Even though it is a male sex hormone, testosterone is also produced in the female ovaries in modest quantities.
Joined with estrogen, the female sex hormone, testosterone assists with the development and support of a female’s bone mass, reproductive system, and other practices.
Testosterone levels in normal males range from 280 to 1100 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). These androgens in women range from 15 to 70 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
In this article, we will see what causes these normal levels of testosterone to rise in women and what are its various symptoms and treatments.
We will first discuss the different symptoms of increased levels of androgens in women.
Symptoms of High Androgens in Females
High levels of testosterone in women come with various symptoms and effects.
Some of the symptoms and effects include:
- Excess facial and body hair
- Increase in muscle mass
- acne
- inconsistent menstrual cycles
- deepening of voice
- enlarged clitoris
- mood swings
- decreased size of breasts
- balding
Too high a level of androgens in women may additionally have the following impact on the body:
- low libido
- obesity
- infertility
- mood swings
Thus if one is suffering from some of the above-mentioned symptoms, she likely has an increased level of testosterone in the system.
We will now discuss the various causes of such high androgens in women.
Causes of High Androgens in Females
There are various causes of high androgens in women. This is generally due to some underlying medical condition.
Following are some of the causes:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a typical hormonal problem that influences women of conceptive or reproductive age.
A few sources show that PCOS influences somewhere in the range of 8 and 20 percent of ladies around the world.
Thus it more common than one thinks.
Women who are seen to be diagnosed with PCOS are somewhere between 20 and 30 years of age but some have also been diagnosed with PCOS at a young age between 10 to 15.
PCOS is characterized by broadened ovaries that create follicles and late delivery of eggs, overabundance body hair, and inconsistent menstrual periods.
PCOS usually causes coronary illness, depression, infertility, obesity, miscarriage, and diabetes.
The medical cause of PCOS is currently not known but doctors have suggested genetics play a role in its transmission.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
CAH is an ailment that influences and affects the adrenal organs.
These organs discharge the chemicals cortisol and aldosterone, which assume a part in overseeing digestion and pulse.
The adrenal organs likewise produce the male sex hormones DHEA and testosterone.
Individuals with CAH are short of a compound that is important to manage the creation of these hormones, so they discharge too little cortisol and a lot of testosterone.
CAH is characterized by an enlarged clitoris, excess body hair, deep voice, facial hair, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Though there is no direct cure for CAH, there are some medications that may help fight off the symptoms.
Hirsutism
Hirsutism is a hormonal condition thought to be connected to hereditary qualities. It is portrayed by undesirable hair development in ladies.
It is also characterized by male-design hair development in the back, chest, and face that is dull and coarse.
Hirsutism also comes with an enlarged clitoris, balding, deep voice, acne, and increases in body mass.
There are certain remedies and medical treatments that may curb some of the symptoms of hirsutism.
Thus, these are some of the most common medical causes of high androgens in women.
Such an imbalance in testosterone levels in the body affects the physical appearance and health of a person.
Now we will move on to some of the possible treatments and solutions for such heightened levels of testosterone in females.
These treatments range to take up various forms including medications and dietary control.
Androgen Treatment
Treatment for high testosterone relies upon the cause for such high levels, yet for the most part, incorporates drug treatment or lifestyle changes.
Drugs used to treat high testosterone include:
- glucocorticosteroids
- metformin
- oral contraceptives
- spironolactone
Oral contraceptives have appeared as a compelling treatment for hindering testosterone, however, this treatment technique will meddle on the off chance that you have quickly intended to get pregnant.
Research has shown that birth control pills that utilize low degrees of norgestimate, gestodene, and desogestrel are the most ideal treatments.
These medications are accessible only via prescription. Only a licensed medical professional can prescribe one such medication.
Lifestyle changes may also help regulate the level of androgen in females.
Exercising or formulation of a diet plan can help one get thinner and fight off the symptoms.
Treating the symptoms also includes shaving or using different facial products for acne and facial hair.
If one is looking for a more natural way of suppressing the symptoms of the high level of testosterone in women, the next section of the article covers just that.
How to Reduce Androgens in Female Naturally?
Some of the natural treatments for the high levels of androgen hormones in females include dietary restrictions and various exercises.
The following are the treatments:
Food
A solid dietary plan goes a long way in keeping one’s body healthy and also regulates testosterone levels in females.
Following are some of the foods that may help reduce the level of androgens in women.
#1: Soy-based products
Some exploration shows that routinely eating soy items like edamame, tofu, soy milk, and miso may cause a drop in testosterone levels.
Soy food sources are likewise high in phytoestrogens, which are plant-based substances that emulate the impacts of estrogen in your body by changing hormone levels and possibly lessening testosterone.
#2: Mint
Some reports have shown that mint could cause a dunk in testosterone levels.
Specifically, spearmint and peppermint — two spices from the mint group of plants — have been appeared to directly affect testosterone levels in the body.
#3: Vegetable oil
A considerable lot of the most well-known vegetable oils, including canola, soybean, and cottonseed oil, are stacked with polyunsaturated fatty acids.
