What Is Androgen?
Androgens are a group of hormones that play a role in masculine characteristics and reproductive activity. They are present not only in males but females too! The main androgens hormones secreted by the body are testosterone and androstenedione.
Androgens are considered to be male hormones, but they are present in females too. However, the amount of secretion varies.
Androgens like testosterone and androstenedione are present in much higher levels in men than women and play a significant role in male traits and reproductive activity. Other androgens include dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulphate (DHEA-S).
Women’s androgens play an essential role by changing themselves into estrogens that are the feminine hormones.
In women, androgens play a vital role within the secretion gush that starts pubescence and stimulates hair growth in the pubic and underarm areas.
These hormones additionally regulate kidney functioning, liver and muscle functioning as well.
They also aid in the prevention of bone loss and facilitate in reduction of lower concupiscence.
It is important to note that reducing androgens must be done purely for health reasons, androgynous people are as beautiful as anyone else.
High Androgen Levels In Females
High levels of androgens in females have underlying factors.
An excessive quantity of androgens can cause various problems in the female body, for instance, acne and unwanted hair growth on the face and thinning of hair.
Studies show that almost 10% of women with high levels of “free testosterone” struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), resulting in irregular menses and infertility problems.
In addition to PCOS, other causes of high androgen levels that are referred to as hyperandrogenism include
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia : Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) primarily alludes to a gaggle of genetic ailments that have an effect the on adrenal glands, a pair of walnut-sized organs are located above the kidneys.
- Diabetes: Women struggling with hyperandrogenism are at a higher risk for having diabetes. Diabetes I and Diabetes II are caused easily because of higher levels of androgens.
- Obesity: A high level of androgens can lead to obesity and various other cardiovascular diseases. Women who are obese have a higher chances of catching other diseases.
The Effects Of Hyperandrogenism Are:
- Alopecia
- Hirsutism :excess facial or body hair
- Acne
- Insulin resistance
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Irregular periods
- Decreased breast size
- Increase in muscle mass
- low libido
- Mood swings
- Enlargement of the clitoris
- Deep or gruff voice
How To Scale Back Androgen Levels?
Women with high levels of androgens are at a higher level of catching various diseases.
There are ways by which the androgen levels can come back to normal through the following ways:
Adopting A Healthy Lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential for reducing the hormonal imbalance in the body. A healthy lifestyle includes consuming good food and workouts: no smoking and occasional drinking. Regular exercising, mindful eating and hydrating properly eliminates the chances of higher synthesis of androgens.
Exercise
Exercise is extraordinarily vital for the overall functioning of the body. Exercising every day helps in maintaining and reducing weight. It helps in the proper regulation of the hormones and keeps your body healthy. Hence those women need to exercise regularly who have excess androgens.
Avoid Junk Food
Foods rich in unhealthy fats and sugar are a significant cause of hormonal imbalance. Eating foods high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can cause insulin levels to spike and increase androgen levels. Foods fried in palm oil and unhealthy fats, when taken in large amounts over a brief period, accumulate in adipose tissues, further blocking the arteries and leading to various illnesses. Therefore it is necessary to avoid junk food.
Including Liquorice Root In Your Diet
Liquorice roots help in mitigating the high levels of testosterone. This can be taken as raw or in pills. Liquorice roots also help in reducing abdominal cramps during periods and fight against cold and cough. It is an excellent remedy to cure lung infections and provides relief from various other joint pain.
Adding Reishi Mushroom To Your Diet
Reishi mushrooms are anti-androgenic. They block the body from manufacturing an excessive amount of androgen. These are often taken in pills or in the plant form itself.
Eating Rosemary Leaf Extract
The rosemary leaf extract is an excellent source to reduce androgen. It is also said to mitigate the problems of irregular menses. It helps in proper regulations and of hormones. It also fights against infections and spikes immunity. It is readily available in the supermarket.
Add Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 acid helps in keeping the androgen levels low. Foods like flaxseed, salmon, walnuts, sardines and chia seeds are excellent sources of omega acids.Omega-3 fatty acids eliminate the chances of abnormal heart rhythm, steadies plaque formation in blood vessels, and has numerous other benefits. Hence adding them to the diet is beneficial.
High Fiber
Foods rich in fibre will asset you to sustain a healthy weight. Ensure you are getting enough fibre in your diet from vegetables and fruits. Fibre helps in proper digestion and keeps the body clean and healthy. Fibre also reduces constipation and increases the efficiency of nephrons present in kidneys, which purify the blood and detoxify the body.
Meditation
Meditation is claimed to reduce stress and anxiety. It helps in promoting emotional health. It keeps the hormones in balance and provides numerous other benefits. Hence mediation might help in reducing excessive androgen and controls the hormones in restraint.
Spearmint Tea
Spearmint helps reduce testosterone levels and increases the luteinising hormones, a hormone found in women that helps stabilise steroid hormones. Therefore have spearmint tea 2-3 times a day to reap its advantages.
Medication
Taking birth control or oral contraceptives helps in reducing androgen levels and keeps the periods regular. Medication for hypoglycemic helps in lowering blood sugar and reduces acne. But before taking any medicine, consulting a doctor is mandatory.
Bottom line
Androgens are hormones common to both males and females.
A high level of androgens in females can pose various health problems such as irregular menstrual cycle, diabetes, obesity and acne.
It also results in lower reproductive health and reduced libido.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having a proper diet might help in the reduction of androgens.
In some cases, medication is used. But it is highly advised to seek medical help before consuming any medicine.
Remember, unless there is a health risk posed due to high androgens, there is no necessity to fret. It is important to accept ourselves and those around us despite what society may deign as flaws.