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This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Board-Certified Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, his clinical interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes care, and preventive care, as well as embracing a holistic approach to primary care. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
There are 31 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 39,670 times.
Steps
Speak with your doctor about having your androgen levels tested. A doctor can confirm your androgen levels through a simple blood test. Before ordering the test, your doctor will ask about your experience with symptoms like acne, hair loss, and fatigue. They then take a small sample of blood that gets analyzed in a lab for unusual levels of androgen. It’s a simple but efficient way of deciding if medical treatment is necessary.[1]- The test is used to rule out possible causes. For example, adrenal gland tumors, testicular or ovarian tumors, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) all lead to higher than normal androgen levels.
- In women, 45-60 ng/dL is the upper level of what is considered normal for testosterone in the blood. If you have a testosterone serum level higher than 150 ng/dL, you’ll need to be checked for serious conditions such as ovarian and adrenal gland tumors.
Take an anti-androgen medication if your androgen levels are high. There are several different medications available that limit or prevent your body from producing androgens. Your doctor can prescribe them after a blood test. Many anti-androgen drugs come in pill form and are meant to be taken once a day. There are also some given as injections by your doctor.[2]- The most common starting medication for high androgen levels is spironolactone. This is a type of diuretic (or “water pill”). Unlike many other diuretics, spironolactone doesn’t deplete your body’s potassium supply.[3]
- Possible side effects include muscle tenderness, depression, hair loss, and rashes, among other things. Tell your doctor if you notice any negative effects.[4]
- Anti-androgen medications are usually pretty strong and can cause birth defects. For that reason, they can’t be taken by pregnant women or anyone trying to conceive.[5] Your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes and alternative treatments if you need to avoid this risk.
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Use an oral contraceptive if you’re a woman. Birth control pills are a simple way to help regulate your body’s hormones, preventing androgens from being made. The pills are often prescribed with an anti-androgen medication, although you can take them separately as well. Take a pill once a day at the same time every day.[6]
Take other drugs to treat side effects like high cholesterol. Although anti-androgen drugs treat most side effects on their own, your doctor may prescribe additional drugs to treat related problems. High cholesterol and high blood insulin are a few problems that often accompany androgen imbalances. Treating these problems, such as by taking pills to reduce cholesterol or blood sugar, also rids your body of excess androgens. If you have these problems, tackling them can make your recovery much quicker.[9]
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Take red reishi mushrooms to lower androgen levels. Reishi, or lingzhi, is a soft mushroom that has long been used in Asia to treat many different illnesses. It is available throughout the world as a liquid extract, powder, or a pill supplement. Studies have shown that it has an effect on androgens in both men and women, helping with symptoms like acne and baldness. Usually, you will need to take a capsule a day, or about 1 g (0.035 oz) of the powder.[12][13]- Always speak with your doctor before taking a supplement or alternative treatment. Make sure the treatment is safe and works with any other medication you take.
Eat licorice root to treat a mild hormone imbalance. Licorice root is a sweet plant root shown to have some effect on androgen levels when taken daily. It is most often found as a capsule or chewable tablet. When used regularly, it can reduce testosterone levels, helping with related issues like high weight and blood sugar. Take 1 capsule or up to 75 mg (0.0026 oz) per day.[14]- Licorice root capsules can be found online or at some drug stores. You may also be able to find actual licorice root at health shops and sometimes at grocery stores.
- Licorice candy usually does not contain any licorice root. Look for the extract or raw root, if it is available. Avoid sugary candy.[15]
Drink spearmint tea up to twice a day if you have fresh spearmint. Steep spearmint leaves in hot water to make the tea. If you drink it daily, it can reduce several hormones that play a part in maintaining androgen levels. One study has shown that spearmint tea helps women deal with excessive hair and other androgen-related problems stemming from PCOS.[16]- Green tea may also work, although there is less evidence of it having an effect on androgen levels.[17]
Use rosemary leaf extract for a versatile way to block androgens. Rosemary leaf extract is commonly sold as an essential oil. That makes it good for aromatherapy, although it can also be applied directly to your skin. Many people rub oil onto sore muscles, their scalp, or mix it into shampoo to be used later.[18] It is known to increase hair growth and possibly treat other symptoms of high androgen levels. Use up to 500 mg (0.018 oz) twice a day.[19]- Rosemary oil is not generally meant to be consumed, although taking a little won’t harm you if you dilute it first.[20] Avoid drinking it out of the bottle and instead use it on your skin or in a diffuser.
