Testosterone is one of many hormones that are produced by the endocrine system. It is present in both men and women. As with any hormone, an abnormally high or low concentration of testosterone can lead to health problems. What exactly constitutes "too much" testosterone depends on the age and gender of the person in question. Adolescents and young adult males typically have higher levels of testosterone than male children, older men and women.
Early Puberty
KidsHealth explains that signs of early puberty in boys, called "precocious puberty," may indicate an abnormally elevated level of testosterone. When a male child under the age of nine experiences the growth of facial, pubic or armpit hair, enlarged testes or penis, and deepening of the voice, these signs can be interpreted as precocious puberty.
Precocious puberty is sometimes due to a brain abnormality that causes the pituitary glance to release chemicals that induce the sex organs to produce hormones. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, an inherited disorder of the adrenal gland, can also play a role in precocious puberty
Masculinizing Effects
In women, the ovaries and the adrenal glands produce small amounts of testosterone. Certain disorders, such as polycystic ovarian disease and adrenal gland tumors, can result in an abnormally high production of testosterone in women. These high hormone levels lead to what are referred to as "masculinizing effects," meaning the development of typically male characteristics. The Hormone Foundation notes that polycystic ovarian disease is one of the most common disorders of the endocrine system. Women with this disorder may experience irregular ovulation and menstruation. Adrenal tumors that increase the production of testosterone have been observed to cause an increase in facial hair and muscle mass in women.
Endocrine Abnormalities
Drugs.com notes that drug supplementation with male hormones, such as testosterone, can suppress the endocrine system's normal production of that particular hormone. When testosterone production decreases, so does sperm production.
Excess testosterone levels as a result of supplementation can effect the production of thyroid hormones, which are essential for the regulation of metabolism. The levels of glucose in the blood can decrease due to excess testosterone. In some cases, men who are taking testosterone may experience enlargement of their breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia. Frequent and excessively prolonged penile erections may also result from an abnormally high level of testosterone.
