Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEffectsCausesDiagnosis and ManagementMedicationsFinding BalanceResources
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Effects
Causes
Diagnosis and Management
Medications
Finding Balance
Resources
Women experiencing symptoms such as unwanted facial hair, acne, irregular menstrual cycles, or hair loss may have higher-than-averagetestosteronelevels. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.
This article will review the effects of high testosterone in women and common underlying health concerns. It’ll also cover effective, natural treatments, like diet and herbs, to manage distressing symptoms and rebalance your testosterone levels.
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TerminologyVerywell Health prefers to use inclusive terminology for sex and gender. For the purposes of this article, “women” refers to people born with the reproductive organs typical for females (such as a vagina, uterus, and ovaries). This definition does not take into account their gender orgender identity.
Terminology
Verywell Health prefers to use inclusive terminology for sex and gender. For the purposes of this article, “women” refers to people born with the reproductive organs typical for females (such as a vagina, uterus, and ovaries). This definition does not take into account their gender orgender identity.
Effects of High Testosterone in Women
Testosterone is an important androgen hormone (also known as a sex hormone) that exists in people of any sex at different levels. People assigned male at birth have about 15 times more testosterone after puberty than those assigned female.
A male’s testosterone is produced in the testes and is responsible for a deep voice, sex drive, sperm production, hair, and muscle growth. For women, testosterone is made in the ovaries and adrenal glands and plays an important role in fertility, sex drive, and bone strength.
From unwanted hair growth to low libido, high testosterone in women can show up in a lot of distressing and unwanted ways.
Here is a list of symptoms to look for if you suspect you havehigh testosterone:
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, set up an exam with a healthcare provider right away to discuss hormonal issues, underlying conditions, and treatments.
Conditions That May Cause High Testosterone in Women
Common underlying conditions that cause high testosterone in women include:
Treating high testosterone largely depends on the underlying condition. During a physical examination, a healthcare provider will look for symptoms such as acne, facial hair growth, and pelvic pain. They may also ask about changes in mood.
Depending on the exam, they may prescribe a hormone panel blood test to check your testosterone levels and an ultrasound exam for irregularities around your ovaries.
After determining the underlying condition of your high testosterone, a healthcare provider will usually recommend lifestyle adjustments (like food and exercise) as well as medications to treat the condition and rebalance theendocrine system.
Here are a few ways you can naturally lower your testosterone or reduce its effects.
Improve Your Diet
High androgen levels in PCOS can result in adecreased ability to use insulin(a condition known as insulin resistance) to take blood sugar into cells to use for energy.This can lead to increased fat storage, which in turn can increase androgens.
Eating alow-glycemicdiet and limiting foods high in sugar and refined carbs can help rebalance your blood sugar levels and get you the nutrition you need. You may also discuss an appropriate weight loss diet with a healthcare provider if you are overweight or have obesity.
You can also try foods such asfatty fish (like salmon),and flaxseed,which some studies show may help lower testosterone in women.
Start an Exercise Plan
Exercisecan improve insulin resistance and fertility in people with PCOS.Moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming is recommended for a total of 150 minutes weekly.Lifting weights and performing other resistance exercises are also encouraged.
Aim for a Healthy Weight
A healthy weight can reduce symptoms of PCOS. But it’s not always easy to lose weight with this condition becauseyour body is in fat storage mode.If you are overweight or have obesity and also have PCOS, weight loss can help improve fertility and regulate your menstrual cycle.Discuss appropriate weight loss methods with a healthcare provider.
Lean PCOSAlthough many people with PCOS are overweight or have obesity, as many as 20% do not fit into this category.This is calledlean PCOS.
Lean PCOS
Although many people with PCOS are overweight or have obesity, as many as 20% do not fit into this category.This is calledlean PCOS.
Herbs
Herbal supplements or teas such as fennel, ginseng,fenugreek, and sweet cumin may help balance hormones in those with PCOS.Herbs such asCinnamomum cassiaandAloe veramay reduce blood glucose and help restore insulin sensitivity. Ginger is said to boost fertility in those having trouble conceiving due to PCOS.
Use CautionBefore taking any herbal supplements or other over-the-counter (OTC) products aimed at lowering testosterone or directed at people with PCOS, discuss these products with a healthcare provider. Your provider can advise you on ways to avoid interactions with your medications and ensure the supplements are appropriate for you. They also can provide scientific evident on the supplement’s safety and efficacy.
Use Caution
Before taking any herbal supplements or other over-the-counter (OTC) products aimed at lowering testosterone or directed at people with PCOS, discuss these products with a healthcare provider. Your provider can advise you on ways to avoid interactions with your medications and ensure the supplements are appropriate for you. They also can provide scientific evident on the supplement’s safety and efficacy.