These unsaturated fats are likely to diminish testosterone levels, as a few researchers have proposed.
#4: Flaxseed
Flaxseed is loaded with fats, fiber, and different significant nutrients and minerals.
Furthermore, some reports show that it might cause a decrease in testosterone levels.
This is on the grounds that flaxseed is high in lignans, which are compounds that attach themselves to testosterone and allow it to be discharged from the body.
#5: Licorice root
Licorice root is usually used in candies and beverages.
However, a few examinations have discovered that licorice may likewise impact hormonal levels in the body, conceivably prompting a decrease in testosterone over the long haul.
#6: Processed foods
Other than frequently being high in sodium, calories, and added sugar, processed food sources like frozen beverages and packaged snacks are likewise a typical wellspring of trans fats, which could diminish testosterone levels.
#7: Nuts
Nuts are rich in supplements, including fiber, healthy fats, and minerals like folic acid, selenium, and magnesium which help in the reduction of testosterone levels in females.
Thus, these are some of the foods which one may consume so as to decrease the androgen levels in females.
Exercise
For both men and women exercises like distance running can result in decreased levels of testosterone.
One should concentrate mainly on endurance training so as to reduce the level of androgens in women.
Resistance training has been proven to increase androgen levels in women.
So as to curb the obesity symptoms one can try moving some weights and sprints to reduce belly fat and promote weight loss.
Thus, exercises might help in the reduction of testosterone levels in females and thereby curbing its symptoms.
Now we will try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions by the people on this topic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Following are just some of the common queries you might need an answer to.
How to tell if a woman has high testosterone?
Side effects and symptoms of high testosterone in females:
- Excess facial and body hair
- Increase in muscle mass
- acne
- inconsistent menstrual cycles
- deepening of voice
- enlarged clitoris
- mood swings
- decreased size of breasts
- balding
What is considered a high testosterone level for a woman?
The average testosterone level in a normal female body ranges from about 15 to 70 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
These androgen levels range across women of different age groups.
Anything excess of this level of testosterone is considered to be high for a woman.
One should diagnose herself and consult a medical professional if she feels she has high testosterone abundance in the body.
Does testosterone cause weight gain in females?
Testosterone helps in burning calories and creates more muscle mass.
Thus, testosterone in females does not generally cause weight gain.
However, an excessive increase in testosterone levels in women may cause obesity and infertility.
Can high testosterone cause anxiety in females?
Recent research and reports have shown that high testosterone may cause anxiety disorders in females.
Thus, if there is an overabundance of androgens in a female body, it may cause stress and anxiety to the person.
How does one balance one’s hormones?
Some of the ways in which one may balance one’s hormonal levels:
#1: Regular exercise
Regular exercise and workout is an effective way by which one can regulate his/her hormonal balance.
#2: Balanced diet
A balanced diet goes a long way in achieving hormonal balance. One should consume optimum amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, and fat for the proper working of the body.
#3: Try to avoid sugar
Too much amount of sugar is a hazard to the human body and may cause diabetes and hormonal imbalance in severe cases.
#4: Avoid stress and anxiety
Psychological factors like stress and anxiety can cause an imbalance in the hormone levels in the body.
One should try to avoid such stress by meditation and other forms of activities.
#5: Consumption of healthy fats
No fats are not a healthy option for one’s dietary needs.
One should look for healthy and trans fats which boost the immune system and regulate the production of various hormones.
How does one check his/her testosterone level?
Testosterone levels are checked by licensed medical professionals through a simple blood test.
Blood is extracted from one of the veins in the hand and then it is tested in the laboratories for androgen levels.
It is usually taken early in the morning when testosterone levels are the highest.
Consumption of any foreign medications may hamper the tests so one must inform the testing agency.
What can one drink for hormonal imbalance?
Beverages including herbal tea, tulsi, and dandelion root tea can help in the detox process and thereby reduce stress and regulate hormone levels.
One should note that the beverage must not contain caffeine.
Does masturbating reduce testosterone?
There is no long-term relationship between masturbation and testosterone levels in the body.
Therefore, masturbation has no effect on the level of androgens in women or men.
Thus, masturbation does not have any medical side effects as such.
What part of a woman’s body produces testosterone?
Testosterone is produced in various locations in a female body.
Some of it is produced in the ovaries, some in the adrenal gland while some in the peripheral tissues.
What foods increase testosterone levels in females?
Green vegetables like spinach and kale and fish such as salmon tend to increase the testosterone level in females.
These green vegetables are rich in magnesium and iron while salmon is rich in protein which thereby boosts testosterone production in females.
In Conclusion
Increased testosterone levels in women cause a wide range of side effects to the body like an increase in facial hair, acne, hair loss, and inconsistent menstrual cycles.
The cause for this may also range from various underlying medical issues like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), and hirsutism.
This ailment is more common than one might think.
It is nothing to be embarrassed about and one should always consult a medical professional if any symptoms start to appear in the body.
The doctor may figure out the cause for such heightened levels of testosterone and will give medications accordingly.