For women, androgen levels that are too high can cause various health problems, such as acne, weight gain, excessive hair growth, and insulin resistance. In addition, women with high androgen levels are also more susceptible to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a disease that makes menstruation very painful and can interfere with fertility. To lower androgen levels, you generally need to take oral contraceptives and other drugs prescribed by your doctor. In addition, you can also do various natural methods such as changing your diet and exercise routine, and taking plant-based supplements under the supervision of a doctor.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Taking Pregnancy Control Pills and Medications
Step 1. Get tested to check androgen levels in your body
First of all, the doctor will generally ask for your medical history to identify the presence or absence of various health issues such as severe acne, irregular periods, hair loss or thickening, and weight problems. Then, the doctor will take samples of saliva, urine, and blood to determine your androgen levels. If the test results are positive, the doctor will state that the androgen levels in your body are high and need to be managed so that the body's health is maintained.
Step 2. Consult the possibility of taking oral to oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives can make your menstrual cycle more regular, as well as lower androgen levels in your ovaries. In addition, in some cases, oral contraceptives can also clear acne and control excess hair growth due to high androgen levels. If you want, the doctor can prescribe a birth control drug that must be taken once a day at the same time.
- Oral contraceptives can also be a method of long-term treatment for those of you who have high androgen levels but are not planning to become pregnant.
- Your doctor should tell you all the possible side effects of oral contraceptives before prescribing them to you.
Step 3. Take hypoglycemic drugs to lower insulin and androgen levels in the body
Hypoglycemic drugs can also make the ovulation process more regular and lower your cholesterol levels, you know! Try to consult these possibilities along with the recommended daily dose to your doctor.
- The drug can also help you lose weight and clear up acne caused by high androgen levels.
- Possibly, hypoglycemic drugs are not safe for consumption by pregnant women. Instead of taking drugs, doctors will usually recommend that you who are pregnant make changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Step 4. Try discussing the possibility of taking antiandrogen medications with your doctor
Antiandrogen drugs can prevent the body from producing excess androgens and limit their effects. If you want, try discussing the possibility of taking antiandrogen drugs along with the appropriate daily dose with your doctor.
- Be careful, antiandrogen drugs can cause birth defects. That is why, these drugs are often taken together with oral contraceptives to prevent the risk of pregnancy.
- Women who are pregnant may need additional methods, such as changes to their diet or lifestyle.
Method 2 of 3: Changing Diet and Lifestyle
Step 1. Increase your intake of fiber and low-fat foods
Foods that are high in fiber, such as vegetables and fruits, can help maintain a stable weight. Therefore, try to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy sources of protein such as chicken, tofu, and beans. Make sure the food you consume is also low in fat so that insulin levels in the body are maintained properly.
- Plan your meals and shop early in the month so you don't have to worry about cooking. Remember, focus on balancing the intake of fresh ingredients, whole grains, and protein in every plate of food you eat.
- Try to always cook yourself so that the frequency of dining out can be reduced to a maximum of 2 times a week. Do this to control every ingredient in your food.
Step 2. Increase consumption of foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids
Did you know that omega 3 fatty acids are able to keep androgen levels within normal limits? Therefore, try to eat more flax seeds, salmon, walnuts, sardines, and chia seeds to increase the intake of omega 3 in the body.
Step 3. Avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates and refined sugar
Stop eating fast food, packaged foods, sweets, and sweets to keep carbohydrates and sugar levels in the body low. Be careful, eating foods that are high in carbohydrates and refined sugar can increase insulin and androgen levels in the body!
By cutting these foods, your weight will also be maintained properly. As a result, your androgen levels will improve
Step 4. Exercise 45 minutes a day, 5 times a week
In general, maintaining body weight and activity is effective in maintaining androgen levels within normal limits and preventing the occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, exercise at least once a day to keep your body in shape. For example, you can walk or bike to work, swim, or join the nearest fitness center to keep your body active.
The combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise is ideal for maintaining a healthy weight and activity
Method 3 of 3: Taking Plant-Based Supplements
Step 1. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements
Generally, you will need to make lifestyle changes and take additional medications to maximize the benefits of the supplement. For accurate drinking rules, try to consult a doctor before taking any supplements. If you are currently taking an antiandrogen medication prescribed by your doctor, do not stop it without your doctor's supervision. In other words, don't just rely on supplements to lower androgen levels in the body to maximize their benefits.
Step 2. Consume spearmint tea 2-3 times a day
Spearmint can help lower testosterone levels and increase levels of the luteinizing hormone, a hormone commonly found in women's bodies with normal androgen levels. Therefore, try consuming spearmint tea with your meal in the morning or evening to reap its natural benefits.
Step 3. Try taking antiandrogen herbs like liquorice, peony, and saw palmetto
These types of herbs can keep androgen levels in your body low. Generally, antiandrogen herbs are packaged in pill or powder form, and are sold in various online and offline health stores.
Antiandrogen herbs should be taken whole with small amounts of food. If it is in powder form, you need to first dissolve it in a glass of water before drinking it
Step 4. Try taking a reishi mushroom supplement
This type of mushroom contains antiandrogen ingredients that can prevent the body from producing too many androgen hormones. Generally, reishi mushroom supplements are sold in pill or powder form.
Supplements in the form of powder need to be dissolved in a glass of water before consumption
Step 5. Use rosemary leaf extract
This is a good method of topical therapy to lower androgen levels in your body. In addition, you can easily find rosemary leaf extract at various health stores near you or online.
Step 6. Make sure the supplement is safe to take
First of all, check the label on the supplement packaging to find out the list of natural ingredients (in the form of herbs or plant extracts) contained in it. Then, make sure the supplement does not contain preservatives, additives, dyes, or chemicals. Also look for information about supplement manufacturers to make sure the manufacturer has clear and contactable contacts, and has good reviews from consumers.
- You can also contact the supplement manufacturer directly to make sure that it has been tested by a trusted third party.
- Always remember that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA/BPOM United States) does not monitor the sale of supplements. Therefore, you must independently verify the safety of the supplement before taking it.
- The best way to ensure the safety of a brand of supplement is to consult a doctor.
