40 Signs of High Testosterone, What It Means, Causes & Ways to Increase It

Are you showing signs of high testosterone? Learn all about the advantages and disadvantages as well as the causes and effects and how to make it happen!

signs of high testosterone

While testosterone is a hormone that both sexes produce, men get a higher dose than women. It highlights his various masculine features that we’re all familiar with: more muscle mass, larger bone structure, copious amounts of hair, etc. These signs of high testosterone in men tell you exactly what it means.

What does testosterone do to your body? 

Aside from a Y-chromosome and what’s between his legs, an abundant supply of testosterone is another blueprint feature that makes a man a man.

While we all have a vague idea of what testosterone does to a man’s body, let’s take a closer look at the roles it plays throughout his life.

Testosterone influences a fetus even before birth. Around seven weeks, the sex-related gene on the Y chromosome starts the development of the testicles, which produce testosterone.

In turn, this causes the male internal and external reproductive organs to develop. [Read: Blue balls – why guys get epididymal hypertension & how to cure it ASAP]

Testosterone also plays a huge role in a male’s body during puberty. It’s responsible for many changes, such as increases in height, body and pubic hair growth, penis, testes, prostate, and sex drive.

In adulthood, testosterone is essential for sperm production. It also signals the body to make new red blood cells, keeps the bones and muscles strong, controls the sex drive, and provides overall well-being.

Normal testosterone levels vary by age. It’s at its lowest before puberty and reaches its peak around age twenty. After a man reaches roughly thirty-five years of age, his testosterone levels start to decrease. [Read: 110 must-KNOW interesting sex facts, myths, and strange secrets about sex]

Causes of high testosterone in males

Testosterone is definitely different from male to male.

Some males peak earlier or later than others, and some maintain higher levels throughout their lives. Some causes are natural, while others are caused by the man himself.

1. Supplements and steroids

Some men use steroids, which is not ideal for the long run because it leads to a variety of health problems. An incredible number of steroid supplements and boosters are available on the market today.

However, not all of these have gone through the appropriate channels to become certified. It’s always important to talk to your doctor before introducing new things to your regimen. [Read: 27 tips, tricks, and ways to get and maintain harder erections for longer]

2. T replacement therapy *TRT*

With the help of his doctor, a man can get testosterone replacement therapy *TRT*. TRT is offered in several forms, like patches, injections, pellets under the skin, and oral, nasal, and topical gels.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to TRT, which come with some pretty heavy side effects. Discuss this with your doctor to learn if it’s right for you. [Read: Cum like a porn star – how to increase semen volume and shoot a big load]

3. Testosterone gel 

If you opt to try the testosterone gel, you can get higher levels of the hormone in your body. This is because the testosterone from the gel absorbs into the skin quite easily.

It’s known to be as effective as other testosterone enhancements and is doted on for its simplicity and convenience.

4. Tumors in the adrenal glands or testicles 

There are some adrenal gland disorders that prohibit certain hormones from being produced, so the body produces too much testosterone to make up for it.

Cancers and tumors related to any organ that helps to produce hormones can cause an overproduction of testosterone.

Signs of high testosterone

Like all the other chemicals produced by the human body, having too much more than the normal amount produces noticeable physiological effects. 

Of course, some of these are positive, and some of them are negative. [Read: 25 common male insecurities men have that women have no idea about]

Positive signs of high testosterone

Have you ever wondered why bodybuilders dope themselves up with stuff to achieve that Herculean body figure?

Testosterone determines how physically masculine you look. This means that the more testosterone you have, the manlier you look.

Although not every man may desire these traits, they are widely sought after by many. Here are the positive effects and signs of high testosterone. [Read: 28 natural aphrodisiacs in your kitchen to make yourself horny AF]

1. Stronger and more pronounced jawline

The first and most obvious of the signs of high testosterone can be seen in a man’s jawline.

There is evidence that abundant testosterone levels can shape your body like a Picasso painting: sharp and edgy. Men with above-average testosterone levels have a squared and more pronounced jawline.

2. Wider facial area

Aside from the jawline, extra testosterone also results in a wider and bonier facial area. Guys with an extra dose tend to have wider faces, sharper cheekbones, and stronger chins as a result. [Read: What do you look for in a guy?]

