Ways to Reduce Testosterone Levels with PCOS

Managing PCOS: Lowering Testosterone Levels

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal imbalance that affects many women. Elevated testosterone levels are a common feature of PCOS, and managing these levels can help alleviate symptoms. Here are some ways to lower testosterone levels:

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary (or ovarian) syndrome (PCOS) is a common health problem caused by a hormonal imbalance. It causes egg follicles to not fully develop, resulting in multiple small cysts on and in the ovaries and reduced fertility. It also increases the risk of other health conditions, especially type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is a key feature of PCOS and can easily develop into diabetes over time. There is no cure for PCOS, but it is possible to manage the symptoms with lifestyle changes and medication.

Symptoms of PCOS

The symptoms of PCOS vary widely. The hormonal imbalance affects each patient a little differently. However, symptoms include:

• Irregular or absent menstruation
• Weight gain
• Hirsutism, particularly of the face
• Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp
• Acne
• Darkened skin under the breasts and in the groin
• Skin tags, often on the neck

Typical Testosterone Levels in PCOS Patients

Testosterone testing can be done by different methods, and there’s no accepted standard among laboratories. An elevation above two standard deviations of the mean would be considered positive, as most laboratory reference ranges for androgens for women do not exclude women with PCOS. However, testosterone values of over 150 ng/dL in women would require further evaluation for the most serious causes of hyperandrogenism, such as adrenal tumors. That is to say, hyperandrogenism in PCOS is not as severe as that caused by some other diseases.

Causes of High Testosterone in AFAB Patients

There are several causes of elevated testosterone other than PCOS. These include ovarian and adrenal tumors, Cushing’s syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and complete androgen insensitivity syndrome. Virilization, such as the expansion of the clitoris or deepening of the voice, is a warning sign of extreme hyperandrogenism associated with tumors and other severe diseases and must be investigated.

Best Ways to Lower Testosterone

There are a number of ways people with PCOS can lower their testosterone levels:

• Combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives (COC)
• Weight loss
• Antiandrogens
• Eating more soy
• Drinking mint tea
• Licorice root
• Flaxseed
• Green tea
• Zinc
• Cinnamon
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids