How to Reduce Testosterone?
Learn effective methods to reduce high testosterone levels through dietary changes, exercise, stress management, medical treatments, and lifestyle modifications. Discover natural remedies, herbal options, and the importance of regular testing for balanced hormone health.
Testosterone is a vital sex hormone in men. It regulates sex drive, bone health, muscle growth and strength and plays a role in producing red blood cells and sperm. However, if the testosterone level goes beyond the necessary limit, it can result in various physical and emotional problems, thereby affecting the quality of life.
Understanding testosterone levels and keeping them in balance is crucial to maintaining good health. This article explains the causes of high testosterone levels, ways to reduce them, and how its balance can be influenced by lifestyle choices and medical treatments.
Causes of High Testosterone Levels
High testosterone levels can indicate underlying health conditions due to the rise in the levels of circulating testosterone in the human body. Here are certain medical and lifestyle-based risk factors that can increase testosterone levels:
Acromegaly and Cushing’s syndrome, both of which affect the pituitary gland
The use of a few medications, such as fluoxymesterone (Halotestin)
Using anabolic steroids
Benign or cancerous adrenal tumours
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Testosterone supplementation
Heart muscle damage
Hypertension
Weight gain
High cholesterol
Symptoms of High Testosterone Levels
Here are some major symptoms of high testosterone levels:
Acne
High blood pressure
Mood swings, aggression
Headaches
Infertility
Prostate enlargement
Liver disease
Insomnia
Lowered impulse control
Anxiety
Natural Ways to Reduce Testosterone
A variety of natural methods can help lessen testosterone levels, focusing on exercise, diet, stress management, and overall well-being. Here are some notable natural ways to lessen testosterone levels:
1. Dietary Changes for Hormone Balance
Some foods and herbs are known to decrease testosterone levels. Mints, specifically spearmint and peppermint, are proven to lower testosterone. Liquorice root is also claimed to suppress testosterone in both men and women.
Flaxseed contains lignans and omega-3 fatty acids, which may bind to testosterone and help reduce its level in the body. These foods and herbs may support hormone balance, but more research is necessary to fully understand their impact.
2. Exercise and Physical Activity
A consistent way of regulating testosterone levels is engaging in moderate physical activity. Engaging in exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling can help maintain balance in hormones.
Strength training can be pursued for building muscle mass. It is also helpful to maintain hormonal well-being and overall fitness. Yoga and similar gentle physical activity can reduce stress, which tends to lower the levels of cortisol, thus helping to keep the testosterone within desired limits.
3. Stress Management Techniques
Chronic stress significantly contributes to the cause of hormonal imbalance, specifically a high concentration of testosterone in the body. The production of cortisol, induced by stress, affects other hormones as well.
To manage stress, some good practices include getting quality sleep and mental relaxation. Deep breathing, meditation, and passing leisure time by reading books or listening to music are considered effective relaxation habits.
Medical Treatments for High Testosterone
Here are some pharmacological treatments and surgical interventions used to reduce high testosterone levels:
1. Pharmacological Options
For people with specific health conditions, the use of medications can reduce high testosterone levels and help manage such conditions. Examples are steroid synthesis inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, commonly used for Cushing's disease, and alpha reductase inhibitors, like finasteride (Proscar), used to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia.
2. Surgical Interventions
Surgical options for the management of high testosterone levels include orchiectomy and tumour eradication. Orchiectomy is a surgery to remove the testicles and is known as surgical castration. Tumour removal involves the elimination of tumours that actually produce androgens in the ovaries or adrenal glands, thus causing high testosterone.
Consult Top Experts for Personalised Treatment
Lifestyle Modifications to Reduce Testosterone Levels
Some lifestyle habits may be modified to balance the testosterone levels. Here are some tips that may be practically helpful:
Reduce Alcohol Intake: Consumption of too much alcohol is known to affect hormone production and thus reduce the level of testosterone. Alcohol intake should be minimised or avoided to maintain the proper balance of hormones.
Quit Smoking: Smoking has been associated with lower levels of testosterone, though this might vary. Reducing or quitting smoking is an ideal way to bring balance in the hormone level and improve reproductive health, including sperm count and motility.
Reduce Environmental Toxins: Exposure to chemicals in plastics, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), may also disrupt hormone formation, including testosterone. People with an imbalance in testosterone levels are recommended to avoid BPA-containing products and opt for BPA-free alternative products.
