Testosterone is a hormone primarily produced in the testicles in men and in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. In men, testosterone is responsible for the development of the male reproductive system, including the testes’ growth and secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle mass, body hair, and deepening of the voice. It also plays a crucial role in sperm production, sex drive, and overall health and wellbeing.
While high testosterone levels can positively affect men’s health, excessively high levels can also have negative health consequences, such as an increased risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. So it’s essential to talk to a medical professional if you’re experiencing any symptoms related to high testosterone levels. Of course, the only certain way to properly establish your testosterone levels is through a blood test administered by a medical professional. Still, this article is going to take a look at three signs that might imply high levels of testosterone in males.
High Metabolism
One sign that might imply high testosterone levels in men outside of the average range is a faster metabolism, the rate at which the body burns calories for energy. Testosterone helps to increase muscle mass, and muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain than fat tissue. This means that individuals with higher levels of testosterone and more muscle mass will have a higher resting metabolic rate (RMR), the number of calories the body burns at rest.
In addition to increasing muscle mass, testosterone stimulates the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. This increased oxygen delivery can also contribute to a higher metabolism and improved athletic performance. However, it’s important to note that other factors, such as diet, exercise, and genetics, will play a role in determining an individual’s metabolic rate.
Male Pattern Baldness
Testosterone is one of the hormones that can contribute to male pattern baldness. More specifically, a derivative of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is believed to be responsible for causing hair follicles to shrink, leading to the thinning and eventual loss of hair. DHT is produced when an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into DHT.
While high testosterone levels alone are not necessarily a direct cause of male pattern baldness, men with higher testosterone levels may have a higher concentration of DHT in their scalp, contributing to hair loss. Additionally, genetics play a significant role in determining the likelihood of developing male pattern baldness, and some men may be more genetically predisposed to hair loss than others.
So, again, it’s important to note that not all men with high testosterone levels will experience male pattern baldness, and not all men who experience male pattern baldness have high testosterone levels. Other factors like age, diet, and lifestyle habits can also contribute to hair loss.
Oily Skin
High testosterone levels can lead to an increase in the production of sebum, which is the oil that is naturally produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Sebum is essential for keeping the skin moisturised and healthy, but excessive sebum production can lead to oily skin and other skin problems such as acne.
Testosterone stimulates the activity of the sebaceous glands, leading to an increase in the production of sebum. The skin cells in individuals with high testosterone levels are more likely to produce sebum than those with lower testosterone levels. This can lead to an overproduction of oil, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
If you suspect that your oily skin might be part of an overall picture of high testosterone, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor.