Take saw palmetto supplements for hair loss and pain. Saw palmetto is a type of palm tree from the southeastern U.S. that is often sold in pill form. It is most commonly used for androgen-related problems like prostate disorders, hair loss, and PCOS. Try taking about 160 mg (0.0056 oz) twice a day.[21]- Saw palmetto can interact with a variety of prescription medications. Talk to your doctor and give them a full list of other medications and supplements you’re currently taking before trying saw palmetto.
- Although it is supposed to be effective at blocking the androgens that cause these problems, the extent of its usefulness is still unknown. However, it is considered to be a safe and effective alternative to medication.
Use white peony as a way to inhibit testosterone. White peony isn’t just a garden flower, since it is also turned into a supplement pill that may be effective at reducing androgens. Testosterone is the main androgen produced by the body, especially for men. When peony is taken regularly, it may eliminate excess testosterone and help convert it to estrogen. However, the extent of its effectiveness hasn’t been well-studied yet. Take up to 4 g (0.14 oz) 3 times a day.[22][23]- White peony may be particularly useful for women experiencing conditions like ovarian tumors or PCOS. These problems cause excess testosterone.
- White peony is often combined with licorice root. You can take equal amounts of each supplement each day to get the full benefit of both of them.
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Stay at a healthy weight level to eliminate androgens. Talk to your doctor about what weight level is healthy for you. If you’re overweight, which is a very common problem when you have high androgen levels,[24] losing even 5 to 10 lb (2.3 to 4.5 kg) can make a difference.[25] There are many ways to use this to your advantage, such as by eating healthy foods like vegetables and grains.[26]- For example, fresh fruit, vegetables, and healthy proteins like chicken keep your fat and insulin levels low.[27] Your fat and insulin levels often increase with your androgen levels and can cause your body to produce more androgens.[28]
- Avoid processed foods high in saturated fats, such as fast food, processed meats, and greasy snack foods. A diet high in saturated fat in combination with high androgen levels can contribute to the buildup of excess body fat.[29]
- Try planning your meals in advance. Use it as an opportunity to make your own meals and limit how often you go out to eat.
Exercise more often to stay healthy and lose weight. Moderate exercise has many benefits, including androgen reduction. Stay active to stay fit, cut fat, and maintain a healthy weight. Try exercising 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Set aside time for activities like riding a bike or taking a swim to keep moving.[30]- Try to create a routine that gives you an opportunity to stay active. Getting in regular exercise can be difficult, but it’s one of the most important things you can do to manage androgen levels.
Eat foods rich in omega-3s. Omega 3 is a type of fatty acid that is common in many different types of fish, including salmon, sardines, and herring. If you’re not a fan of fish, flaxseed is a very healthy grain with even more omega-3 than fish. Walnuts, chia seeds, and soybeans are also options that can help lower androgen levels.[31]- For example, incorporate flaxseed into smoothies, baked goods, salads, and other types of food.
Limit the amount of processed food and sugar you eat. Snacks like cookies and chips have plenty of sugar, salt, and fat. They are both bad for your waistline and overall health. Processed food with trans fats, like fast food and frozen dinners, can also affect your androgen levels. Have these things as a treat once in a while, but don’t make them a regular part of your diet.[32]- Processed food leads to weight gain and conditions like high blood sugar that cause your body to produce more androgens.
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Tips
- Androgen-related disorders are not currently curable, so they require constant treatment. If you stop taking anti-androgen medication or supplements, the problem comes back.[33]Thanks
- Contact your doctor if you suspect you have an androgen imbalance, wish to try another treatment, or experience side effects.Thanks
- Note that supplemental treatments are not guaranteed to work, although many of them affect androgen levels.Thanks
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Warnings
- Note that supplement and medication combinations can have unexpected side effects. Always consult your doctor before taking something new.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=167&ContentID=free_androgen_index
- ↑ https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/anti-androgen-therapy/
- ↑ https://www.goodrx.com/spironolactone/what-is
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/d03247a1
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354941
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3845679/
- ↑ https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/noncontraceptive-benefits-of-birth-control-pills/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601050.html
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/finasteride-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20063819?p=1
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14523-excessive-hair-growth-hirsutism
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npp/reishi-mushroom.html
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15579328
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/liquorice
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19585478/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11773671/
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/rosemary
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22517595/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34945695/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/paeoniflorin
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31499497/
- ↑ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity/health-risks
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4971336/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/insulin-and-weight-gain/art-20047836
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/obesity-and-hormones
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4277017/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15247119
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941370/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pill-not-remedy/
- ↑ https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/hirsutism-and-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-booket/
About This Article
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Board-Certified Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, his clinical interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes care, and preventive care, as well as embracing a holistic approach to primary care. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. This article has been viewed 39,670 times.
Co-authors: 5
Updated: September 1, 2023
Views: 39,670
Categories: Hormones
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.
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 39,670 times.
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