Find Self-Care Rituals That Work for You
If you have acne, see a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment. Incorporate recommended OTC products and skin-care regimens to address the problem.
Educate Yourself
Familiarize yourself with what’s happening in your body. Learn abouthow the endocrine system works, how testosterone functions in the body, and how high levels of testosterone impact insulin and blood glucose levels.
Medications to Manage High Female Testosterone
You can also choose to treat high testosterone with a combination of natural remedies and prescription medications, depending on what your healthcare provider recommends. Medications used to treat high testosterone include:
Can You Completely Balance High Female Testosterone Levels?
Treating the underlying condition causing high testosterone levels will often reduce unwanted symptoms and improve your quality of life. You can balance your hormone levels, but it may require lifetime attention.
PCOS is the most common cause of high testosterone, affecting around 5 million women.It’s not a condition you can outgrow, but you can manage symptoms and hormone levels through diet, lifestyle, healthy weight, and medications. NCCAH is rare in adults and also requires long-term treatment.
Resources and Further Reading on Balancing Female Hormones
Hormones play an important role for people of all sexes. Theyhelp maintainhealthy blood sugar levels, heart rate, metabolism, fertility, and more. When sex hormones are out of balance, many other systems, glands, and hormones can be affected.
If you need assistance, seek a nutritionist, fitness trainer, herbalist, holistic practitioner, or healthcare professional.
Summary
You can reduce unwanted symptoms through a low-glycemic diet, hair removal, weight management, and exercise. It’s important to seek out a healthcare provider if you think you have high testosterone levels. They can identify the imbalance and find the right mix of treatments for you.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Rochester Medical Center.Total testosterone.Sharma A, Welt CK.Practical approach to hyperandrogenism in women.Med Clin North Am. 2021;105(6):1099-1116. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2021.06.008National Health Service.Symptoms: polycystic ovary syndrome.Harvard Health Publishing.Testosterone: what it is and how it affects your health.ARUP Laboratories.What causes women to have high testosterone levels?Soares-Jr JM, Sá MFS, Baracat EC.New criteria for the clinical diagnosis of hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovarian syndrome and the risk of overdiagnosis.Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2019;41(6):361-362. doi:10.1055/s-0039-1693530Alcohol and Drug Foundation.What are anabolic steroids?Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Lakshmi JN, Babu AN, Kiran SSM, et al.Herbs as a source for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review.BioTech. 2023;12(1):4. doi:10.3390/biotech12010004Adjarzadeh A, Dehghani Firouzabadi R, Vaziri N, Daneshbodi H, Lotfi MH, Mozaffari-Khosravi H.The effect of omega-3 supplementation on androgen profile and menstrual status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.Iran J Reprod Med. 2013;11(8):665-72.Haidari F, Banaei-Jahromi N, Zakerkish M, Ahmadi K.The effects of flaxseed supplementation on metabolic status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized open-labeled controlled clinical trial.Nutr J. 2020;19(1):8. doi:10.1186/s12937-020-0524-5Woodward A, Klonizakis M, Broom D.Exercise and polycystic ovary syndrome.In: Xiao J, ed.Physical Exercise for Human Health. Vol 1228. Springer Singapore; 2020:123-136. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_8Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity for adults.Pericleous P, Stephanides S.Can resistance training improve the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2018;4(1):e000372. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000372American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Goyal M, Dawood AS.Debates regarding lean patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A narrative review.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2017;10(3):154‐161. doi:10.4103/jhrs.JHRS_77_17Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Rochester Medical Center.Total testosterone.Sharma A, Welt CK.Practical approach to hyperandrogenism in women.Med Clin North Am. 2021;105(6):1099-1116. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2021.06.008National Health Service.Symptoms: polycystic ovary syndrome.Harvard Health Publishing.Testosterone: what it is and how it affects your health.ARUP Laboratories.What causes women to have high testosterone levels?Soares-Jr JM, Sá MFS, Baracat EC.New criteria for the clinical diagnosis of hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovarian syndrome and the risk of overdiagnosis.Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2019;41(6):361-362. doi:10.1055/s-0039-1693530Alcohol and Drug Foundation.What are anabolic steroids?Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Lakshmi JN, Babu AN, Kiran SSM, et al.Herbs as a source for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review.BioTech. 2023;12(1):4. doi:10.3390/biotech12010004Adjarzadeh A, Dehghani Firouzabadi R, Vaziri N, Daneshbodi H, Lotfi MH, Mozaffari-Khosravi H.The effect of omega-3 supplementation on androgen profile and menstrual status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.Iran J Reprod Med. 2013;11(8):665-72.Haidari F, Banaei-Jahromi N, Zakerkish M, Ahmadi K.The effects of flaxseed supplementation on metabolic status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized open-labeled controlled clinical trial.Nutr J. 2020;19(1):8. doi:10.1186/s12937-020-0524-5Woodward A, Klonizakis M, Broom D.Exercise and polycystic ovary syndrome.In: Xiao J, ed.Physical Exercise for Human Health. Vol 1228. Springer Singapore; 2020:123-136. