Difference between revisions of "Lower Testosterone Levels"
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While testosterone is typically seen as a "male" hormone, it's also present (albeit in much smaller amounts) in women. However, between 4-7% of American women produce too much testosterone in their ovaries, which usually leads to a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome.<ref name="rf1">http://www.drugs.com/health-guide/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html</ref> Too much testosterone in women can lead to infertility due to lack of ovulation, as well as some embarrassing symptoms like acne, a deepening voice and facial hair growth. Reducing testosterone levels in women is often accomplished with medication, although dietary change can make a positive impact also. | While testosterone is typically seen as a "male" hormone, it's also present (albeit in much smaller amounts) in women. However, between 4-7% of American women produce too much testosterone in their ovaries, which usually leads to a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome.<ref name="rf1">http://www.drugs.com/health-guide/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html</ref> Too much testosterone in women can lead to infertility due to lack of ovulation, as well as some embarrassing symptoms like acne, a deepening voice and facial hair growth. Reducing testosterone levels in women is often accomplished with medication, although dietary change can make a positive impact also. | ||
[[Category:Conditions and Treatments]] | [[Category:Conditions and Treatments]] | ||
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==Steps== | ==Steps== | ||
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#*In addition to lack of menstruation and PCOS, other symptoms of excessive testosterone production include hirsutism (increased hair growth), enhanced aggression and libido, increased muscle mass, clitoral growth, acne development, deepening voice, and darkening or thickening of the skin. | #*In addition to lack of menstruation and PCOS, other symptoms of excessive testosterone production include hirsutism (increased hair growth), enhanced aggression and libido, increased muscle mass, clitoral growth, acne development, deepening voice, and darkening or thickening of the skin. | ||
#Get your diabetes under control. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by reduced cellular sensitivity to the effects of insulin.<ref name="rf3">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/basics/definition/con-20033091</ref> Type 2 diabetes is often triggered by obesity and results in an over-production of insulin, which can cause the ovaries to produce more testosterone. Thus, obesity, type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance), high testosterone production and PCOS often occur together within women if given enough time to develop. Your doctor can test your insulin and blood glucose levels to see if you have or are at risk of developing diabetes. | #Get your diabetes under control. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by reduced cellular sensitivity to the effects of insulin.<ref name="rf3">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/basics/definition/con-20033091</ref> Type 2 diabetes is often triggered by obesity and results in an over-production of insulin, which can cause the ovaries to produce more testosterone. Thus, obesity, type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance), high testosterone production and PCOS often occur together within women if given enough time to develop. Your doctor can test your insulin and blood glucose levels to see if you have or are at risk of developing diabetes. | ||
| − | #*Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and even reversed with weight loss, regular exercise and dietary changes (such as less processed carbohydrates and harmful hydrogenated fats). | + | #*Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and even reversed<ref>https://www.diabetesriskalert.com/blog</ref> with weight loss, regular exercise and dietary changes (such as less processed carbohydrates and harmful hydrogenated fats). |
#*Your physician may prescribe medication that reduces insulin resistance, such as metformin (Glucophage) or pioglitazone (Actos). These medications can normalize insulin and testosterone levels, which helps to restore normal menstrual cycles. | #*Your physician may prescribe medication that reduces insulin resistance, such as metformin (Glucophage) or pioglitazone (Actos). These medications can normalize insulin and testosterone levels, which helps to restore normal menstrual cycles. | ||
#*When high insulin levels are coupled with high testosterone levels, there's an increased risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure), blood cholesterol imbalance (too much "bad" LDL cholesterol) and cardiovascular disease.<ref name="rf1" /> | #*When high insulin levels are coupled with high testosterone levels, there's an increased risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure), blood cholesterol imbalance (too much "bad" LDL cholesterol) and cardiovascular disease.<ref name="rf1" /> | ||