3. Larger Adam’s apple and a deeper voice

Another sign of high testosterone can be seen in a man’s neck and heard in his voice.

We all know that boys experience testosterone surges during puberty, which brings about changes in their bodies. One of these changes is the deepening of the voice caused by developing muscle and cartilage in the laryngeal area.

Therefore, a guy with extra testosterone has well-developed vocal cord muscles, as shown by a big Adam’s apple and a deep, baritone voice. [Read: How to be more masculine – start listening to your instincts]

4. Higher bone density

Men with extra testosterone develop higher bone density, making their frames larger than those of other men.  

Men with normal testosterone can grow tall while maintaining an average frame, but guys with higher bone density will have a wider frame than the rest. [Read: The rules of attraction as explained by science]

5. Wider shoulders

If you notice a guy who has never stepped inside a gym but still has broad shoulders and an “inverted triangle” upper body shape, his body produces higher amounts of testosterone than normal.

6. Lots of facial and body hair

The ability to grow a full beard alone is a sign of high testosterone levels. Testosterone and its derivatives are responsible for accelerating facial hair growth.

Guys with above-average testosterone are capable of growing their beards to longer lengths, unlike their other brethren, who must settle for a dainty mustache. [Read: Guys with beards – reasons why they make the best boyfriends]

7. Longer ring finger

A study found out that if a guy received a higher dose of testosterone while in the womb, his ring finger would be longer than the average guy’s. 

The ring finger of an average guy is usually shorter than the index finger, so if the ring finger is noticeably longer than the index finger, that guy was gifted with high testosterone levels even before he was born.

8. Increased strength

High testosterone means more muscle mass, and more muscle mass means more strength. That’s why guys with higher testosterone have no trouble developing their muscles with even minimal workouts. [Read: How to be more masculine without being a jerk or an A-hole]

9. Higher metabolic rate

Testosterone plays a large part in how your body uses and stocks energy, and since higher testosterone means that your metabolism is in overdrive, your body carries less fat and more muscle.

10. Increased libido or sex drive

Testosterone is a sex hormone, so the more a guy has, the more susceptible he is to his urges. Males with above-average testosterone have increased libidos, making them desire more sexual activity than the average guy.

In addition to this, they also get frequent harder and longer erections. This is a common sign of high testosterone. [Read: High sex drive – 15 scientific reasons why you have it and what to do]

Negative signs of high testosterone

While there are benefits from having too much testosterone, it also has some pretty inconvenient side effects.

1. Male pattern baldness

Guys with higher testosterone levels develop male pattern baldness at an earlier age than their normal peers, which is quite ironic since the same chemical responsible for hair growth also causes hair loss.[Read: How to manscape – 43 manscaping tips most guys don’t know but girls like]

2. Aggressive behavior

Testosterone plays a major part in aggression. Having too much testosterone makes a man more aggressive than the average guy.

For example, when a person gets angry, their body produces extra testosterone to prepare it for a fight or flight situation.

Therefore, having a little extra testosterone makes a man more susceptible to fits of rage, picking fights, and physical violence.

3. Confidence to the point of arrogance

Testosterone is also associated with causing feelings of confidence and well-being.

If a guy has above-average testosterone levels, he may have a tendency to become overconfident and arrogant. [Read: Subtle differences between a confident & arrogant man]

4. Risk-taking behavior and impulsiveness

As a side effect of being more aggressive and over-confident, guys with lots of testosterone in their bodies take more risks and are more impulsive than their average counterparts. This is a common sign of high testosterone.

If they think they’re the strongest of them all and fight or bully their way into things, they make pretty bad decisions without thinking of the consequences. [Read: How to be an alpha male – unleash the irresistible inner you]

5. Headaches

It’s not uncommon for people to have headaches, and they happen for a variety of reasons. But other than having one from muscle tension, frequent headaches can stem from high testosterone levels for some people. 

6. Increased appetite

Do you notice how most teenage boys can eat all they want and never gain weight? It’s because of their high testosterone levels. 

