High testosterone in women can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms including acne, excess hair growth, and mood changes.
This guide explains how to lower testosterone in women through diet, exercise, stress management, herbal remedies, and medical treatments.
Effects of High Testosterone in Women
High testosterone in women can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms. Here are some of the changes you can experience:
Physical Symptoms:
- Excessive Hair Growth
- Acne
- Irregular Menstruation
- Hirsutism
The physical symptoms of excess testosterone in women can be embarrassing and affect your self-confidence.
They can also increase your risk of developing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by high androgen levels. Your doctor can perform a blood test in the morning to evaluate your hormone levels.
Emotional and Psychological Symptoms:
- Mood Changes: You may be more short-tempered or emotional than usual.
- Low Sex Drive: A low libido can strain your relationships and intimacy.
These symptoms can affect your mental health and relationships. Treating them can improve your mood and intimacy life.
Note: Women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) can also experience high testosterone levels since their bodies produce too many androgens.
How to Lower Testosterone in Women
High testosterone can cause a range of emotional symptoms, including mood swings and low libido. These symptoms can put a strain on your relationships and even contribute to depression and anxiety.
There are several ways to lower testosterone levels naturally.
Here are some of the most effective methods you can try:
Talk to Your Doctor
For high testosterone, consult to your doctor. They can help you figure out why this is happening and what you can do about it.
Your doctor will likely run some tests, such as a blood testosterone level test, and develop a plan that’s right for you.
They’ll consider your medical history and medications you’re taking.
Diet
Your diet can help or hinder your efforts to lower testosterone levels.
Some foods, such as those with anti-androgenic properties, may help mitigate the effects of testosterone.
- Flax Seeds: Flax seeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help regulate hormone production.
- Fatty Fish: In addition to flax seeds, you can get your omega-3s from fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
- Fruits and Vegetables: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation, which is associated with high testosterone. Choose a variety of colors to ensure you’re getting a range of nutrients.
Exercise
Of course, regular exercise is important for good health, and it can help you lower testosterone levels naturally. Target for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
You can also benefit from incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your routine. HIIT has been shown to lower testosterone and improve insulin sensitivity.
Stress Management
Another one is stress managing. Chronic stress can cause your body to produce cortisol, which can increase testosterone. Practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to lower your cortisol levels.
Herbs to Balance Hormones
There are several herbs that may help balance your hormones and lower testosterone.
As always, I recommend everyone be sure to talk to your doctor before trying any new supplements. Herbs that may help lower testosterone levels include:
- Saw Palmetto: Saw palmetto may block the effects of testosterone and DHT, two hormones that can contribute to hair loss and other symptoms of high testosterone.
Red Clover
Red clover is rich in isoflavones, which can help lower testosterone and DHT levels.
It’s also a rich source of calcium and vitamin E.
Licorice Root
Licorice root extract can help regulate hormones and lower testosterone. It’s important to use licorice root extract caution, as it can increase potassium levels in your body.
Spearmint Tea
Spearmint tea has been shown to lower testosterone levels in women with PCOS by up to 50%. It’s a soothing tea that can help calm a range of symptoms.
White Peony Root
White peony root is an anti-androgen herb that can help lower testosterone levels. It’s also known to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Always be sure to talk to your doctor before trying or buying any new supplements.
Lifestyle Changes to Balance Hormones
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to balance your hormones and lower testosterone.
Here are a few of the most important:
Sleep
Getting quality sleep is important for overall health, and it’s especially important for hormonal balance.
You can establish a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before sleep. Avoid screens and caffeine in the hours leading up to bedtime.
Stress Reduction
Finding ways to reduce stress is important for overall health, and it can help with hormonal balance. Try mindfulness practices, journaling, or hobbies that bring you joy.
Hormone Therapy for High Testosterone
If diet and lifestyle changes don’t lower your testosterone levels, there are a variety of medical treatments that can help.
Here are some of the most effective options to consider:
1. Birth Control Pills
These pills are a common treatment for high testosterone in women, especially if you don’t plan on getting pregnant.
They help regulate your menstrual cycle and prevent unwanted hair growth by lowering testosterone production.
2. Anti-Androgen Pills
Medications like Spironolactone are often used to treat excessive hair growth. They work by slowing hair growth and reducing androgens.
Other anti-androgen pills, like Finasteride and Dutasteride, target specific hormones to lower dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production.
While these medications are effective, they must be used with caution and under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
3. Insulin-Sensitizing Drugs
If you have insulin resistance or PCOS, insulin-sensitizing drugs like metformin can be incredibly helpful.
These medications increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which can help lower testosterone levels and regulate your menstrual cycle.
By addressing insulin resistance, they offer a natural treatment for high testosterone and its symptoms.
Sounds Good , Right ?
What Causes High Testosterone in Women?
Knowing what causes high testosterone in women is important for effective treatment.
Here are a few of the most common causes I listed:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is one of the most common causes of high testosterone in women. It’s a condition that affects many women during their childbearing years.
If you have PCOS, it’s good to recognize the symptoms early on to prevent long-term damage to your health.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
CAH can cause hormonal imbalances that lead to high testosterone levels.
Your doctor can measure your levels of cortisol and androgens to diagnose the condition.
Ovarian and Adrenal Tumors
Hormonal imbalances caused by ovarian and adrenal tumors can cause a range of symptoms, including high testosterone.
These tumors are often benign, but they can cause serious symptoms if not treated.
Symptoms of High Testosterone in Women
Being aware of the symptoms of high testosterone in women can help you seek treatment before symptoms become severe.
Here are some common symptoms of excess testosterone in women:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Mood changes
- Excess hair growth (hirsutism)
- Acne
- Muscle growth
These symptoms can be distressing and impact a woman’s physical appearance and mental well-being.
In more severe cases, women may experience a deepening voice and reduced breast size due to high testosterone levels. These changes can significantly affect self-esteem and quality of life.
Doctors often recommend a blood test, typically conducted in the morning, to diagnose elevated testosterone levels.
Wrap Up
I hope this detailed guide help you directly. As it can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms from excess hair to acne and low libido.
And addressing this hormone imbalance requires a multifaceted approach. By working with your doctor, making lifestyle changes, exercising, and using herbal supplements, you can find natural ways to alleviate these symptoms.
