Testosterone is a key sex hormone that plays several important roles in men and women. It’s largely known as a male hormone, though it’s found in women in much smaller amounts.
While testosterone is an essential hormone, high testosterone levels can wreak havoc on a woman’s health. Could your symptoms be due to high testosterone?
Learn about several conditions which could be causing you to have more testosterone. We’ll also cover several treatments that can bring testosterone levels back to a healthy range.
Key Takeaways
- Testosterone is an important male sex hormone also found in women in smaller amounts
- Testosterone helps to regulate mood, maintain muscle mass, improve low libido, and other attributes
- Women’s health can be adversely affected by excess testosterone
- Several conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can cause elevated testosterone in women
- Testosterone can be returned to healthy levels through a combination of medications, supplements, diet, and other lifestyle choices
What Causes High Levels of Testosterone In Women?
PCOS, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, and insulin resistance are the three main conditions that could be responsible for your higher testosterone levels. A hormonal disorder, like any of the ones below, could be the culprit for high testosterone in women.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is to affect roughly 1 in 10 women, making it a common cause of high testosterone [1].
Women with PCOS can experience irregular periods, higher levels of androgen hormones, and excess body hair. Infertility can be one of the main complications, so it’s important to see your doctor for assessment and treatment.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a disorder affecting the two adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. The glands play an important role in the body and produce several key hormones.
These include cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens such as testosterone. Since it’s congenital, it means it’s present at birth. With treatment, the associated symptoms can be managed.
Blood Sugar And Insulin Levels
Blood sugar and insulin levels can have an impact on your testosterone levels, but interestingly the effects in men and women are different.
In men, diabetes can cause low testosterone levels [2], while in women, it can increase it. Insulin resistance, such as what’s found in diabetes, can cause blood sugar to increase.
Summary
Women with PCOS, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, and abnormal blood sugar levels from insulin resistance can experience high testosterone levels. With proper treatment, you can lower testosterone levels and manage symptoms.
How Can a Woman Lower Testosterone Levels?
A woman can lower testosterone levels through several means. These include:
- Medication
- Lifestyle changes
- Supplements
Does working out increase testosterone? This is a common question people have. Research has shown certain kinds of exercise can increase testosterone levels, while others can lower testosterone.
Contraceptive Pill
Birth control pills are commonly taken by women for numerous reasons. Most forms of oral contraceptives will contain both estrogen and progestin. These are typically referred to as combined pills, and it’s possible to bring elevated testosterone back to a normal range.
The contraceptive pill significantly lowered free and total testosterone in otherwise healthy women
Metformin
Metformin is used in the treatment of diabetes, and it helps to get blood sugar levels under control. This medication would only be useful in cases where insulin resistance or lower insulin sensitivity is the cause of your elevated testosterone. Insulin resistance is common in PCOS, and 50 to 60 percent of these women will have a metabolic syndrome.
Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids are a class of medication that mimics the effect of cortisol and treats inflammation in the body. Treatment with glucocorticoids may lower testosterone levels in women.
However, caution should be taken as these medications come with increased risk for a variety of problems. For example, bone density can be adversely affected, and your risk for infections may be higher as the immune system is suppressed. They can also cause weight gain.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is often prescribed to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and fluid build-up around the heart. It mimics another substance in the body called aldosterone. These medications are better known as water pills and help you to excrete excess water.
Getting these issues under control is important to reduce the risk of heart disease. Spironolactone can also be effective at blocking testosterone.
Summary
Several medications can reduce testosterone levels. Generally, these are used to treat specific conditions, and you should only use them on the advice and prescription of a physician. Using these medications for a condition you don’t have can cause hormone imbalances and other complications.
How To Decrease Testosterone Levels Naturally
Decrease testosterone naturally by doing the following:
- Balancing blood sugar
- Green tea
- Spearmint tea
- Flaxseeds
- Licorice
- Zinc
- Amino acids
- Other supplements
If you’re looking at how to lower testosterone safely and naturally, you’ll be happy to learn there’s plenty you can do. Normal testosterone levels in women can be achieved without the use of drugs in many cases.
Balance Blood Sugar
As we’ve discussed before, getting blood sugar under control can often help bring elevated testosterone levels down. Several supplements can improve insulin sensitivity, notably:
- American Ginseng
- Aloe Vera
- Berberine
- Vitamin D
- Cinnamon
- Magnesium
- Green tea
Besides reducing high testosterone in women, getting your sugar levels under control can prevent a wide range of chronic diseases, especially diabetes.
Supplements
Green tea can increase sex hormone binding globulin, which can therefore reduce free testosterone levels in the blood. Studies have also shown spearmint tea has anti-androgenic effects and can be helpful in women with PCOS [3].
