Reasons for High Testosterone Levels in Men

Testosterone is a male hormone created in the pituitary gland that affects functions such as the reproductive system, the brain and the vascular system. Though found in both genders, it is much more common in men. The hormone hits its peak when a man is approximately age 40.

Definition

• High testosterone levels are defined as exceeding 1,080 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) in men ages 20 to 39, 890 ng/dL in men ages 40 to 59, and 720 ng/dL in men 60 and older.

Causes

• Abnormal testosterone levels are caused by genetics or the use of testosterone-enriched substances such as anabolic steroids.

Positive Effects

• According to a study in The Journal of Behavioral Medicine, men with above-average testosterone levels were at lower risk for high blood pressure, heart attacks and obesity than other men.

Negative Effects

• High levels of testosterone may be a sign of cancer of the testicles, prostate or adrenal glands, as well as hyperthyroidism and liver disease.

Behavior

• Men with high testosterone levels are more likely to smoke, more likely drink five or more alcoholic beverages a day and more likely to have had a sexually transmitted disease than other men, according to a 1999 study at Pennsylvania State University.