High testosterone levels in males can cause symptoms such as increased body hair growth, mood changes, high sex drive, acne, and more.

In males, testosterone functions include the regulation of libido, bone health, and muscle mass, as well as the production of sperm.

Testosterone is essential for health, but too much may increase the risk of health problems, such as an enlarged prostate gland.

Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of high testosterone in males, when to contact a doctor, and more.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

High levels of synthetic testosterone, or taking testosterone in medication, may lead to:

  • hepatic adenoma, a tumor on the liver
  • cholestatic jaundice
  • benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Males with very high testosterone levels may experience:

  • acne
  • aggressive or risk-taking behaviors
  • excessive body hair
  • headaches
  • heart or liver problems
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • high sex drive (libido)
  • increased appetite
  • infertility
  • insomnia
  • low sperm count
  • mood changes
  • prostate enlargement, which may cause difficulty passing urine
  • swelling of the legs and feet
  • unexplained weight gain

The authors of a 2021 study noted that males with high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — a substance that works with testosterone — may have a higher chance of acne and hair loss. However, they did not link this effect directly to high testosterone levels.

Testosterone may also play a role in the development of prostate cancer.

A 2022 analysis found that free testosterone may have links with prostate cancer, including early onset prostate cancer and aggressive prostate cancer.

Free testosterone is testosterone in the body that is not attached to proteins.

A person should contact a doctor if they experience signs or symptoms of high testosterone. The doctor can order tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause.

Their doctor can then work with them to create a suitable treatment plan.

Treatments can depend on the cause of elevated testosterone levels.

For example, athletes and bodybuilders sometimes use anabolic steroids to improve athletic performance and build muscle mass. This can lead to symptoms of high testosterone levels, and doctors may recommend stopping taking steroids.

High testosterone in males can cause a variety of signs and symptoms, including acne, increased sex drive, excessive facial and body hair, mood changes, infertility, and more.

People who show symptoms associated with high testosterone should contact their doctor for diagnosis and treatment. High testosterone levels can raise the risk of infertility, cancer, and other complications.