Several conditions may cause increased testosterone levels in men. According to MayoClinic.com, testosterone is a hormone that is produced primarily in your testes, if you are male. For men, testosterone serves many important functions, including maintaining bone density, regulating fat distribution, maintaining muscle mass and strength, producing red blood cells and regulating sex drive and sperm production. Certain medical conditions may cause high testosterone levels in some men.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism may cause elevated testosterone levels in men. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, hyperthyroidism, also known as thyrotoxicosis, is a disorder in which your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. The NIDDK states that approximately 1 percent of Americans have hyperthyroidism. Women are much more commonly affected by this condition than men. In fact, women are five to 10 times more likely to develop hyperthyroidism than males. Common causes of hyperthyroidism include Graves' disease, inflammation of your thyroid gland and ingesting too much iodine. Possible signs and symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism include elevated testosterone levels in males, nervousness or irritability, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, heat intolerance, hand tremors, irregular heart beat, weight loss and mood swings.
Adrenal Gland Tumors
Adrenal gland tumors can cause an increase in testosterone levels in men. The Center for Pancreatic and Biliary Diseases at the University of Southern California states that your adrenal glands are yellowish-orange colored glands that sit on top of your kidneys. Your adrenal glands are comprised of two distinct parts: cortex and medulla. Your adrenal cortex is the outer part of your adrenal gland, whereas your adrenal medulla is the inner part. Adrenal gland tumors can manifest in either part of your adrenal gland. Possible signs and symptoms associated with an adrenal gland tumor include increased testosterone levels in men, increased blood pressure, decreased potassium levels, heart palpitations, nervousness, anxiety, diabetes and abdominal stretch marks. According to the the USC Center for Pancreatic and Biliary Diseases, adrenal gland tumors can produce several types of hormones, including steroids, aldosterone and catecholamines.
Precocious Puberty
Precocious puberty can cause high testosterone levels in young men. According to MayoClinic.com, puberty occurs when your body changes from that of a child into an adult. Puberty involves accelerated bone and muscle growth, changes in body size and shape and the development of reproductive capabilities. In most boys, puberty begins between the ages of 9 and 14. Precocious puberty is puberty that begins before age 9 in boys. MayoClinic.com states that the cause of precocious puberty usually cannot be determined. Common signs and symptoms associated with precocious puberty in boys include increased testosterone levels, enlarged testicles and penis, facial hair, deepening voice, pubic or underarm hair, rapid growth, acne and adult body odor. According to MayoClinic.com, short height is a possible complication associated with precocious puberty in both girls and boys.
