Does additional testosterone, post-puberty, alter the bones of the face to any notable degree?

June 27, 2009 5:28 PM

Does additional testosterone, post-puberty, alter the bones of the face to any notable degree?

I know that testosterone during puberty and just after puberty changes the shape of your skull. I know that additional testosterone after that point can make your jaw muscles larger and shift some of the fat deposits in your face. However, would it alter your skull at all after, say, your mid-twenties? Specifically, would the size of the jawbone and chin increase, or would you develop brow bossing? Any other potential changes in the skull or skeleton?

I have not been able to find a great deal of information on this topic. Of the communities for whom that would be of interest, neither had a great deal of information about bone changes aside from increases in density; they focused more on libido, muscle growth, hair, and so forth.

posted by adipocere to health & fitness (2 comments total)

My understanding is that men with testosterone secreting (leydig cell) tumors tend to be asymptomatic. If it does this it must do it pretty slowly. For adults with growth hormone (which has a huge impact on skeletal development) secreting tumors, the facial changes take a long time to become apparent.
posted by a robot made out of meat at 7:03 PM on June 27

The bone changes you mention -- frontal bossing, jawbone enlarging--are symptoms of acromegaly. I doubt testosterone would produce the same effects as a pituitary growth hormone.
posted by lleachie at 4:51 AM on June 28