How to Lower Serum Testosterone in Women

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands in females. It is critical in maintaining bone health, muscle mass and libido. Women typically produce approximately one seventh of the amount of testosterone that men produce each day; however, in some cases they can produce much more. Unpleasant side effects of increased testosterone in women include facial and increased body hair, deepening of the voice and acne. Testosterone production may be reduced after the surgical removal of an ovary or when a woman experiences menopause, but there are also lifestyle changes that can lower serum testosterone in women.

Things You'll Need

• Soy products
• Licorice

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Instructions

• 1

  Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. According to a study conducted at the University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center and the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, reducing dietary fat intake, including saturated and monounsaturated fats, and increasing your dietary fiber can reduce serum testosterone. Women should eat low fat snacks and add raw vegetables and high fiber breads and cereals to their daily diet.

• 2

  Add soy to your diet and reduce your intake of meat protein. Eating beef, poultry and pork can increase testosterone production. Soy foods, such as soy milk and tofu, contain compounds known as phytoestrogens--plant compounds that have estrogen-like structures. These can reduce testosterone levels.

• 3

  Eat licorice. According to Science Direct, in a 2004 study conducted by the University of Padua, Italy, serum testosterone was reduced significantly in women who ate 3.5 grams of licorice daily. Testosterone returned to pre-treatment levels after discontinuation of the study.

• 4

  Exercise in moderation. Exercise is key to overall good health; however, too much strength training can increase testosterone production. According to a study in the Journal of Applied Physiology, high intensity resistance exercise results in elevated post-exercise concentrations of testosterone. 20 minutes of aerobic activity 3 or 4 times per week is sufficient.