While testosterone is mainly associated with males, it is not reserve for them alone. Testosterone, an androgen hormone is produced in the testes in men and in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. High levels of testosterone manifest in women as acne, cessation of menstrual periods, facial hair growth and deepening of the voice. This calls for ways and methods to treat and maintain testosterone levels in females. Treatment for high testosterone in females includes medication and diet among others.
High Testosterone in Females Treatment – Medications
Testosterone has a role in many bodily functions. It can be affected by many disorders and diseases including the following:
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Diabetes
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Adrenal disease
- Gigantism
- Dwarfism
- Acromegaly
- Adrenal or ovarian tumor
Although treatment can be given for some of the signs, it is important to have a medical professional diagnose high testosterone causes in women.
Get Your Diabetes Under Control
Type-2 diabetes is usually prompted by obesity and insulin over-production which can trigger the ovaries to secrete more testosterone. Diabetes is characterized by a reduction in cellular sensitivity to insulin. Insulin resistance together with obesity and PCOS can lead to high testosterone in women. Blood glucose and insulin levels should be tested to determine the presence or the risk of acquiring diabetes.
Medication to lower insulin resistance, e.g. pioglitazone or metformin may be prescribed by a physician to help in high testosterone in females treatment. The medication can standardize the testosterone and insulin levels, and thus help to restore normal menstrual cycles.
Talk to Your Doctor About Birth Control Pills
It’s significant to “kick start” regular menstruation cycles to lower the risks of cancer since there’s an amplified risk of uterus cancer if the menstruation cycle stops (in pre-menopausal ladies) as a result of PCOS due to chronically high levels of testosterone. Using progesterone pills as supplements or taking progesterone and estrogen birth control pills regularly can help solve the problem.
Note, however, that getting menses while on the pill is not a sign that fertility has been restored. In many cases, about six months on the birth-control pills is required for noticeable changes to be realized.
Take Anti-Androgen Medication
Using anti-androgen is recommended for women that have chronically high levels of testosterone, especially if they don’t suffer from diabetes. Androgens are a collection of interrelated hormones, testosterone being one, whose responsibilities include growth of male characteristics.
Your doctor may prescribe different anti-androgen drugs over a period of six months to find out which one works best for you. Common androgen medications include leuprolide (viadur, Lupron, eligard), spironolactone, goserelin and abarelix.
High Testosterone in Females Treatment – Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
The Right Diet
The food types that you eat can affect how your body reacts. For this reason, you will need to follow a diet that will help lower testosterone levels and thereby speed up recovery from high testosterone levels.
Soy products facilitate increased estrogen production in women thereby leading to a balanced hormone level. A properly balanced diet mix comprising dairy, vegetables, fruits and meats should be maintained in order to rectify the hormonal imbalance quickly.
Following are some of the products to include in the diet:
- Tofu
- Bran
- Oats
- Avocados
- Olive oil
- Oats
- Avocados
- Seeds and nuts
- Salmon and mackerel fish
- Ginseng
- Licorice root
As part of treatment, certain food types and food products should be avoided. These include:
- Red meats
- Vegetables, e.g. radishes, broccoli and Brussels sprouts
- Unsaturated fats
- Artificial sweeteners
- Sugar
- Excess carbs which are immediately converted to sugar
De-Stressing
Stress causes high testosterone levels in females. It results in an imbalance in hormonal levels by sending certain signals to the glands which compel them to increase certain hormone production. This in effect spikes testosterone levels. You are advised to engage in activities which you enjoy and those that can help you relax and thereby bring down the stress level.
Such activities include meditation, yoga, cooking, and reading. Once the stress levels drop, the testosterone level also decreases and hormonal balance is restored. De-stressing helps in high testosterone in females treatment.
In some cases, the testosterone levels may be too high that a doctor’s intervention is necessary. Physicians carry out testosterone replacement therapy which involves raising the levels of estrogen and in effect lowering testosterone levels.
Exercise
Besides helping you keep fit, regular exercise can help regulate hormone levels in the body. Some studies indicate that regular exercise causes loss of body fat which also helps decrease testosterone and androgen levels.
Herbal Remedies
Certain types of herbs have anti-androgen properties. Although it is not well known how these herbs work, they have been found to lower the levels of androgen. Such herbs include:
- Chaste berries
- Licorice
- Saw palmetto
- Black cohosh
- Lavender oil
- Spearmint tea
You should consult with your doctor before taking these herbs. Do not take these herbal remedies if you are expectant or breastfeeding. Additionally, those with a history of cancer or hormonal conditions should keep off the herbs or use them under a doctor’s supervision.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Chinese traditional practice that may be used in hormonal balancing. An experienced acupuncturist can work on some points on your body as part of treatment and thereby help you to achieve normal hormone levels.