The Role of Testosterone in Women’s Mental Health and Menopause

High Testosterone Levels in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and More

Similarly, PCOS has other symptoms aside from hyperandrogenism, including ovarian cysts. However, these treatments will not resolve an underlying hormonal imbalance. PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects females of reproductive age. Health experts estimate that PCOS affects 6–12% of United States females.

Spironolactone is an aldosterone receptor antagonist with a dose-dependent competitive inhibition of the androgen receptor. It is effective in reducing hirsutism scores.100 It is contraindicated in pregnancy owing to blockade of androgen action critical for formation of the external male genitalia. Therefore, it should be used with a reliable contraceptive method unless the woman is abstinent. It is a potassium sparing diuretic and therefore can cause hypotension, dizziness and hyperkalemia. Potassium levels should be monitored and caution should be taken in the setting of renal impairment.

Androgens from other parts of the body can also cause male characteristics to develop in women. While testosterone replacement therapy may provide better results in improving testosterone levels, some may want to know how to treat low testosterone in a woman naturally. It’s important to mention that some methods are similar to those mentioned for high testosterone treatment.

Serum and salivary testosterone levels in relation to female athletic performance. In women during the reproductive years, the two sources of androgens are the adrenal glands and ovaries (Figure 1). Testosterone is then converted by 5-α reductase to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) both in the granulosa cell of the ovary and in peripheral tissues such as the skin.

With combination therapy, often antiandrogens can be discontinued or tapered over time, with continuation of oral contraception as monotherapy. Although data are unclear, consider monitoring potassium levels if patients taking spironolactone have medical comorbidities that affect renal function. Management should be individualized based on spironolactone dose and other comorbidities. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders seen in people AFAB and a leading cause of infertility. In fact, some of the criteria to diagnose PCOS include signs of excess androgens. [4] If someone does have PCOS, they may also experience irregular periods, obesity, darkened skin, cystic ovaries, and other symptoms. There is no way to cure PCOS, but there are many ways to manage the condition.

If you’re on the hunt for a specific biomarker, contact us and we’ll add it to our database. Anything from blood, urine, saliva, or stool can be uploaded, understood, and tracked with your Healthmatters account. With a Healthmatters account, you can dive into the details of each biomarker and gain insights into the meaning behind your medical test data, anytime, anywhere. Their doctor can then work with them to create a suitable treatment plan. Free testosterone is testosterone in the body that is not attached to proteins. Many natural substances are not technically classified as drugs, but still have significant effects on you physiology and health. Levels above these ranges are considered elevated and may cause symptoms.

Yes, you can reduce your testosterone with a combination of lifestyle and medication. Talk with a healthcare professional about the underlying cause of your high testosterone and the solutions that can help. It’s important to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you have these symptoms.

[5] But be sure not to overtrain as this can anxiety cause low testosterone (https://esmed.org) decrease testosterone in both men and women. Between 4% and 7% of women produce too much testosterone in their ovaries. [3] Some of these women have a pattern of symptoms called polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. [4] This diagnosis is important for women, as PCOS can lead to infertility and other problems. Testosterone may also offer females some more subtle effects, like impacting mood and (here’s the big one) sexual desire.

However, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your hormonal balance, it’s best to seek medical attention. This is essential for restoring balance to your hormones and keeping testosterone levels in check. It’s generally recommended to aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night to support healthy testosterone levels (and overall health). Studies have shown that women who consume enough zinc can have higher testosterone levels than those who don’t. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, beef, spinach, and pumpkin seeds. When the hormone is out of balance, it can cause changes in metabolism and hunger levels, leading to weight gain, especially in the abdominal area.

Topical agents can be used alone, with other topical therapies, or in combination with oral agents 8. Benzoyl peroxide can be found in over-the-counter products, and patients should be counseled that it can bleach hair or clothing. The type of agent and patient skin type also should be considered; for example, patients with oily skin may prefer gels or solutions, whereas those with drier skin may prefer creams 27. Testosterone levels increase during sleep and decrease the longer we are awake. The REM phase of our sleep cycle, which is essential for learning and memory, and the time when we dream is when the biggest testosterone production occurs. Examples are alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar and foods that are high in saturated fats. These can impact on our gut health, create stress on the body, and may lead to weight gain.