You’ve probably heard that testosterone is the hormone that makes men, well, men. But you may not know that it also plays a big role in women’s health. Too little testosterone in men can lead to fatigue, low libido, and muscle mass loss, while higher levels can also result in serious health conditions such as liver failure. Low testosterone in women will cause fatigue and low libido as well, but they will start noticing much more undesirable symptoms with high testosterone levels, including the growth of facial hair and a deepened voice. In this article, we will explore the causes of excessive testosterone levels in both men and women, and discuss medications that can lower them.
High Testosterone In Men
It’s a well-known fact that older men have lower T levels than their younger counterparts. It is not so likely to hear from men suffering from high testosterone levels, and on the contrary elevated T-levels are often associated with very “manly” men. However, as with many things in life, balance is key.
A man can have naturally high testosterone levels but still be within the normal range. More serious conditions like pituitary tumors can cause elevated T levels in men and require treatment. However, it’s important to note that the most common cause of excessive testosterone levels in men is the overuse of anabolic steroids by bodybuilders and professional athletes.
Consequences of high testosterone in men include:
- Liver disease
- Acne
- Low sperm count
- Shrinking of testicles
- Prostate cancer
- Prostate enlargement that makes urination difficult
- High blood pressure
- Irritability
- Insomnia
Medication That Can Lower Testosterone Levels When You Don’t Want Them To
We’ve discussed men with over-the-top testosterone levels. But what about men with low to normal levels of this hormone and who want to prevent testosterone deficiency? Some medications used for various diseases can cause drops in your T-levels. If you’re taking any of these you should be getting your testosterone tested during your treatment for some insight to avoid suffering from low T:
- Beta-blockers
- Chemotherapy
- Opioids
- Hypertension medications
- Tranquilizers
- Antiarrhythmics
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
High Testosterone In Women
Women produce much less testosterone than men (about 1/10th). However, testosterone plays an important role in libido and energy in women, so maintaining a normal production of this hormone is necessary for overall health. But, if a woman has too much testosterone, she’ll develop symptoms such as acne, facial hair, and ovulation problems.
Several conditions can cause high T levels in women. One of the most common is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This hormonal imbalance causes an increased production of testosterone and results in:
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain
- Acne
- High cholesterol
- Insulin resistance
Therefore, PCOS should be treated to avoid developing more serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Other causes of high testosterone in women can be tumors of the adrenal glands or ovaries and adrenal hyperplasia.
Anti-Androgens
Fortunately, both men and women can receive treatment for high testosterone. One of the most commonly used medications for high testosterone is anti-androgens. Anti-androgens are a type of medication that can bind to androgen receptors and prevent androgens, like testosterone, from binding to them and exerting their action.
Anti-androgens can be useful for men to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. They can be helpful for women to manage symptoms of PCOS and other conditions that cause testosterone imbalances. Individuals who are going through gender reassignment can also be prescribed anti-androgens to reduce the expression of male characteristics.
GnRH Agonists
GnRH agonists are drugs that reduce the production of sex hormones in men and women. They are used to treat endometriosis, prostate cancer, and cancer of the ovaries.
While there is some evidence that GnRH agonists may lower testosterone levels in men, they don’t appear to have a utility in reducing testosterone levels in women, since they will cause a more significant drop in estrogen and progesterone than testosterone.
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
5-alpha reductase inhibitors are a class of drugs that block the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that, when elevated, causes male pattern baldness, acne, and prostate cancer. Therefore, this medication is also considered useful when high testosterone levels are present since it will prevent this hormone from converting into its active state as DHT and reduce its action in the body’s tissues.
Conclusion
Several conditions can result in high testosterone. In women, it’s usually the result of hormonal imbalance conditions such as PCOS, while in men it is most likely the result of anabolic steroid overuse. If you notice unusual symptoms similar to those discussed in this article, the best course of action is to get your blood tested and speak to your doctor about your results. They will guide you through further testing and treatment, whether that involves anti-androgen medication, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, or whichever other depending on your needs.
If on the contrary, you’re a man looking to avoid lowering your testosterone levels, take a look at your current medication. Beta-blockers, antihistamines, chemotherapy, and antidepressants can all cause low T levels. Make sure to get tested at least twice a year and speak to your doctor about your results and medication options.
Key Takeaways
- Both men and women can develop unwanted symptoms if their testosterone levels are too high.
- PCOS is the main cause of high T in women, while anabolic steroid use is the most common cause in men.
- Treatment for high testosterone includes anti-androgen medication, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and Gn-RH agonists.
- If you’re a man looking to avoid lowering your testosterone levels, take a look at your current medication and discuss other options with your doctor.