Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women. Those with PCOS often have higher than normal testosterone levels which can cause symptoms like excess facial and body hair growth. If you have been diagnosed with PCOS and have elevated testosterone, there may be lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can help lower your testosterone levels.
Some potential options to explore include:
- Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your diet, exercise routine, and stress levels may help lower testosterone naturally. Things to try include:
- Following a PCOS-friendly diet: Emphasizing foods that help regulate blood sugar and insulin, while limiting refined carbs and sugar.
- Increasing exercise: Aim for 30-60 minutes per day to help regulate hormones.
- Reducing stress: Stress can make PCOS worse. Practice relaxation techniques regularly.
- Birth control pills: Birth control pills that contain estrogen and progestin work to lower testosterone levels. They prevent ovulation which lowers both estrogen and testosterone production.
- Anti-androgen medications: Medications like spironolactone can block the effects of testosterone. Others like finasteride work by reducing testosterone production.
- Metformin: Metformin can reduce androgen levels indirectly by improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood glucose levels. It may take several months to lower testosterone.
- Cortisol blockers: Medications that inhibit cortisol may help reset hormonal balances. However, more research is still needed on their long-term efficacy.
- Complementary treatments: Some supplements like inositol, spearmint tea, and Vitamin D may complement other treatment approaches. But evidence is limited on their effectiveness as stand-alone options.
If simple lifestyle changes are not sufficient, make an appointment to review medical options with your doctor. They can order bloodwork and tailor prescription treatments to your specific hormone profile and PCOS symptoms.
Regular monitoring of your testosterone levels is important to assess whether treatments are working or need adjustment. Most women find a customized combination approach works best to get testosterone back to normal ranges.
Be patient - it often takes some trial and error to find the most effective treatment protocol. But there are more options now than ever, so keep working with your healthcare providers to find your optimal regimen. Relief from high testosterone is within reach!
While this answer touches on some potential options at a high-level, your specific symptoms, medical history, hormone levels, and preferences should guide your treatment plan.
For personalized medical advice, we recommend making an appointment with one of our hormone health experts at Hormone Wellness Center. Our compassionate care team is specially trained in supporting those with PCOS and other complex hormonal conditions.