Not only does it cause them to be hungry all the time, but it also allows their bodies to burn fat quickly because of their high metabolism. [Read: 15 gender stereotypes about males we need to let go of for good]

7. Liver or heart issues

Men who have normal testosterone levels should not take testosterone therapy or supplements because it can increase their risk for heart attacks, blood clots, and lung and liver damage. It can also shut down their natural production of testosterone and make them sterile.

8. Acne

Elevated testosterone levels can increase your body’s production of sebum, which can form pimples. [Read: Bare chestedness – scenarios where it’s totally unsexy on men]

The sebum clogs hair follicles and sebaceous glands with dead skin cells and other particles. From there, there’s a good chance it will become inflamed and turn into acne. This is why many teens have breakouts during puberty.

9. Blood pressure changes

High testosterone levels can cause changes in your blood pressure. For example, it can lower blood pressure and lead to dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. 

It can also do the opposite and cause your blood pressure to rise. This puts someone with high levels of testosterone at a higher risk for heart problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. [Read: 37 health benefits of masturbation, bad side effects, and other must-knows]

10. Infertility

As weird as it may seem, infertility is one of the signs of high testosterone. If this is the hormone that makes a man a man, you would think that having more of it might be a good thing.

However, for your hormones to do what they need to do, they need to be balanced. Having too much of anything can be a bad thing, and too much testosterone could mean infertility.

11. Insomnia

This is a weird one because testosterone is actually at its highest level while you’re sleeping.

Your body produces and replenishes testosterone during a healthy sleep cycle, so it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense that having a high testosterone level would interfere with your sleep, but it does!

This is especially true if your testosterone levels are higher due to supplements or steroids. [Read: 30 alpha male characteristics that make you a real alpha]

12. Low sperm count

As mentioned, your hormones need to be balanced in order to be effective in all the ways that they need to be. Having excessive testosterone can significantly decrease your sperm count. This is another thing that is true if you’re supplementing testosterone.

Your body sends a signal to your brain to make it think it’s produced enough, so it just stops producing.

13. Mood swings

Testosterone, by nature, can be a pretty aggressive hormone.

Your body naturally produces more testosterone when you’re feeling angry or preparing for a fight. Since your hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day, when your testosterone becomes higher than normal, you’re more prone to aggressive mood swings. [Read: Grower vs. shower – how it’s different and ways to tell which penis is better]

14. Prostate enlargement

Testosterone is a growth hormone. It’s responsible for all the ways a male’s body changes during puberty. This includes the growth of the penis and testicles, muscles, bones, and body hair.

Therefore, it’s logical that an increase in testosterone could be responsible for an enlarged prostate. An increase in the size of your prostate can cause the urethra to become more narrow, which affects the bladder and urination. It can cause weak, painful, or hesitant urination.

15. Fluid retention and swelling of the legs and feet

Having higher than normal testosterone levels makes your body retain more fluid. This fluid gets stuck and causes swelling in the legs and feet. [Read: 15 big dick problems guys with a smaller penis have no idea about]

16. Unexplained weight gain

We know that testosterone is responsible for a lot of different growth. If your testosterone levels are too high, it might cause some unwanted growth all over the body, if you get what we’re saying.

Weight gain is one of the most common signs of high testosterone.

When to see a doctor over signs of high testosterone

Diagnosing high testosterone levels is a pretty simple process.

Your doctor will often perform a physical exam to check for immediately visible signs of higher testosterone. He or she will look for excessive body hair, acne, weight or muscle mass changes, etc. They might ask questions about your sleep, libido, and mood.

From there, your doctor will likely perform a blood test to get the facts. Testosterone secretions are typically highest in the morning, so be prepared for an early blood drawing.

While high testosterone levels can be good or bad, there are certain times when you should be concerned and see your doctor right away.

1. Trouble sleeping

Sleep is vitally important to your health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to all sorts of problems. 

If you think that you’re having sleep problems due to high testosterone levels, you should have a blood test. Your doctor can determine if high testosterone is the cause. [Read: What is masculinity? 46 manly and toxic traits women love and despise in men]

2. Dizziness

As we said earlier, testosterone can cause your blood pressure to become lower, which can cause spells of dizziness or fainting. 

