. Yet this opinion is erroneous, because, just like low testosterone, high level of this hormone can result in health problems.
Excess of primary male sex hormone in men can contribute to mood swings, sleep disturbance, and early baldness. In some men, high testosterone may increase the risk of cardiovascular events and provoke prostate enlargement.
Therefore, doctors recommend that men monitor the level of testosterone and seek medical help with the first symptoms of an increase in its level.