How to Reduce Androgens in Females Naturally

Your beauty regimen looks different when you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). You’d love to bring out your high cheekbones and sharp jawline with a little contour. But instead of accentuating your features, your priority is disguising a five o'clock shadow. 

You've done everything – shaving, waxing, laser treatments – you name it, you've tried it. It seems like no matter what, high androgen symptoms constantly come back to torment you. What if there was a way to stop these symptoms before they show up?

When you get androgen levels under control, you can say goodbye to unwanted facial hair (and so much more). Keep reading to learn what androgens do in the body and what happens when they’re imbalanced. In this blog, we cover how to reduce androgens in females naturally. 

The Role of Androgens in Women

Androgens are sex hormones. Both genders have them – they’re necessary for sexual development. Androgens are responsible for kicking off puberty, sprouting those first pimples and pubic hairs. That time you started noticing boys in middle school? Welcome, androgens!

Both males and females need androgens for sexual desire and function. They also play a role in making red blood cells and forming strong bones and muscles. [1]

The most common androgen is testosterone. The others are: [1]

• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
• DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S)
• Androstenedione
• Dihydrotestosterone

Reduced androgens can cause problems for males like low sex drive or the development of breast tissue.

High androgens in women can disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause problems with fertility. [1]

To diagnose hyperandrogenism, your doctor may run blood tests. Common blood tests are total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG levels.

Sex hormone binding globulin, or SHBG, is a protein that binds androgens and estrogen. A low SHBG level can indicate hyperandrogenism. [1]

High Androgen Symptoms

High androgen levels are called hyperandrogenism. The most common cause of hyperandrogenism in women is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In PCOS, the ovaries produce too much testosterone. Cysts may form in the ovaries, which also increases androgen production. [2]

The common symptoms of high androgens in females are: [1]

• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
• Acne
• Ovarian cysts
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Infertility

Too much testosterone can cause females to take on male features. It can cause abnormal hair growth, male-pattern baldness, and a  deeper voice. It also disrupts the reproductive system in women. 

Hyperandrogenism causes problems in the ovaries. It can prevent the production of hormones necessary for ovulation. When the menstrual cycle is disrupted, you can have irregular or missed periods. 

Anovulatory cycles are common in PCOS. When you don’t ovulate, there’s no egg to be fertilized in a cycle. This is a big reason women with PCOS struggle to get pregnant. 

Is It Possible to Reduce Androgens in Females Naturally?

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, hyperandrogenism, or neither, the symptoms make your life challenging. Just when you’ve gotten rid of unwanted hair, it grows darker and thicker. That long, thick ponytail you once had is thin and receding… you have to change your part constantly. 

Maybe you struggle with infertility and doctors can’t explain why. You’re doing all the right things to get pregnant, but some part of the process is broken. You’re frustrated, tired, and at the end of your rope. 

Before you give up hope, there may be a remedy that works for you. Getting to the source of hyperandrogenism can prevent more frustration. Here’s how to lower androgen levels in females naturally… 

Foods that Reduce Androgens

Foods like nuts, flax seeds, and salmon help lower androgens. What they all have in common are good fats. A recent study showed a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids benefits women with PCOS. In the study, women had decreased testosterone levels after taking omega-3 supplementation. They also had improved menstrual regularity. [3]

Some other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are canola oil, chia seeds, avocado, and tuna. 

Research shows licorice reduces testosterone in women. [4] Adding licorice to your diet is an effective way to improve hirsutism in women with PCOS. Twizzlers may not be the healthiest option. You can find licorice supplements or tea at health food stores.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D can significantly reduce testosterone levels. [5]  You may already be getting vitamin D from your diet and sunshine – common dietary sources are milk, fortified orange juice, and egg yolks. However, many women need supplementation to get enough vitamin D. You can find out your levels through a blood test, so talk to your doctor to see if that’s right for you.

Do your PCOS hormone balance supplements contain vitamin D? Smoo Ovary Good has 50 mcg of vitamin D3 – that’s 250% of your daily needs. Take the first step in lowering androgens naturally today by visiting S’moo.

Spearmint Tea

Many people use spearmint tea to combat symptoms of high androgens in females. It’s believed to reduce facial hair in women. 

A study in Turkey followed women who took spearmint tea twice daily for up to 20 days. Following the study, the women who drank the tea had significantly decreased androgen levels. They also had lower rates of self-reported hirsutism. 

If you’ve started drinking spearmint tea and haven’t seen results yet, hang in there. According to the study, results are best after taking the tea for a longer period of time. [6]

Herbal remedies have long been used to treat women’s health problems, but talk to your doctor before taking herbal supplements.

Exercise

Exercise is an effective way to reduce PCOS symptoms, but which activities are best for androgens? A study looked at how different exercises affect PCOS symptoms. Resistance and strength training exercises directly reduced androgen levels in women. 

Activities like running and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) helped indirectly. These cardiovascular exercises helped control insulin resistance. They were especially beneficial for women with PCOS and obesity.  Insulin resistance is often the culprit for weight management issues. 

Aerobic activity and HIIT both improved insulin resistance. About 60-70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which plays a role in androgen production. [7]

Improving insulin resistance not only helps with weight loss, but it may improve hyperandrogenism. 

Getting to the Root of High Androgen Levels 

If you’re wondering how to lower androgen levels in females naturally, consider the cause.

Androgens are produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. A problem with either can lead to hyperandrogenism. Ovarian issues are the most common. [7]

High androgen levels can be caused by ovarian or adrenal tumors. [1] Talk to your doctor to learn the cause of your hyperandrogenism symptoms.

In PCOS, insulin resistance is often to blame for high androgen levels. Here’s how: insulin resistance causes too much circulating insulin. This causes problems in the ovaries. The theca cells in the ovaries then produce too many hormones.  [8]

An effective way to treat hyperandrogenism is to correct insulin resistance. Your doctor will help you know if insulin resistance is causing your PCOS symptoms. If this is the case, medication may correct the problem. 

However, everyone responds differently to PCOS treatments. At times it may feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work. At S’moo, we’re committed to sharing every option so you can manage PCOS naturally. Visit the S’moo blog to learn more ways to treat PCOS symptoms by getting to the root of the problem.

Tackle Hyperandrogenism with Hormone Balance Supplements

You’re spending irrational amounts of money on razors, tweezers, and running up a tab at the med spa. But hyperandrogenism affects more than your beauty regimen. It makes you question your ability to have a baby. It impacts your confidence and your readiness to step out into the world. 

Hyperandrogenism doesn’t have to control your life. With these lifestyle changes, you can reduce androgens naturally and focus on YOU. Try Smoo’s daily hormone balance supplements to get androgens under control. Be confident, be beautiful, be YOU!

Medical disclaimer:

*The content in this article is provided for informational purposes only. This is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any health conditions. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or consultation. Talk to your doctor before making changes to your healthcare regimen. 

Sources

1. Androgens 
2. Ovarian overproduction of androgens
3. The effect of omega-3 supplementation on androgen profile and menstrual status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized clinical trial
4. Licorice reduces serum testosterone in healthy women
5. The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Androgenic Profile in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
6. Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. A randomized controlled trial
7. A Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise on Hormones in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
8. The contribution of hyperinsulinemia to the hyperandrogenism of polycystic ovary syndrome