If the androgen value is high in a female subject, it can lead to some health problems, including acne, weight gain, excessive hair growth and insulin resistance, but also the development of polycystic ovary syndrome. (PCOS), a disorder that involves painful menstrual cycles and fertility problems. Taking birth control pills and other medications prescribed by your doctor can lower the level of androgens. In addition, it is advisable to change your diet and physical activity. Phytotherapeutic supplements also provide an additional contribution, even if they should only be taken with the doctor's consent.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Taking the Birth Control Pill and Other Medications
Step 1. Get tested to see if your androgen levels are high
First of all, your doctor will ask you a few questions about your health condition to find out if you suffer from severe acne, irregular periods, hair loss or increased hair and weight problems. He will then prescribe you to test your saliva, urine and blood in order to check your hormone values. If they test positive, it will tell you that androgens are high and that you need to learn how to manage the problem to be healthy.
Step 2. Consult your doctor about taking oral contraceptives
They allow you to have more regular menstrual cycles and lower the level of androgens in the ovaries. They can also help you eliminate acne and inhibit excessive hair growth caused by the high amount of these hormones. Your doctor may prescribe an oral contraceptive to be taken once a day, always at the same time.
- Oral contraceptives can be a great long-term treatment if androgen levels are high and you don't anticipate pregnancy.
- Your doctor will describe the side effects to you before prescribing them for you.
Step 3. Take hypoglycemic medications to reduce insulin and androgens
They will also help you ovulate regularly and lower your cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe them and discuss the correct dosage with you.
- They can also promote weight loss and eliminate acne caused by high androgen levels.
- Since they are unsure if you are pregnant, your doctor may suggest that you make some dietary or lifestyle changes.
Step 4. Ask your doctor if you can take an antiandrogen
It is a class of drugs that prevent the body from producing these hormones and limit the resulting effects. Your doctor may advise you on this alternative and prescribe the correct daily dosage.
- Antiandrogens can cause fetal malformations. For this reason, they are prescribed together with oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy.
- If you do get pregnant, you may want to make dietary or lifestyle changes to manage the problem.
Part 2 of 3: Changing the Diet and Lifestyle
Step 1. Eat high-fiber, low-fat foods
High-fiber foods help you maintain a healthy weight and get enough fiber from fruit and vegetables. So, opt for dishes filled with fresh fruit or vegetables and healthier protein sources, such as chicken, tofu, and beans. Avoid fats, so you don't raise your insulin levels and put on weight.
- Make a meal plan and shop early in the week so you have the ingredients you need to cook. Go out of your way to strike a good balance between fresh produce, grains, and protein at every meal.
- Try to cook at home and eat out as little as possible. Go to the restaurant no more than 1-2 times a week. In this way, you will know what is in the dishes you consume the most.
Step 2. Opt for omega-3 rich foods
Omega-3s allow you to keep androgen levels low. Incorporate flax seeds, salmon, walnuts, sardines, and chia seeds into your diet to help support your intake of these essential fatty acids.
Step 3. Avoid meals rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars
Eliminate ready-made and prepackaged foods, sweets and candies to keep your sugar and carbohydrate intake low. Foods high in these refined macronutrients promote insulin spikes and increase androgen levels.
By eliminating them you can also maintain a healthy weight and, consequently, limit the production of androgens
Step 4. Train 45 minutes a day, 5 days a week
By paying attention to your weight and engaging in physical activity, you will be able to keep androgen levels low and prevent the development of PCOS. Schedule regular workouts once a day to keep fit. Try walking or cycling to work. Go to the pool or join the gym so you can stay on the move during the week.
A combination of resistance training and cardio exercises is ideal for maintaining a healthy weight and staying active
Part 3 of 3: Using Herbal Supplements
Step 1. Talk to your doctor before using supplements
Phytotherapeutic supplements are often recommended when making changes in drug therapies and lifestyle. Talk to your doctor before taking them, and even if you take them, don't stop taking any medications you need to control androgen levels. Don't rely solely on supplements to treat this problem, as they may not necessarily be effective on their own.
Step 2. Drink mint tea 2-3 times a day
Mint can help reduce testosterone levels and increase luteinizing hormones, secreted by the female body when the androgen value is normal. Drink it in the morning or in the evening to make the most of the benefits of this aromatic herb.
Step 3. Try antiandrogenic plants, such as licorice, peony and serena repens (also called saw palmetto)
They can keep testosterone levels low. Get them in pill or powder form. You can find them in herbal medicine or on the Internet.
Take them with a snack. If they are in the form of pills, swallow the tablet whole. If you bought the powder, dissolve it in a glass of water and drink
Step 4. Take reishi mushroom supplements
Reishi mushroom possesses antiandrogenic properties and can inhibit the production of these hormones. You can find it under pills or in powder form.
Pour the powdered supplement into a glass of water, shake and drink
Step 5. Try rosemary leaf extract
It is a great topical therapy for reducing androgen levels. You can buy it at a herbalist's shop or on the Internet.
Step 6. Make sure the supplements have no contraindications
Start by reading the directions on the package to make sure the herb or plant is the first ingredient on the list. Make sure there are no preservatives, additives, dyes or chemicals. Search the internet for the manufacturing company to see if they provide contact information and have excellent consumer ratings.
- You can also contact the manufacturer directly to check if the supplements have been third-party tested.
- Keep in mind that the Federal Drug Administration does not check supplements, so make sure US-sourced ones are safe before taking them.
- The best way to be sure they are safe is to refer them to your doctor.
