Too Much Testosterone: Is It Dangerous
Testosterone replacement may seem like the “in thing” these days, and for good reason. Testosterone is an essential hormone that men and women need to protect their bones, sexual health, brain functions, heart, and more.
That does not mean this treatment is for everyone. There is such a thing as too much testosterone. Is it dangerous if a person has more testosterone in the bloodstream than he or she needs? The answer is yes, too much testosterone, as with anything in life, is not good for you.
A delicate balance exists in the body regarding hormone levels. These vital chemical messengers control all aspects of our physiological, emotional, and mental functions.
If one hormone level is out of balance, it could have a spiraling effect on others, depending on which of these chemicals we are discussing. Since some of the excess testosterone is converted into estradiol (estrogen) in the body, this can then also impact all of the functions estrogens perform.
We are also often asked is too much testosterone bad for heart health, and as with other areas, this is subjective, and each person will experience the effects of low or high testosterone levels in a unique way.
Testosterone plays a role in red blood cell production, and Low T sufferers could also be anemic. Conversely, too much testosterone could increase the risk of clotting, heart attacks, and strokes if not carefully monitored.
There is also a correlation between too much testosterone and weight gain. While higher levels of testosterone can help keep weight in check by reducing weight gain, if all of that extra testosterone is converted by the body into estrogen, an increase in belly fat could occur.
Careful monitoring of testosterone therapy is needed, and an estrogen blocker may be the recommendation if weight gain becomes an issue.
Effects of Too Much Testosterone
When dealing with too much testosterone, side effects are a serious issue. Just as Low T has its dangers, so does raising the level of testosterone higher than what is considered normal. Take a look at the issues below for some of the concerns associated with too much testosterone:
- Hair Growth
Although hair thinning and loss are signs of Low T, for people with too much testosterone, baldness is a problem, as well. The connection between too much testosterone and hair loss has a lot to do with higher levels of DHT that can accompany an increase in testosterone.
- Testicular Shrinkage
While testosterone is crucial for sperm production, too much testosterone in men can have an adverse effect. If the brain senses too much testosterone in the bloodstream, it will send signals to shut off the production of hormones that tell the testes to make testosterone.
Some men may experience testicular shrinkage. As a result of this, the link between too much testosterone and sperm count becomes clear. With less testosterone produced, a man’s sperm count can decrease.
Also, because higher than normal levels of testosterone could cause the brain to signal its shutdown, a further connection could be made between too much testosterone and low libido. Although testosterone therapy helps increase sexual desire and performance, once again, too much of a good thing can turn bad, and an extreme increase could put an end to amorous thoughts and feelings.
- Aggressive Behavior
Too much testosterone is often associated with aggressive behaviors. Men are more likely to take risks, consume excessive amounts of alcohol, and get injured when their testosterone levels are too high. Just as there is a risk of mood changes associated with Low T, there is also the possibility of too much testosterone and depression.
- Adult Acne and Oily Skin
Although typically mild, some people whose testosterone levels are too high experience adult acne and oily skin. Careful dosage monitoring by the prescribing doctor can reverse these symptoms and effects.
How to Prevent Too Much Testosterone
Just as Low T can have detrimental effects on your health, too much testosterone is bad for you, as well. Thankfully, this situation is preventable.
The first thing to do is find a qualified and knowledgeable hormone replacement therapy specialist. This is a doctor with advanced experience in adjusting and balancing hormone levels in adults over thirty.
Too much testosterone in women is as dangerous as too little testosterone. On one hand you have a higher risk of fractures due to osteoporosis, but on the other hand, you have an increased risk of strokes.
Neither of these issues needs to be a concern. An experienced HRT specialist will provide you with the right dosage to avoid testosterone overdose.
Blood testing and careful monitoring are crucial when using hormone therapy. When you avoid too much testosterone, disease fears become unwarranted. The goal of the HRT doctor is to put the body back into a state of homeostasis – balance.
When done right, testosterone therapy brings incredible benefits to the body. In terms of too much testosterone, good or bad results from treatment come from the choice you make regarding medical guidance.
The right doctor will protect your body from the effects of Low T or too much testosterone. Please turn to National HRT for answers to all your questions about testosterone and other forms of hormone replacement. We offer free consultations and protect your privacy at all times. Our expert hormone specialists are here for you.
National HRT Staff
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.