Why high testosterone is dangerous for men's health and how to treat it

Testosterone is one of the most important hormones for men, so its level must be carefully monitored. It has the greatest effect on physical development and sexuality, it would seem that increased testosterone in men should be beneficial, but this is far from the case.

Testosterone functions are normal

Most of this hormone in the male body is synthesized by the testes. The very name "testosterone" is related to the word "testicles", which literally means "testicles" in Latin. The adrenal glands are also responsible for the production of the sex hormone, but their role here is not so great.

The main functions of testosterone relate to the physical development of the body and puberty, here are just a few of them:

• full development of the reproductive system;
• development of secondary sexual characteristics;
• muscle growth;
• sex drive;
• fertility;
• strength of bones.

Testosterone levels naturally change with age, decreasing with old age. At the age of 18 to 69 years, the hormone is produced normally, its value can range from 250 to 1100 ng / dl. After 70 years, the level of the hormone drops tenfold.

Reasons for the increase

The reasons why testosterone rises fall into two main categories - internal and external. The former are often associated with diseases, while the latter depend on external factors - stress, environment, etc.

Internal reasons include the following:

• adrenal disease;
• the body's resistance to androgens;
• the presence of malignant tumors in the genitals;
• testicular pathologies caused by genetic failures;
• tumors in the pituitary gland;
• puberty onset too early, characterized by small testicles and a large penis;
• constant stress, nervous environment, excitement;
• overweight;
• chronic diseases;
• alcoholism.

There are not so many external reasons that increase testosterone:

• anabolic steroids for building muscle mass, often these drugs increase testosterone levels;
• course of hormonal drugs;
• bad dream;
• unhealthy diet and bad habits leading to hormonal disorders;
• not having regular sex.

Ideally, you should regularly donate blood for testosterone to monitor its amount. In this case, deviations from the norm will be quickly noticed, and treatment is prescribed in a timely manner.

How do you know if testosterone is high?

The most obvious sign that is easiest for a man to notice is an increase in libido. A plus, it seems only at first glance, gradually sexual desire becomes too high, even with a regular sex life. As a result - loss of control, aggression, violence. Such an increase in aggression is temporary, after a while apathy sets in, up to depression, and then the whole thing repeats again. Such a regular emotional swing does not go unnoticed for the psychological and physical condition.

Other things to look out for:

• oily skin;
• acne;
• body hair growth;
• sleep disorders;
• spikes in blood pressure;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• pain when going to the toilet;
• irritability and aggressiveness;
• premature ejaculation;
• heart pain;
• mood swings.

The listed symptoms are a reason to see a doctor and undergo all the necessary examinations.

What can be the consequences

If you do not pay attention to the signals of the body, increased testosterone will lead to serious consequences:

• hypertension;
• liver cirrhosis;
• blood clots;
• diseases of the gallbladder;
• kidney disease;
• mental disorders;
• insomnia;
• infertility;
• oncology.

In addition, the body will gradually try to regulate the level of testosterone on its own, reducing its synthesis. This will naturally entail disruption of the testicles, which affects the activity of sperm, sexual desire, etc. These problems will only aggravate the condition of the man, in addition to all of the above.

When and how to get tested

A doctor may order a referral for testing if you have any of the above symptoms or for a preventive checkup.

For the indicators to be "clean", you need to follow a number of rules before donating blood:

It should also be borne in mind that vegetarianism or prolonged fasting affects testosterone levels, which can distort the test results.

How to treat?

First of all, do not self-medicate, you need to see a doctor.On the basis of examinations, a specialist will prescribe a suitable therapy. If the increase in testosterone is not caused by internal processes, but by eating habits or lifestyle, in most cases it is worth reconsidering your diet and physical activity.

If the cause of increased testosterone in a man is mass-building drugs, they should be abandoned. This may be enough for the hormone levels to even out. It's also helpful to review your diet and, if possible, eliminate testosterone-boosting foods.

What you can do:

Any diet should be switched only after consulting a doctor. It is important to understand that this is not a permanent diet, the change in diet is temporary. You can supplement your diet with walks in the park and some light sports.

Medical treatment and surgery

If the increase in testosterone is caused by premature puberty, the synthesis of this hormone can be normalized with the help of luteinizing drugs. As a result, the boy's hormonal level returns to normal, corresponding to his age.

Adult men may also be prescribed hormonal drugs to lower testosterone production. But in this case, it is worth preparing in advance for the fact that the treatment will be long. The course can take several months.

Surgery is an extreme case. Surgery is performed if there are tumors in the adrenal glands or testicles. If the tumor is benign, further prognosis is favorable, and after surgery, testosterone levels return to normal.

What to do for prevention?

In order to maintain men's health for a long time and not know about diseases, in order to prevent it, you should follow simple rules:

These simple recommendations will help you maintain normal testosterone levels. In addition, nutritional control, moderate physical activity and the absence of bad habits have a beneficial effect on the entire body, making it healthy.