Omega 3 supplementation has also been shown to significantly lower testosterone levels in women with PCOS. Finally, flaxseed effects on testosterone were documented in studies, helping people to achieve healthy testosterone levels.
Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral that can help balance hormone levels. Interestingly zinc can both raise and lower testosterone. In men with lower testosterone, zinc supplementation can promote testosterone production. On the other hand, a woman with PCOS can find zinc will help reduce it and bring hormone levels to a healthy range.
Licorice
Licorice is popular candy, but the herbal supplement we’ll discuss here is something a little different. Studies have shown licorice can treat high testosterone in healthy women and reduce serum levels by a noticeable amount [4].
A word of caution, though, licorice does have the potential to raise blood pressure. Those with cardiovascular disease may want to opt for another supplement.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are essential to the repair and growth of body tissues and maintaining muscle mass. Amino acids are generally responsible for boosting testosterone levels, especially D-Aspartic Acid. If you suffer from elevated testosterone, it might be a good idea to check what supplements you’re taking and if D-Aspartic Acid is on any labels.
Testosterone Lowering Foods
While we often hear about foods that increase testosterone, there are also a number of foods that help to reduce it, such as:
- Flaxseeds
- Nuts
- Licorice root
- Soy products (eg, tofu)
- Fish
All of these foods can be part of a balanced diet, contribute to healthy body weight, and can bring testosterone levels down too.
Summary
Numerous drug alternatives exist and can help in reducing testosterone in women. Some of these are more suited to certain conditions, like polycystic ovary syndrome, while others can be taken by anyone.
How Do You Know If You Have High Testosterone?
Too much testosterone in women can result in numerous problems. High testosterone symptoms include:
- Oily skin
- Unwanted hair
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Increased muscle mass
- Deepening voice
Summary
Having too much testosterone has several key symptoms, many of which are easily recognizable. In many cases, signs can overlap in both men and women.
What Happens If a Woman’s Testosterone Is Too High?
While high testosterone can cause numerous physical changes, it can also affect a woman’s health in other ways. A hormone imbalance can cause an irregular menstrual cycle, and more importantly, can indicate larger issues are present.
We’ve already seen PCOS, high blood sugar, reduced insulin sensitivity, and other adrenal disorders can cause high testosterone. If you have symptoms of elevated testosterone, it’s important to see your doctor to get more serious causes ruled out.
Summary
High testosterone can cause numerous symptoms but may be a sign that a more serious issue is present.
FAQ
Please see below the questions most asked about lowering testosterone.
How Do You Treat High Testosterone Levels?
In cases where a clear medical cause is established, doctors will likely prescribe the necessary medication to treat it. Insulin, water pills, and medications like prednisone can be indicated depending on the exact culprit.
How Can I Lower My Testosterone Fast?
If you have mildly elevated testosterone that’s not due to a serious medical issue, you can take some steps to reduce it. Studies have shown several foods and supplements that can have a direct impact on testosterone levels, many of which were discussed earlier in the article.
What Kills Testosterone the Most?
There’s no question that medication can have the most powerful and rapid effect on lowering testosterone. However, these medications aren’t for everyone and also come with side effects. If your condition isn’t serious, you can use natural alternatives instead.
Does Exercise Reduce Testosterone in Females?
Certain exercises like weight training and HIIT have been shown to increase testosterone, so you should be mindful if you’re doing these. On the other hand, endurance activities like running can promote cortisol release and have a testosterone lowering effect.
How Can You Lower Testosterone Levels With PCOS?
For women with PCOS, you may need treatments from a physician to help manage the condition. You can also consider adding other products and foods that have been shown to reduce testosterone.
Conclusion
Testosterone is a vital hormone found in both men and women. It serves many important functions in the human body, but like anything, problems can arise when there’s too much. Women produce only small amounts in their ovaries and adrenal glands under normal circumstances.
Certain diseases can increase this production and therefore result in several symptoms and other issues. Testosterone can also be elevated due to benign causes like certain activities or supplements. With the help of your doctor, you can pinpoint the cause and create a treatment plan that will work for you.
References
- Lerchbaum, Elisabeth, et al. “Hyperandrogenemia in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Exploration of the Role of Free Testosterone and Androstenedione in Metabolic Phenotype.” PloS One, Public Library of Science, 13 Oct. 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4195601/.
- M;, Grossmann. “Low Testosterone in Men with Type 2 Diabetes: Significance and Treatment.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21646372/.
- P;, Grant. “Spearmint Herbal Tea Has Significant Anti-Androgen Effects in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Phytotherapy Research : PTR, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19585478/.
- Armanini D;Mattarello MJ;Fiore C;Bonanni G;Scaroni C;Sartorato P;Palermo M; “Licorice Reduces Serum Testosterone in Healthy Women.” Steroids, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15579328/.
