Some women have testosterone levels that are higher than normal, often due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cancer, glandular disorders, or unknown causes.
To help balance your hormones and ease symptoms of high testosterone—such as increased body hair growth, hair loss, irregular periods, infertility, or acne—a healthcare provider may recommend the following approaches.
If a healthcare provider identifies that you have high testosterone levels, they will likely recommend medication as a first course of treatment for your symptoms.
Birth Control Pills
Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, often contain a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These pills can reduce the amount of testosterone your body produces and reduce the effects of the testosterone you do make.
If you’re experiencing body hair overgrowth or acne and you don’t currently want to become pregnant, birth control pills may be the first medication that your healthcare provider recommends to help lower your testosterone.
Spironolactone
After taking birth control pills for several months, your healthcare provider may recommend spironolactone, a medication that can help lower your testosterone levels and reduce symptoms such as excess hair growth.
This drug comes with precautions. For example, it can affect fetal development if you become pregnant. If you are sexually active and can become pregnant, you must use birth control while taking spironolactone.
Another similar drug to spironolactone is called finasteride, but there’s limited research on its effectiveness in women.
Other Medications
In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend other medications, though research shows they are not as effective for general use in controlling testosterone levels. These include, but are not limited to:
- Fortamet (metformin): A type of medication that helps control insulin levels. If you have PCOS and have diabetes or prediabetes, your healthcare provider may recommend metformin to manage your insulin and sugar levels. It’s not as effective as other medications for the physical symptoms of high testosterone.
- Medications that mimic GnRH: Gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (GnRH) helps your body make testosterone. These medications work by regulating hormone levels. They are effective at reducing abnormal hair growth, but they can cause hot flashes and reduce bone density, as well.
- Ibuprofen: Limited research suggests that ibuprofen can help lower testosterone levels in women. But healthcare providers may recommend against long-term use due to possible side effects, including issues with ovulation.
For reducing your testosterone levels, it can help to eat a balanced diet, be physically active, and manage your stress levels. If you have overweight or obesity and have PCOS, your healthcare provider may recommend weight loss, as it has been shown to lower testosterone levels and reduce excess hair growth.
Lifestyle changes are often not enough to balance hormone levels. Most of the time, your healthcare provider may recommend these strategies in combination with medication or another form of treatment.
Nutrition
Some evidence suggests that portion control or achieving a certain balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates can affect testosterone levels, specifically among women with PCOS.
Ongoing research is needed for diets that go beyond simply reducing calorie intake, but some diets may be beneficial.
Low-GI diet: Following eating patterns that include foods with a low glycemic index (GI) may also be beneficial for lowering testosterone levels. Low-glycemic foods include:
- Whole grains like rice, barley, and oatmeal
- Carrots, greens, and non-starchy vegetables
- Most fruits other than pineapple and watermelon
- Dairy products like milk and yogurt
- Nuts, legumes, and beans, such as lentils, chickpeas, split peas, and soybeans
High-protein diet: Research also suggests that the high-protein keto diet and the RESMENA diet, which also focuses on protein intake and suggests eating small meals throughout the day, may be beneficial.
DASH diet: Another diet shown to benefit women with PCOS is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. It focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limits foods high in fat, sodium, and sugar.
Physical Activity
Research suggests that aerobic (cardio) exercise, strength training, and high-intensity interval training can be useful in managing testosterone levels and PCOS in general. Yoga, in particular, may help as both a type of physical activity and a method of stress management, but more research is needed.
Stress Management
It’s important to factor stress management into any treatment plan for lowering testosterone. Managing your stress can help you manage your emotions and support the lifestyle changes you’re making. It can also help you get better sleep, which is key for managing hormone levels.
Coping strategies may include talking with a loved one, spending time with a pet, doing a hobby you enjoy, and seeking out mental health support when you need it.
Some natural remedies and supplements may help lower testosterone, though more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness. It’s important to talk with a healthcare provider before trying any supplement.
Supplements and natural remedies backed by evidence include:
- Inositol
- Vitamin D (especially when combined with calcium)
- Vitamin K
- Zinc
- Melatonin
- Omega-3s
- Quercetin
- Red reishi
- Green tea
- Magnesium
If you have PCOS, vitamins B1, B6, B12, and E can be useful for other symptoms, as well.
If you have high testosterone, your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle modifications, and natural remedies to help regulate your hormones and treat your symptoms.
