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While testosterone is usually seen as a male hormone, everyone produces testosterone to some degree. High testosterone can lead to a lot of uncomfortable symptoms in any sex, including acne, weight gain, and increased aggression. If you’ve had a blood test to confirm your high testosterone levels, there are a few changes you can make in your daily life to start lowering them over time. Be sure to check in with a medical professional regularly to monitor your health and make sure you’re on the right track.

Question 1 of 9:

Which foods reduce testosterone?

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  1. However, since many of the studies have a limited sample of participants, more research is needed.[1] The only thing scientists agree on is that a low-carbohydrate diet can help you reduce your insulin levels naturally. Since increased insulin can cause your body to produce more testosterone, it’s a good way to keep the levels low. Try to maintain a balanced, healthy diet as you work on lowering your testosterone levels.[2]
    • You may have seen that soy is linked to low testosterone—however, more studies need to be done to make that connection.[3]
    • Processed foods might reduce testosterone due to the fat content (specifically trans fats), but on the whole, processed foods high in trans fats can lead to obesity and increased risk of heart conditions.[4]
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Question 2 of 9:

Which activities help lower testosterone?

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Question 3 of 9:

Which medications reduce testosterone levels?

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  1. Birth control pills to help regulate your periods and reduce the symptoms of high testosterone. Make sure the birth control you’re using contains progesterone to help combat your increased testosterone levels.[6]
  2. Androgens are a group of interrelated hormones, including testosterone, which are responsible for the development male characteristics. Commonly used anti-androgen drugs include spironolactone (Aldactone), leuprolide (Lupron, Viadur, Eligard), goserelin (Zoladex) and abarelix (Plenaxis). Your doctor might recommend experimenting with anti-androgen meds at low doses for 6 months to gauge effectiveness versus potential negative side effects.[7]
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Question 4 of 9:

What is the best testosterone treatment?

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Question 5 of 9:

How can I test my testosterone levels?

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  1. Most testosterone tests are done in the morning when the levels are the highest. If you’re taking any medications, like steroids or barbiturates, your doctor might ask you to stop taking them before you get your test.[9]
    • There are some at-home testosterone kits available, but experts aren’t sure if they’re totally accurate. Since the at-home tests use saliva instead of blood, they might not be as scientifically sound.
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Question 6 of 9:

What causes high testosterone?

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  1. Type 2 diabetes is often triggered by obesity and results in an over-production of insulin, which can cause the ovaries to produce more testosterone. Thankfully, you can usually prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes with weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes. If you think you have diabetes, your doctor can give you a blood test to confirm.[10]
  2. For people assigned male at birth, a tumor on the adrenal glands can cause high testosterone. For people assigned female at birth, a tumor in your ovaries can elevate your testosterone levels. If you have high testosterone levels, your doctor can do further tests to check for tumors in those areas.[11]
  3. This is especially common in children, teens, and young adults. If you have low testosterone levels and you recently experienced trauma to your groin area, talk to your doctor about treatment.[12]
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Question 7 of 9:

What are normal testosterone levels?

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  1. Testosterone is measured in nanograms per deciliter. Your levels naturally decrease as you age, so they’ll be higher when you’re younger and lower when you’re older.[13]
  2. Females naturally produce much less testosterone than males, so it’s typically fairly low. Your testosterone levels also decrease as you get older, so your levels will probably fluctuate over time.[14]
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Question 9 of 9:

Can high testosterone levels cause PCOS?

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How Can a Woman Lower Testosterone?