Improve Sleep Quality: Adequate sleep is important for the production of testosterone, especially in the rapid eye movement (REM) stage. Getting sound sleep during the night ensures healthy levels of hormones, thus keeping issues like sleeplessness at bay.
Herbal and Supplement Options to Reduce Testosterone Levels
Here is a list of herbal and supplement options that help reduce the high testosterone levels:
Spearmint
Peppermint
Liquorice root
Shatavari
Reishi mushrooms
Pine bark extract
Ashwagandha
Black cohosh
Zinc
Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) from green tea
White peony
Monitoring and Testing for High Levels of Testosterone
Here's an overview of how testosterone tests work:
1. Testosterone Testing Process
A simple blood sample is usually required for testosterone tests, which can be done in a lab or through at-home test kits. These tests measure total testosterone, which is bound to proteins and free testosterone, which is useful in diagnosing specific conditions.
Results are usually ready within a few days. For people under 45, the test is usually done in the morning because that is when testosterone levels are highest.
2. Saliva Tests
A salivary test is an alternative for those who are uncomfortable with blood tests. However, scientific studies indicate that saliva testing has less accuracy, and further tests, such as serum, may be required for accurate results.
3. Understanding of Test Results
Test results determine the normal, high, or low levels of testosterone. Normal testosterone for males between the ages of 19 and 49 ranges between 249 and 836 ng/Dl. For males above 50 years of age, it ranges between 193 to 740 ng/dL. If these figures exceed the normal level, it can signify high testosterone and other underlying health conditions.
Member pricePsychological and Emotional Considerations Regarding High-Level Testosterone
Managing raised testosterone levels sometimes requires attention to the psychological and emotional aspects of a person to get better results:
1. Addressing Mental Health
Some studies suggest that balanced testosterone levels may help reduce anxiety and depression in both men and women. However, high levels of testosterone can cause mood swings, aggression, and other associated psychological issues.
A mental health professional can address these issues in people and help manage emotional challenges. Therapy and counselling can be ideal for those who suffer from anxiety, depression, or relationship concerns as a result of high testosterone.
2. Role of Therapy and Counselling
For the psychological effects of high testosterone, therapy can be of great help to the concerned individuals. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and talk therapy are great healing procedures used to treat persons dealing with the emotional effects of hormonal imbalances. In some cases, medication in combination with therapy is considered to treat mood disorders.
Conclusion
Managing high levels of testosterone includes medical treatments, lifestyle changes, stress management, and emotional support. With dietary changes, regular exercise, improved sleep, and herbal remedies, one can easily balance testosterone levels.
Long-term management requires regular testing and professional guidance from healthcare providers. An all-inclusive approach that covers both physical and psychological aspects can be helpful for people to achieve better hormonal balance and well-being.
Consult Top Endocrinologists
Consult Top Endocrinologists
Dr. Nithin Reddy Modhugu
Endocrinologist
6 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Endocrinology)
Hyderabad
Dr. Nithin's Endocrine Clinic, Hyderabad
(75+ Patients)
Dr. Gayatri S
Endocrinologist
4 Years • Suggested Qualifictaion- MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), DM (ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Nellore
Narayana hospital, Nellore
Dr. Shiva Madan
Endocrinologist
10 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine) , DM (Endocrinology)
Bikaner
Sushma diabetes and Endocrine center, Bikaner
Dr. Venkata Rakesh Chintala
Endocrinologist
8 Years • MBBS,MD( GEN MEDICINE), DM ( ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Krishna district
Sanjeevani Hospital, Krishna district
Dr. Arunava Ghosh
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MBBS,MD(GENL.MED.),DM(ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Kolkata
VDC Clinic, Kolkata
Consult Top Experts for Personalised Treatment
Dr. Nithin Reddy Modhugu
Endocrinologist
6 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Endocrinology)
Hyderabad
Dr. Nithin's Endocrine Clinic, Hyderabad
(75+ Patients)
Dr. Gayatri S
Endocrinologist
4 Years • Suggested Qualifictaion- MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), DM (ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Nellore
Narayana hospital, Nellore
Dr. Shiva Madan
Endocrinologist
10 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine) , DM (Endocrinology)
Bikaner
Sushma diabetes and Endocrine center, Bikaner
Dr. Venkata Rakesh Chintala
Endocrinologist
8 Years • MBBS,MD( GEN MEDICINE), DM ( ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Krishna district
Sanjeevani Hospital, Krishna district
Dr. Arunava Ghosh
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MBBS,MD(GENL.MED.),DM(ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Kolkata
VDC Clinic, Kolkata
