Risks of High Testosterone Levels in Men

Testosterone therapy involves artificially increasing testosterone levels in men who have low testosterone levels due to advanced age, according to MayoClinic.com. The higher levels of testosterone may enhance dwindling mental acuity, elevate sex drive as well as raise overall vigor. Nevertheless, high testosterone levels may also have detrimental effects on men. As such, the potential gains may not be worth the risks involved in increasing testosterone levels, notes MayoClinic.com.

Heart Disease

High testosterone levels can increase the risk of heart disease among men, according to EurekaAlert.org, a service of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Data as of 2010 suggests that elevated levels of testosterone raises the risk of developing a heart condition known as atherosclerosis. Moreover, there may be a connection between the sex hormone-binding globulin, a kind of protein that binds to testosterone, and heart disease.

Increased Breast Size

High testosterone levels can cause men to develop larger breasts, notes MayoClinic.com. The growth in breast size is usually associated with lower than normal levels of testosterone. However, elevated testosterone levels may have this effect as well.

Sleep Apnea

Elevated levels of testosterone in men can also raise the risk of sleep apnea, explains MayoClinic.com. Apnea is a disorder that causes breathing to cease again and again during slumber. This disorder can be potentially fatal if left untreated.

Cyst Growth in the Prostate

High levels of testosterone in men seems to cause cysts to grow around the prostate area, notes MayoClinic.com. If there are already cancer cells growing in the prostate area, elevated testosterone levels can cause them to develop more aggressively.

Fluid Retention

High levels of testosterone in men may also cause the body to retain fluid, explains Drugs.com. Such an inability to properly excrete excess amounts of liquid may lead to further complications involving other organs and systems, explains Drugs.com.

Myocardial Infarction

Men with elevated testosterone levels run the risk of experiencing myocardial infarctions, or heart attacks, notes EurekaAlert.org. Moreover, data shows that men with testosterone levels exceeding about 500 nanograms per deciliter are twice as likely to have heart attacks compared to those who have levels below 300 nanograms per deciliter.

Reduced Production of Sperm

High testosterone levels in men may also lower the overall production of sperm, explains MayoClinic.com, and may also cause the testicles to grow smaller. However, as of 2010, data on these possible effects contains contradictory results, notes MayoClinic.com.

Skin Problems

Raised levels of testosterone in men may also cause the skin to become inflamed, according to MayoClinic.com. Acne and other skin problems may manifest as a result of high testosterone levels.