Signs of High Testosterone in a man are often associated with masculinity, brutal muscle mass, and extreme self-confidence. Is it right, though? Just partly.
Unfortunately, sex hormones don't work in a «the more - the better» way. Some signs of high Testosterone in a man can be pretty uncomfortable. Here's how the whole issue looks like from a scientific perspective:
What is Testosterone
In short, it's a primary male sex hormone. It's produced in male testicles throughout their whole life. Testosterone controls numerous processes in a male body. To name a few:
● Male sexual characteristics development;
● LIbido;
● Body composition (aka fat storage and muscle growth).
Sometimes, low or high Testosterone is not a person's fault or achievement. This
study on fetal Testosterone levels clearly shows: the basic ratio forms before the person is even born.
What is a Normal Testosterone Level
It's a tricky question. First, you need to know that Testosterone is measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). The healthy range is between 300 and 1000 ng/dl.
To see signs of high Testosterone in a man, their T level should be closer to 1000 ng/dl.
It's an ungodly simplified explanation because natural Testosterone levels peak by a man's 20s and decline with age. For example, teenagers can have up to 1200 ng/dl and stay in the normal range.
Good Signs of High Testosterone in a Man
Now, who comes to mind when you think of a person with the most signs of high Testosterone in a man? Is it Arnold Schwarzenegger? The latest Mr. Olympia? Popeye from those cartoons? All of them have really exaggerated and visible signs of high Testosterone in a man. Let's check them one by one:
Manly Chin and Face Structure
Just like the one a stereotypical Chad guy from the memes has. A strong jaw and a massive chin is a sign of high Testosterone in a man. And if you think that it's all stereotypes - NOPE, this
study on face structure and sex hormones in men proves it.
Voice
You should not just LOOK like a man; you should SOUND like one as well. A deep voice is one of the most easy-to-spot signs of high Testosterone in a man.
As if it wasn't obvious - a deeper voice is often associated with sexuality. Strangely enough - even men prefer deep male voices over feminine-sounding ones. This
study on the perception of voice characteristics proves the point.
Confidence
Walk through the fire, initiate small talk, enjoy a party without being anxious about every person's opinion - something that men with low Testosterone can only dream about. Among the mental signs of high Testosterone in a man you can get:
● Aggressiveness;
● Social confidence;
● Impulsivity;
● Quick decisions.
You can check an excellent
study review on male confidence and Testosterone levels to get the proof.
Hair
What could be manlier than a beard? Many things, to be honest. However, the stereotypical guy with all the signs of high Testosterone in a man will ALWAYS walk around with a beard or - at least - a scruff.
The reason is - Testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone) directly affect facial hair growth. It's a proven fact, and you can check numerous studies on it - like this
facial hair growth research review from 1982.
Excessive BODY hair growth is also a sign of high Testosterone in a man, but it's not so definitive - both signs can be defined by genetics as well.
Bad Signs of High Testosterone in a Man
And you thought it was all fun and games? Unfortunately, TOO MUCH Testosterone can result in some adverse conditions and effects as well. Let's keep it short:
Bad skin health
You know the drill: dryness, acne, pimples all over the place. Testosterone doesn't work selectively in your muscles or your hair follicles. It affects your body in a complex way, and unhealthy levels can damage everything.
Mental changes
Yeah, confidence is good, but modern science can't say that we know 100% of Testosterone's effects on the central nervous system. Some men with excessive Test levels can get:
● Anxiety;
● Depression;
● Panic attacks.
The good news is - you have to get a rare hormonal disorder to get your Testosterone high enough to see these changes. Still, though, there is a possibility.
Elevated BP.
Blood Pressure issues can lead to heart failure and all kinds of dangerous stuff. Among the visual signs of high Testosterone in a man you can spot:
● Red face;
● Extreme sweating;
● Popped out veins (aka vascularity).
Also, elevated BP can lead to some uncomfortable things that are hard to spot:
● Headaches;
● Nausea;
● Chest pain.
Testosterone promotes red blood cell production, increasing the total volume of the blood that flows in your veins. It's an oversimplified explanation, but you get the point: unhealthy Testosterone - unhealthy pressure on heart and blood vessels. Luckily, it's a rare thing.
How To Find Signs of High Testosterone in a Man
Now that you know the signs - you have two options: a simple self-check or a professional medical test. We recommend both:
As a simple self-check - you have to just relax and reflect for a minute. Ideally - in front of a mirror. How manly is your jaw? Do you look toned without exercising, or natural workouts make you look incredibly muscular? Muscle mass is one of the most obvious signs of high Testosterone in a man, so we left it for the dessert here. Do you FEEL confident?
Think about all the proven signs of high Testosterone in a man you just saw and think, whether they apply to you? None of the signs alone guarantees elevated T levels, but all combined might be a tip.
And another option: stop playing around with self-diagnosis (even though we know it's fun) and get a medical Testosterone test. Your physician won't look at your jaw and won't look for other signs of high Testosterone in a man. He will just do bloodwork and see the real numbers.
An official medical test from an actual physician (tests that you can get from a corner drug store won't be precise) is the ONLY way to be sure about your Testosterone levels. The signs, though, can give you a hint or two.