Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Damaris Vega, MD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Hannah Madden. Dr. Damaris Vega is a board certified Endocrinologist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a BS in General Science and subsequently earned an MD from the Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, PR. During medical school, Dr. Vega served as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and was selected as her school's representative for the American Association of Medical Colleges. She then completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, Mineral, and Metabolism at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Vega has been recognized for excellent patient care multiple times by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and received the Patients' Choice Award in 2008, 2009, and 2015. She is a fellow of the American College of Clinical Endocrinologists and is an active member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. Dr. Vega is also the founder and CEO of Houston Endocrinology Center as well as a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials at Juno Research, LLC.
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While testosterone is usually seen as a male hormone, everyone produces testosterone to some degree. High testosterone can lead to a lot of uncomfortable symptoms in any sex, including acne, weight gain, and increased aggression. If you’ve had a blood test to confirm your high testosterone levels, there are a few changes you can make in your daily life to start lowering them over time. Be sure to check in with a medical professional regularly to monitor your health and make sure you’re on the right track.
Steps
Which medications reduce testosterone levels?
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You can take birth control to reduce your testosterone levels. Birth control pills to help regulate your periods and reduce the symptoms of high testosterone. Make sure the birth control you’re using contains progesterone to help combat your increased testosterone levels.[6]
Try an anti-androgen medication to lower your testosterone levels. Androgens are a group of interrelated hormones, including testosterone, which are responsible for the development male characteristics. Commonly used anti-androgen drugs include spironolactone (Aldactone), leuprolide (Lupron, Viadur, Eligard), goserelin (Zoladex) and abarelix (Plenaxis). Your doctor might recommend experimenting with anti-androgen meds at low doses for 6 months to gauge effectiveness versus potential negative side effects.[7]
What causes high testosterone?
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It might be diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is often triggered by obesity and results in an over-production of insulin, which can cause the ovaries to produce more testosterone. Thankfully, you can usually prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes with weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes. If you think you have diabetes, your doctor can give you a blood test to confirm.[10]
It could be a tumor. For people assigned male at birth, a tumor on the adrenal glands can cause high testosterone. For people assigned female at birth, a tumor in your ovaries can elevate your testosterone levels. If you have high testosterone levels, your doctor can do further tests to check for tumors in those areas.[11]
It may be an injury to the testicles. This is especially common in children, teens, and young adults. If you have low testosterone levels and you recently experienced trauma to your groin area, talk to your doctor about treatment.[12]
What are normal testosterone levels?
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For cisgender men, the range is 20.7 ng/dL to 2.29 ng/dL. Testosterone is measured in nanograms per deciliter. Your levels naturally decrease as you age, so they’ll be higher when you’re younger and lower when you’re older.[13]
For cisgender women, the range is 1.08 ng/dL to 0.06 ng/dL. Females naturally produce much less testosterone than males, so it’s typically fairly low. Your testosterone levels also decrease as you get older, so your levels will probably fluctuate over time.[14]
How Can a Woman Lower Testosterone?
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow can a woman lower testosterone?
Damaris Vega, MDDr. Damaris Vega is a board certified Endocrinologist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a BS in General Science and subsequently earned an MD from the Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, PR. During medical school, Dr. Vega served as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and was selected as her school's representative for the American Association of Medical Colleges. She then completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, Mineral, and Metabolism at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Vega has been recognized for excellent patient care multiple times by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and received the Patients' Choice Award in 2008, 2009, and 2015. She is a fellow of the American College of Clinical Endocrinologists and is an active member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. Dr. Vega is also the founder and CEO of Houston Endocrinology Center as well as a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials at Juno Research, LLC.
Board Certified Endocrinologist
- QuestionWhat causes high testosterone in women?Damaris Vega, MDDr. Damaris Vega is a board certified Endocrinologist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a BS in General Science and subsequently earned an MD from the Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, PR. During medical school, Dr. Vega served as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and was selected as her school's representative for the American Association of Medical Colleges. She then completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, Mineral, and Metabolism at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Vega has been recognized for excellent patient care multiple times by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and received the Patients' Choice Award in 2008, 2009, and 2015. She is a fellow of the American College of Clinical Endocrinologists and is an active member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. Dr. Vega is also the founder and CEO of Houston Endocrinology Center as well as a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials at Juno Research, LLC.
Board Certified EndocrinologistHigh testosterone levels are usually caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, which can be treated with lifestyle modifications and medications that regulate the menstrual cycle. - QuestionWill the diet mentioned above and herbal intake affect fat distribution in females with PCOS?
Daniel Wozniczka, MD, MPHDr. Wozniczka is an Internal Medicine Physician, who is focused on the intersection of medicine, economics, and policy. He has global healthcare experience in Sub Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. He serves currently as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service and a Medical Officer for the Epidemic Intelligence Service in the CDC. He completed his MD at Jagiellonian University in 2014, and also holds an MBA and Masters in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Internal Medicine PhysicianThe fat distribution in PCOS is best treated by treating PCOS itself. The diet intake mentioned above would likely help, but the herbal intake has not been clinically proven.
Tips
- If you’re experiencing increased facial or chest hair, try using laser treatments in conjunction with medication.[18]Thanks
Warnings
- Speak with your doctor in-depth about the side effects of any drugs they may wish to prescribe to lower your testosterone levels.Thanks
- If you believe you're experiencing a hormonal imbalance, see your doctor for a consultation before trying to alter your hormone levels. Dietary modifications are generally safe, but without knowing the cause of your symptoms, you may make your condition worse.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19585478/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-eating.htm
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19524224/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11525593/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/index.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/contraception-birth.html
- ↑ Damaris Vega, MD. Board Certified Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/drugs-and-medications/testosterone--what-it-does-and-doesnt-do
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/testosterone-levels-test/
- ↑ Damaris Vega, MD. Board Certified Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24101-testosterone
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/testicular-injuries.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24215-testosterone-test
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15603-low-testosterone-male-hypogonadism
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/testosterone
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/drugs-and-medications/testosterone--what-it-does-and-doesnt-do
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
- ↑ Damaris Vega, MD. Board Certified Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
To reduce testosterone levels, try eating more soy products and flaxseed, which can reduce the production of this hormone. Additionally, limit your consumption of animal fats, such as meat, cheese, and butter, since testosterone needs cholesterol to be produced. Alternatively, try an herbal supplement, such as licorice, spearmint, lavender oil, or peppermint teas. However, consult your doctor before taking any supplement to make sure it won't interfere with your current medical condition. To learn how to use medication to regulate your testosterone levels, keep reading!
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