The production of testosterone in women is a partnership between the ovaries and adrenal glands. While it is typically viewed as a male hormone, women need a small amount to be healthy. Testosterone helps produce muscle mass, controls bone density and contributes to sex drive. However, when the body produces too much testosterone, it has a negative impact. Large amounts of testosterone can produce excess body hair and polycystic growths on the ovaries. Hormone production is a balancing act and not something you should alter unless your doctor indicates it is necessary.
Step 1
Test your blood hormone levels to determine if your testosterone is high. Talk to your doctor about having your hormone levels checked before you begin any plan to reduce testosterone. If you are producing too much testosterone, you may be under-producing other important hormones, such as estrogen. Get confirmation of your levels, and eliminate other health issues that might be causing the problem. This should always be the first step when trying to reduce or increase hormone production.
Step 2
Add some soy products to your diet. This is tricky because soy can have estrogen-like effects on the body. By increasing the soy in your diet, you can decrease the testosterone levels. Start small to avoid problems. Add one glass of soy milk to breakfast each day. If that does not appear to help, add a second helping of soy, such as tofu. Soy can cause problems for women with too much estrogen, so have your levels tested before ingesting soy products.
Step 3
Increase cardiovascular exercise and decrease strength training. If you exercise regularly, reduce your strength training by one day. Muscle mass increases the production of testosterone. You do not want to cut out strength training, just cut back. If you do not exercise regularly, start a cardiovascular program that includes walking or bike riding to improve your health. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes three or four days a week.
Tips and Warnings
- See a doctor if you have excess body hair, a change in sex drive, irregular periods, frontal balding at the hair line, sudden acne or pain on either side. This may be an indication of a hormone imbalance. Talk to your doctor about both medical and natural ways to help regulate your hormones. If you are taking hormone replacement therapy, see your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms or if you have radiating pain in any part of your body.