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_8Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity for adults.Pericleous P, Stephanides S.Can resistance training improve the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2018;4(1):e000372. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000372American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Goyal M, Dawood AS.Debates regarding lean patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A narrative review.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2017;10(3):154‐161. doi:10.4103/jhrs.JHRS_77_17Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Total testosterone.Sharma A, Welt CK.Practical approach to hyperandrogenism in women.Med Clin North Am. 2021;105(6):1099-1116. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2021.06.008National Health Service.Symptoms: polycystic ovary syndrome.Harvard Health Publishing.Testosterone: what it is and how it affects your health.ARUP Laboratories.What causes women to have high testosterone levels?Soares-Jr JM, Sá MFS, Baracat EC.New criteria for the clinical diagnosis of hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovarian syndrome and the risk of overdiagnosis.Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2019;41(6):361-362. doi:10.1055/s-0039-1693530Alcohol and Drug Foundation.What are anabolic steroids?Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Lakshmi JN, Babu AN, Kiran SSM, et al.Herbs as a source for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review.BioTech. 2023;12(1):4. doi:10.3390/biotech12010004Adjarzadeh A, Dehghani Firouzabadi R, Vaziri N, Daneshbodi H, Lotfi MH, Mozaffari-Khosravi H.The effect of omega-3 supplementation on androgen profile and menstrual status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.Iran J Reprod Med. 2013;11(8):665-72.Haidari F, Banaei-Jahromi N, Zakerkish M, Ahmadi K.The effects of flaxseed supplementation on metabolic status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized open-labeled controlled clinical trial.Nutr J. 2020;19(1):8. doi:10.1186/s12937-020-0524-5Woodward A, Klonizakis M, Broom D.Exercise and polycystic ovary syndrome.In: Xiao J, ed.Physical Exercise for Human Health. Vol 1228. Springer Singapore; 2020:123-136. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_8Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity for adults.Pericleous P, Stephanides S.Can resistance training improve the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2018;4(1):e000372. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000372American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Polycystic ovary syndrome.Goyal M, Dawood AS.Debates regarding lean patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A narrative review.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2017;10(3):154‐161. doi:10.4103/jhrs.JHRS_77_17Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
University of Rochester Medical Center.Total testosterone.
Sharma A, Welt CK.Practical approach to hyperandrogenism in women.Med Clin North Am. 2021;105(6):1099-1116. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2021.06.008
National Health Service.Symptoms: polycystic ovary syndrome.
Harvard Health Publishing.Testosterone: what it is and how it affects your health.
ARUP Laboratories.What causes women to have high testosterone levels?
Soares-Jr JM, Sá MFS, Baracat EC.New criteria for the clinical diagnosis of hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovarian syndrome and the risk of overdiagnosis.Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2019;41(6):361-362. doi:10.1055/s-0039-1693530
Alcohol and Drug Foundation.What are anabolic steroids?
Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Lakshmi JN, Babu AN, Kiran SSM, et al.Herbs as a source for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review.BioTech. 2023;12(1):4. doi:10.3390/biotech12010004
Adjarzadeh A, Dehghani Firouzabadi R, Vaziri N, Daneshbodi H, Lotfi MH, Mozaffari-Khosravi H.The effect of omega-3 supplementation on androgen profile and menstrual status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.Iran J Reprod Med. 2013;11(8):665-72.
Haidari F, Banaei-Jahromi N, Zakerkish M, Ahmadi K.The effects of flaxseed supplementation on metabolic status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized open-labeled controlled clinical trial.Nutr J. 2020;19(1):8. doi:10.1186/s12937-020-0524-5
Woodward A, Klonizakis M, Broom D.Exercise and polycystic ovary syndrome.In: Xiao J, ed.Physical Exercise for Human Health. Vol 1228. Springer Singapore; 2020:123-136. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_8
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity for adults.
Pericleous P, Stephanides S.Can resistance training improve the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2018;4(1):e000372. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000372
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Goyal M, Dawood AS.Debates regarding lean patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A narrative review.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2017;10(3):154‐161. doi:10.4103/jhrs.JHRS_77_17
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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