How To Lower Testosterone in Women With Food

Maintaining hormonal balance is crucial for overall health, and managing excessive levels of testosterone is particularly important for women experiencing symptoms like menstrual irregularity, voice deepening, and increased hair growth. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often cause these symptoms, highlighting the need to understand how to lower testosterone in women. Incorporating specific foods into the diet can help manage testosterone levels, but it is essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foods and Vitamins to Lower Testosterone in Women

Spearmint Tea

Incorporating spearmint tea into your diet can be an effective way to lower testosterone in women. The spearmint plant Mentha spicata, known for its various medicinal properties, has been traditionally used to reduce libido, suggesting its potential to block testosterone. A study published in the "Phytotherapy Research" tested spearmint tea's effects on women with polycystic ovary disease (PCOS), showing that consuming spearmint tea twice a day for a month significantly decreased circulating testosterone levels and unwanted hair growth without serious side effects.

Bael Leaf

Bael leaves, Aegle marmelos, a staple in Ayurvedic medicine, offer another dietary option for lowering testosterone in women. Traditionally used to relieve constipation and treat diabetes, bael leaves may influence hormone regulation. A 2007 study in "Contraception" found that bael leaf extract suppressed testosterone levels and reduced fertility in male rats, effects that reversed after treatment stopped. While promising, further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

Pegaga

Pegaga, Centella asiatica, commonly consumed as a salad green in Malaysia, has shown potential in treating symptoms of diabetes and affecting the endocrine system. A 2012 study found that daily injections of Centella asiatica in rodents decreased testosterone production and reduced sperm count. While these findings are promising, further safety data and human studies are necessary to confirm its efficacy in lowering testosterone in women.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds help lower testosterone in women by providing lignans, which are compounds that can interfere with the production of testosterone by binding to hormone receptors. This process helps reduce the overall levels of free testosterone in the body, aiding in the management of conditions like PCOS. Additionally, flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, which support overall hormonal balance and reduce inflammation. Incorporating flaxseeds into the diet is a natural and effective strategy for those looking to lower testosterone in women.

Green Tea

Green tea helps lower testosterone in women by containing catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which can inhibit the enzymes responsible for converting cholesterol into testosterone. This reduction in enzyme activity leads to lower levels of testosterone in the body, making green tea an effective natural remedy for managing conditions like PCOS. Additionally, the antioxidants in green tea support overall hormonal balance and reduce inflammation. For those exploring natural methods on how to lower testosterone in women, incorporating green tea into their daily routine can be beneficial.

Soy

Soy products help lower testosterone in women because they contain phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen in the body and can reduce the production and effects of testosterone. These phytoestrogens compete with androgens like testosterone for receptor sites, thereby lowering overall testosterone activity. This hormonal balancing effect makes soy products a valuable dietary addition for managing conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). For those seeking strategies on how to lower testosterone in women, incorporating soy products like tofu, tempeh, and soy milk can be highly effective.

Nuts and Seeds (especially Almonds and Pumpkin Seeds)

Nuts and seeds, particularly almonds and pumpkin seeds, help lower testosterone in women by providing essential nutrients like zinc and magnesium, which are crucial in hormone regulation. Zinc, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone to its more active form, thereby reducing overall testosterone levels. Additionally, the healthy fats in these nuts and seeds support overall hormonal balance and reduce inflammation. Incorporating almonds and pumpkin seeds into the diet can be an effective and natural approach for those researching how to lower testosterone in women.

Conclusion

Understanding how to lower testosterone in women is crucial for managing symptoms related to hormonal imbalance. Incorporating foods like spearmint tea, bael leaves, pegaga, potato fiber, flaxseeds, green tea, soy products, and various nuts and seeds can help lower testosterone levels while boosting the immune system. Always consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes to ensure the best approach for your needs. By integrating these dietary strategies, women can achieve better hormonal balance and overall health.

References

Grant, P. (2009). Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti‐androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. a randomized controlled trial. PTR. Phytotherapy Research/Phytotherapy Research, 24(2), 186–188. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2900

Balasubramanian, R., Rajagopal, G., & Karthikeyan, K. (2007). Suppression of fertility in male albino rats following the administration of 50% ethanolic extract of Aegle marmelos. Contraception, 76(6), 474-481. https://www.contraceptionjournal.org/article/S0010-7824(07)00404-0/abstract

Allegra, C., Pollari, G., Criscuolo, A., Bonifácio, M. F., & Tabassi, D. (1981, December 15). [Centella asiatica extract in venous disorders of the lower limbs. Comparative clinico-instrumental studies with a placebo]. ScienceOpen. https://www.scienceopen.com/document?vid=52d8fa60-9761-453c-a028-50555235f49b

Heidari, M., Heidari-Vala, H., Sadeghi, M. R., & Akhondi, M. M. (2011). The inductive effects of Centella asiatica on rat spermatogenic cell apoptosis in vivo. Natural Medicines/Journal of Natural Medicines, 66(2), 271–278. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-011-0578-y

Pastuszewska, B., Taciak, M., Tuśnio, A., Misztal, T., & Ochtabińska, A. (2010). Physiological effects of long-term feeding diets supplemented with potato fibre or cellulose to adult rats. Archives of Animal Nutrition, 64(2), 155–169. https://doi.org/10.1080/17450390903478885

Nowak, D. A., Snyder, D. C., Brown, A. J., & Demark-Wahnefried, W. (2007). The Effect of Flaxseed Supplementation on Hormonal Levels Associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Case Study. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2752973/

Prasanth, M. I., Sivamaruthi, B. S., Chaiyasut, C., & Tencomnao, T. (2019). A Review of the Role of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) in Antiphotoaging, Stress Resistance, Neuroprotection, and Autophagy. Nutrients, 11(2), 474. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11020474

Burgess, L. (2024, May 20). What are phytoestrogens? Benefits and foods. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320630

Balakrishna, R., Bjørnerud, T., Bemanian, M., Aune, D., & Fadnes, L. T. (2022). Consumption of nuts and seeds and health outcomes including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and metabolic disease, cancer, and mortality: an umbrella review. Advances in Nutrition, 13(6), 2136–2148. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmac077