How to Lower Androgen Levels For Better Health

Androgens are powerful hormones that play a key role in both men and women’s health.

Though they are often associated with traits like muscle growth and sex drive, imbalances in these hormones can lead to a variety of troubling symptoms, including unwanted weight gain, excess body hair, and mood swings.

In this blog, you will learn what androgens are, the symptoms of high androgen levels, and how these hormones affect weight gain. We will also explore natural ways to lower androgen levels.

Key Takeaway

To lower androgen levels, focus on a balanced approach that includes managing stress, improving insulin sensitivity through diet and exercise, and consider medical weight loss programs if natural ways aren’t enough to lower your androgen levels.

What Are Androgens?

Androgens are steroid hormones, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), that affect everything from muscle development to sex drive.

These hormones are usually higher in men but are necessary for both men and women. The primary androgen types are:

• Testosterone: Important for muscle growth, bone density, and libido.
• DHT: Involved in hair growth and, in men, prostate health.
• Androstenedione: Produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries, it supports testosterone and estrogen production.

Androgens are necessary, but when they are too high, symptoms can show up in surprising ways.

Symptoms of High Androgen Levels

If your androgen levels are elevated, you may notice:

• Excessive hair growth
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Oily skin
• Acne
• Ovarian cysts
• Hair loss
• Weight gain
• Mood swings 
• Hot flashes

Androgens and Weight Gain

Androgens can impact weight in both men and women, but their effects can differ:

• In women: Androgens, especially in excess, may increase insulin resistance, leading to weight gain. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)* is one of the common causes of elevated androgens and often results in weight issues.
• In men: While androgens help with muscle mass and fat distribution, imbalances can also affect weight gain or retention, particularly in the abdomen.

*PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in women, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, high androgen levels, and fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries.

Natural Ways to Lower Androgen Levels

If you are dealing with high androgen levels, there are natural steps you can take to help bring them down.

1. Eat to Support Balance

• Lower sugar intake: Reduce sugar to keep blood sugar and insulin in check, which is essential for controlling androgen levels.
• Add healthy fats: Foods like avocados, nuts, and olive oil support healthy hormone levels.
• Try spearmint tea: Known for its anti-androgenic effects, this tea may help reduce testosterone levels in women.
• Stabilize blood sugar: Eat low-glycemic foods to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce androgen levels.

2. Adopt Lifestyle Habits That Lower Androgens

• Exercise regularly: Physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and help you manage weight, which supports balanced androgens.
• Reduce stress: Stress triggers cortisol, which can disrupt hormone levels, including androgens.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Weight loss, especially in women with PCOS, has been shown to help lower androgen levels.

3. Consider Supplements and Herbs

• Zinc and magnesium: These minerals support hormone balance and can reduce symptoms.
• Herbal remedies: Some herbs, like licorice and saw palmetto, have shown potential anti-androgenic activities. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Medical Treatments for High Androgen Levels

When natural methods are not enough, medical treatments may help.

1. Anti-Androgen Medications

• Oral contraceptives: Birth control pills can help balance hormone levels, reducing acne and excess body hair.
• Anti-androgen therapies: Medications like spironolactone can block androgens and reduce symptoms like facial hair growth and acne.

2. Hormone Therapy

• Androgen-suppressing medications: Certain medications target androgen production directly, reducing symptoms.
• Medical weight loss programs: If weight loss is challenging due to high androgens, a medical weight loss program can help.

Testing Androgen Levels

A healthcare provider can:

• Do blood tests to check testosterone levels and other androgens.
• Review your medical history and symptoms to identify potential hormone imbalances.
• Check insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels, as insulin resistance often goes hand-in-hand with high androgen levels.

Medical Weight Loss Program at Madison Integrative Medicine

At Madison Integrative Medicine, our medical weight loss programs target hormonal imbalances and help you achieve sustainable weight loss.

We offer a personalized approach that includes:

• Comprehensive hormone testing to assess your androgen levels, insulin resistance, and overall hormone balance.
• Customized diet and exercise plans that support healthy weight loss and help bring androgen levels back to balance.
• Nutritional support with supplements that boost metabolism and support hormone health.
• Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injections: As providers of these effective medications, we offer FDA-approved weight loss injections that can improve insulin sensitivity, aid in weight loss, and reduce androgen-related symptoms.
• Ongoing coaching and support from our team to help you stay motivated and on track with your goals.

Let Us Help You Find Hormonal Balance

If you think high androgens could be affecting you, we can help.

With a functional medicine approach, we will not only check your levels but work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs.Schedule an appointment with Blake Gilliam, CRNP, by calling (256) 325-0955 or complete the online booking form. Our wellness clinic is located at 1230 Slaughter Rd Suite C, Madison, AL.