Testosterone is a hormone that is mostly present and relevant in men, but is also produced by women in lower quantities and helps them regulate sex drive and fertility. However, if you’re a woman, too much testosterone can affect your mood and may even impair your ability to conceive. But don’t worry: there’s hope! Here’s what you need to know about high testosterone in women, how to lower its levels, and what to expect from treatment.
Testosterone In Women
Testosterone plays a key role in women’s sex drive, mood, cognition and energy levels. Testosterone is also important for muscle mass and strength. Therefore, keeping a balanced T level is primordial for women’s health. But what happens when testosterone levels rise above the normal range? High T levels in women result in undesired symptoms such as:
- Excessive body hair growth
- Acne
- Deeper voice
- Weight gain
- Balding
- Fatigue
- Infertility
That being said, getting your blood tested for hormone levels is important if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. Discuss your results with your doctor for guidance on further testing and getting the appropriate treatment for your needs.
Who’s At Risk For High Testosterone?
- Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often experience higher levels of androgenic hormones, which can cause high testosterone.
- Some women may have high levels of androgenic hormones due to other medical conditions (such as genetic disorders) or medications. Ovarian or adrenal tumors can also be the culprit of high T.
- Having your ovaries removed can also cause higher levels of testosterone in the body because estrogen is produced by the ovaries and controls the production of testosterone by the adrenal glands.
- Other factors such as lifestyle habits and steroid use in sports and fitness environments can cause testosterone levels to rise above the normal range in women.
So, How Can Women Lower Their T Levels, And How Long Can It Take?
Some medications can help lower your testosterone if it is too high. Anti-androgen medication is one of the most common medications since they block testosterone’s effect in the body. They’re often used to treat prostate cancer, but they can also be helpful for women who have high T levels.
There are several different types of anti-androgens on the market. One of them is Spironolactone (Aldactone). This medication is often prescribed to treat high blood pressure, but it’s sometimes used as an anti-androgen to treat high testosterone. It is also often used to treat acne and hirsutism.
As with any medication, make sure to be clear with your doctor about any other medication you’re taking to avoid interactions between them that can result in life-threatening side effects such as hemorrhage.
As for how long medication can take to lower your testosterone levels, the time can vary from person to person. However, for most people, the effect can be truly noticeable in 1-3 months from the start of treatment and can be in full effect at 3-6 months.
Another important factor to note in improving your hormones is your lifestyle habits. Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, sleeping at least 7-9 hours every night, and staying hydrated are all things that can optimize your hormonal regulation. Alcohol and drug abuse can hinder your hormones and make you more prone to suffering imbalances of this nature.
Conclusion
Although it is not possible to pinpoint the exact time it can take to lower testosterone levels in women, it is clear that treatment is effective and safe when done along with regular testing and under the surveillance of a professional. However, it can generally take a few months for you to fully reap the benefits of your treatment. If you suspect your T levels may be high, get your blood testosterone tested, and speak to your doctor about your results.
Key Takeaways
- High testosterone in women can cause undesired symptoms such as excessive body hair growth, weight gain, acne, and infertility.
- How long treatment can take to lower testosterone can vary from person to person.
- Some of the most common medications used to lower testosterone are anti-androgens
- If you suspect your T levels may be high, get your blood testosterone tested, and speak to your doctor about your results.