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  • Question
    How can a woman lower testosterone?
    Damaris Vega, MD
    Damaris Vega, MD
    Board Certified Endocrinologist
    Dr. Damaris Vega is a board certified Endocrinologist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a BS in General Science and subsequently earned an MD from the Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, PR. During medical school, Dr. Vega served as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and was selected as her school's representative for the American Association of Medical Colleges. She then completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, Mineral, and Metabolism at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Vega has been recognized for excellent patient care multiple times by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and received the Patients' Choice Award in 2008, 2009, and 2015. She is a fellow of the American College of Clinical Endocrinologists and is an active member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. Dr. Vega is also the founder and CEO of Houston Endocrinology Center as well as a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials at Juno Research, LLC.
    Damaris Vega, MD
    Board Certified Endocrinologist
    Expert Answer
  • Question
    What causes high testosterone in women?
    Damaris Vega, MD
    Damaris Vega, MD
    Board Certified Endocrinologist
    Dr. Damaris Vega is a board certified Endocrinologist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a BS in General Science and subsequently earned an MD from the Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, PR. During medical school, Dr. Vega served as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and was selected as her school's representative for the American Association of Medical Colleges. She then completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, Mineral, and Metabolism at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Vega has been recognized for excellent patient care multiple times by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and received the Patients' Choice Award in 2008, 2009, and 2015. She is a fellow of the American College of Clinical Endocrinologists and is an active member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. Dr. Vega is also the founder and CEO of Houston Endocrinology Center as well as a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials at Juno Research, LLC.
    Damaris Vega, MD
    Board Certified Endocrinologist
    Expert Answer
    High testosterone levels are usually caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, which can be treated with lifestyle modifications and medications that regulate the menstrual cycle.
  • Question
    Will the diet mentioned above and herbal intake affect fat distribution in females with PCOS?
    Daniel Wozniczka, MD, MPH
    Daniel Wozniczka, MD, MPH
    Internal Medicine Physician
    Dr. Wozniczka is an Internal Medicine Physician, who is focused on the intersection of medicine, economics, and policy. He has global healthcare experience in Sub Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. He serves currently as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service and a Medical Officer for the Epidemic Intelligence Service in the CDC. He completed his MD at Jagiellonian University in 2014, and also holds an MBA and Masters in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
    Daniel Wozniczka, MD, MPH
    Internal Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    The fat distribution in PCOS is best treated by treating PCOS itself. The diet intake mentioned above would likely help, but the herbal intake has not been clinically proven.
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Warnings

  • Speak with your doctor in-depth about the side effects of any drugs they may wish to prescribe to lower your testosterone levels.
  • If you believe you're experiencing a hormonal imbalance, see your doctor for a consultation before trying to alter your hormone levels. Dietary modifications are generally safe, but without knowing the cause of your symptoms, you may make your condition worse.
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About This Article

Damaris Vega, MD
Co-authored by:
Board Certified Endocrinologist
This article was co-authored by Damaris Vega, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Dr. Damaris Vega is a board certified Endocrinologist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a BS in General Science and subsequently earned an MD from the Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, PR. During medical school, Dr. Vega served as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and was selected as her school's representative for the American Association of Medical Colleges. She then completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, Mineral, and Metabolism at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Vega has been recognized for excellent patient care multiple times by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and received the Patients' Choice Award in 2008, 2009, and 2015. She is a fellow of the American College of Clinical Endocrinologists and is an active member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. Dr. Vega is also the founder and CEO of Houston Endocrinology Center as well as a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials at Juno Research, LLC. This article has been viewed 1,072,777 times.
22 votes - 45%
Co-authors: 27
Updated: July 16, 2024
Views: 1,072,777
Categories: Hormones | Women’s Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To reduce testosterone levels, try eating more soy products and flaxseed, which can reduce the production of this hormone. Additionally, limit your consumption of animal fats, such as meat, cheese, and butter, since testosterone needs cholesterol to be produced. Alternatively, try an herbal supplement, such as licorice, spearmint, lavender oil, or peppermint teas. However, consult your doctor before taking any supplement to make sure it won't interfere with your current medical condition. To learn how to use medication to regulate your testosterone levels, keep reading!

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    Bethany Kell

    Jan 22, 2017

    "Just diagnosed with PCOS. My testosterone levels are elevated, and this article has given me some great stuff to..." more
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