Both the male and female bodies need some level of testosterone for the proper functioning of the body. Although considered a ‘male’ hormone, the female body produces testosterone for muscle strength, normal metabolic and reproductive function, mood, libido among other reasons.
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Signs of too much testosterone
A deficiency in the production of this hormone in women could have health impacts, just as an over production may produce symptoms that most women will find undesirable. Like other hormones that contribute to growth and reproduction, testosterone levels differ from one person to the next. However, levels between 0.29-1.67nmol/L are normal for women under the age of 50, with levels dropping slightly in much older women. According to Healthy Women:
Hormone levels continually change, rising and falling even by the minute. Testosterone levels typically decline with age, both in men and in women. But sometimes, the balance shifts in the opposite direction, and testosterone, rather than drop, will climb.
As a woman, these features in your physical appearance could be an indication that your body is producing excess testosterone:
- excess body hair, specifically facial hair
- balding, acne
- enlarged clitoris
- drop in breast size
- deepening of the voice
- increased muscle mass
Managing high testosterone
In most cases, these symptoms are triggered by underlying health conditions such as hirsutism (a condition that causes the growth of unwanted hair on the face, back and chest) and Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to Healthline.
But, some experts say symptoms of high testosterone can be managed through dietary changes including cutting down on sugar and eating foods high in zinc such as lentils, mushrooms, avocado and chickpeas. Apart from these, once a diagnosis is made, a doctor could prescribe treatments to treat the cause. According to Flo:
Oral contraceptives are sometimes also prescribed to treat and help block the production of excess testosterone. The best oral contraceptives for high testosterone and hirsutism are those with low doses of norgestimate, desogestrel, and gestodene.
However, this option is not ideal for women who are trying for a baby.
Read more:
⋙ The scary reason you should never shave your facial hair
⋙ ‘Hormone Diet’: What Does Science Say About This New Diet Trend?
⋙ You should know this before quitting birth control and going hormone-free
