Many signs and symptoms of high testosterone levels in men are behavioral, according to an article in "Psychology Today" authored by Leon Seltzer, Ph.D. Personality traits may not be a firm indicator of excess testosterone because unique variables in each man's life can influence his disposition. Men with high testosterone levels invariably display these signs, however, according to Seltzer. If a man is aggressive, for example, he may not necessarily suffer from high testosterone, but if he has high testosterone, he will almost certainly be aggressive.
Insensitivity
Seltzer quotes James McBride Dabbs, a professor of psychology at Georgia State University and author of "Heroes, Rogues and Lovers: Testosterone and Behavior," as saying that "high-T" males or men with high testosterone levels have a tendency to be insensitive toward others. They exhibit a disinterest in the feelings and needs of others, sometimes to the point of psychopathy.
Impulsiveness
Seltzer says that high-T males frequently exhibit impatience and tend to jump into new situations without reasonable reserve. Dabbs says that they're prone to action first and thought second. "Time" magazine reports on research by the University of Cambridge that linked high levels of testosterone with increased risk-taking.
Dominance
Seltzer cites a pronounced connection between high testosterone and male dominance. High-T men tend to be overly competitive and cutthroat in their dealings with others. He quotes Dabbs as saying that they can be obsessively single-minded. "Time" notes that when male animals receive extra testosterone, they try to increase their territories and pick fights.
Social Difficulties
High-T men have difficulty taking orders and instructions or compromising, according to Seltzer. They tend to do poorly in school. They're unlikely to be able to sustain a relationship like marriage and have a high divorce rate if they marry at all. Dabbs cites problems with holding down a job.
Physical Signs and Repercussions
A 2006 study performed by the Yale School of Medicine has now linked high levels of testosterone, particularly those created by taking supplements, to the degeneration of brain cells. Testosterone is a neurosteroid that can alter cells and promote cell death, a process called apoptosis. Not only does this affect a man's behavior as reported by Dabbs, but it has been linked to Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. The Yale study also noted that higher levels of testosterone produce greater muscle mass. High-T males have higher mortality rates. Dabbs supports this and indicates that they also tend to have little body fat, are likely to suffer problems with hair loss, and have an increased sex drive.
References
- ScienceDaily: Elevated Testosterone Kills Nerve Cells; Sep. 27, 2006
- "The Journal of Biological Chemistry": Elevated Testosterone Induces Apoptosisin Neuronal Cells; Yale University; Jun. 27, 2006
- "Psychology Today" magazine: The Many Woes of the High-T Male; Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D.; May 6, 2009
- Lichtenstein Creative Media: The Infinite Mind--Hormones and the Mind
- "Time" magazine: High Testosterone Means High Profits; Adam Smith; Apr. 14, 2008
