Testosterone is a hormone that is produced in the male body and is responsible for the development of male characteristics. Testosterone levels peak during puberty and then slowly decline as a man ages. While testosterone plays an important role in the development of male characteristics, it also has other functions in the body.
It can be affected by many factors, including age, health, and lifestyle choices. And while there are many benefits to having high testosterone levels, there can also be some drawbacks. Here’s a look at how extra testosterone can affect the male body.
It Can Boost Muscle Mass
One of the most well-known benefits of having high testosterone levels is that it can help boost muscle mass. Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for the development and maintenance of muscle mass. The more testosterone a man has, the more muscle he is likely to have. And while extra testosterone can help a man build muscle, it’s important to note that diet and exercise are also important factors. You should also be careful if you decide to supplement with testosterone, as it may cause some side effects. Not to mention, it’s illegal to use without a doctor’s prescription.
It May Cause Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition that causes enlarged breasts in men. It can be caused by many things, but one of the most common causes is an imbalance of hormones. When there is too much estrogen and not enough testosterone, gynecomastia can occur. Although it is not harmful, it can be embarrassing for some men. If you are taking testosterone supplements for any reason, be sure to monitor your hormone levels closely to avoid this side effect. And while some people believe the opposite if you are wondering will increasing testosterone reduce gynecomastia, unfortunately, the answer is no. It may even worsen the existing condition.
It Can Increase Red Blood Cell Production
Testosterone is responsible for the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the muscles. The more testosterone a man has, the more red blood cells he is likely to have. This can be beneficial for athletes who need lots of oxygen to their muscles during exercise. However, it can also lead to a condition called polycythemia, which is when there are too many red blood cells in the body. This can thicken the blood and cause problems such as heart attacks and strokes. If you have any concerns about your testosterone levels, be sure to speak with your doctor.
It Can Affect Your Cholesterol Levels
Testosterone can also affect your cholesterol levels. Low testosterone levels have been linked with high cholesterol. This is because testosterone helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the body (the bad kind). When you have low testosterone, there is less removal of LDL cholesterol, which can lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you have high cholesterol, you should speak with your doctor about ways to lower it. And if you are taking testosterone supplements, be sure to consult with your doctor about the potential risks.
While high testosterone levels can have some benefits, they can also lead to some health problems if they are not kept in check. Be sure to monitor your testosterone levels closely if you decide to take supplements, and if you naturally have high testosterone levels, be sure to speak with your doctor about options to keep your levels in check.