Therefore, if you’re experiencing uncommon dizziness or feeling lightheaded, testosterone could be the culprit. Get it checked out.

3. Abnormal changes in good *HDL* cholesterol

While your HDL is good cholesterol, you can definitely have too much of a good thing.

There has to be a delicate balance between good and bad cholesterol. If your doctor has noticed that your cholesterol has changed without explanation, ask to have your testosterone levels checked. [Read: What makes a man a man – tradition-defying manly characteristics]

How to get high testosterone

If you want to raise your testosterone levels, there are some things you can do that mostly include changing your diet. Here are some tips.

1. Eat certain vegetables 

The amount of testosterone someone has depends a lot on a person’s diet. You should eat a lot of healthy fats, leafy vegetables, protein, and cholesterol.

Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage lower estrogen levels, which boosts testosterone. You should also avoid low-fat diets.

2. Eat nuts

Having a handful or two of walnuts or almonds helps boost testosterone levels. You can also try Brazil nuts, cashews, peanuts, and other nuts high in monounsaturated fats. 

Seeds like sunflower and sesame seeds also provide high levels of these fats, protein, vitamin E, and zinc. [Read: Do women like the penis? 22 things that make a perfect cock that girls love]

3. Eat oysters and zinc-rich foods

Zinc is one of the most important minerals that your body needs to produce testosterone. One food that has a lot of zinc is oysters. 

If you don’t like them, you can increase your zinc intake by eating protein-rich meats and fish and raw dairy products, such as milk and cheese. You can also take a zinc supplement, but consult your doctor before adding anything new to the mix.

4. Eat oatmeal

Oats have compounds called avenacoside that can limit the level of sex hormone-binding globulins in your body. This will increase testosterone levels. [Read: How to be good at sex – 32 sex secrets that make you the hottest lay]

Oatmeal can also improve sexual performance because it’s loaded with L-arginine, an amino acid that reacts with nitric oxide to relax blood vessels.

5. Eat eggs

Eggs are a testosterone-producing superfood. Yolks have high levels of HDL, which is a good type of cholesterol and forms the building blocks of testosterone production.

Eggs are another food that’s high in zinc. You can eat up to three eggs per day without worrying about how it affects your health. [Read: Limp dick – 31 causes, cures, and ways to go from flaccid to firm ASAP!]

6. Limit sugar

Overweight men are more likely to have low testosterone than average men, and staying away from sugar is a good way to lose some weight. 

You can try to eliminate sodas, juices, processed foods, and other refined carbohydrates. This includes things like pancakes, bread, breakfast cereals, and chips.

7. Take vitamin D3

Believe it or not, vitamin D3 is technically a hormone, and it’s really important. Studies have shown that men with higher testosterone levels have higher vitamin D3 levels, too.

Supplementing with this vitamin will help you boost those levels and show signs of high testosterone. [Read: The awesome omega male – what makes him better than the alpha]

What’s considered a normal level of testosterone?

Normal testosterone levels vary by age.

Before puberty, a male’s testosterone levels are very low. Those levels spike during puberty and typically peak between eighteen and twenty years of age.

After that, testosterone levels tend to stay more balanced and begin to steadily decline after thirty years of age.

Testosterone is measured in nanograms per deciliter, or ng/dL.

Six months to nine years – 7-20 ng/dL

Ten to eleven years – 7-120 ng/dL

Twelve to thirteen years – less than 800 ng/dL, depending on puberty

Fourteen to eighteen years – up to 1,200 ng/dL, depending on puberty

Nineteen years and up – 240-950 ng/dL

Does masturbating decrease testosterone?

Whether or not masturbating affects testosterone levels has been hotly debated.

Currently, there is absolutely no scientific research that suggests a link between giving yourself a hand and lower testosterone levels. There’s a minuscule amount of testosterone in a man’s sperm, and there’s no evidence that any testosterone is lost with ejaculation.

Now you know the signs of high testosterone in males. A little extra dose of testosterone only emphasizes the already manly features, but watch out for some of those side effects!

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Carol Morgan LP
Dr. Carol Morgan
Dr. Carol Morgan has a Ph.D. in communication and is a professor at Wright State University where she loves corrupting young minds. As a relationship and succes...