Tag: pcos

High Testosterone in Women: What Causes It?

Posted on by AmyADMIN

Have you noticed acne that won’t go away, irregular cycles, or hair growth in unusual places? It could be high testosterone. Women need testosterone just like men do, but when levels go too high, it can throw your body out of balance. So, what causes high testosterone in women?

That’s the question we’re answering in today’s blog post. In an episode of the Women Want Strong Men podcast, Kristy Hales joined our CEO Amy Stuttle in an in-depth discussion on women’s hormonal health. Listen to the full episode below, then keep reading for more.

At Victory Men’s Health, we take hormone health seriously. If you’ve been struggling with the stubborn symptoms of high testosterone, understanding what’s causing it is the first step toward feeling like yourself again. Let’s dive into what’s going on and, more importantly, how to fix it.

Why Do Women Need Testosterone?

Testosterone isn’t just for men—it’s an essential hormone for women too. Produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands, testosterone plays a role in:

  • Maintaining muscle strength and bone density
  • Supporting mood stability and cognitive function
  • Regulating libido and sexual health
  • Aiding in metabolism and fat distribution

However, when testosterone levels climb too high, it can be a problem. High testosterone in women can cause unwanted symptoms like acne, unwanted hair growth, irregular cycles, weight gain, and even fertility issues. The key to managing testosterone is figuring out what’s triggering the imbalance, which brings us to our next section. 

Common Causes of High Testosterone in Women

If you’re experiencing symptoms of high testosterone, it’s normal to feel frustrated—especially if doctors haven’t given you clear answers. The truth is, there are several underlying factors that can cause testosterone to rise, and for many women, it’s not just one thing. 

The good news? Once you pinpoint the cause, you can start taking the right steps to bring your body back into balance. The most common causes of high testosterone in women include: 

  1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  2. Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Dysfunction
  3. Stopping Birth Control & Hormonal Imbalances
  4. High DHEA Levels (Adrenal-Driven Testosterone)
  5. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) & Other Rare Conditions

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

One of the most common causes of high testosterone in women is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). PCOS affects 1 in 10 women, but many go undiagnosed for years. It’s a hormonal disorder often linked to insulin resistance, which means your body doesn’t process sugar efficiently. When insulin levels rise, it triggers the ovaries to overproduce testosterone.

This can lead to symptoms like:

  • Irregular or missing periods
  • Acne and oily skin
  • Unwanted hair growth (hirsutism)
  • Difficulty losing weight

If you think you might have PCOS, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider who can conduct blood tests to get answers. 

Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Dysfunction

Even if you don’t have PCOS, insulin resistance can still cause elevated testosterone. When your body struggles to regulate blood sugar, your pancreas pumps out more insulin, which can stimulate the ovaries to produce excess testosterone. 

Here are some signs that insulin resistance might be at play:

  • Sugar cravings
  • Fatigue after meals
  • Sudden weight gain (especially around the midsection—aka “hormone belly”)
  • Skin tags or darkened patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)

Stopping Birth Control & Hormonal Imbalances

Birth control is often marketed as a quick fix for hormonal issues, but many types actually shut down natural hormone production. This rings especially true for oral contraceptives, Nexplanon, Depo-Provera, and NuvaRing. 

These forms of birth control suppress LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), which are responsible for testosterone regulation. For some women, stopping birth control leads to a temporary testosterone surge. 

This surge can cause acne, mood swings, and irregular cycles. Working with a healthcare provider to support hormone balance post-birth control can make the transition much smoother.

High DHEA Levels (Adrenal-Driven Testosterone)

Testosterone production isn’t just controlled by the ovaries; your adrenal glands also play a role. When your body is under stress, the adrenals produce DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), which can convert into testosterone. Signs of high DHEA-driven testosterone include:

  • Persistent acne
  • Oily skin
  • Hair thinning or hair loss
  • Increased muscle mass without training

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) 

A rare cause of high testosterone is Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic condition that leads to excess androgen (testosterone) production. Women with CAH may experience severe acne, irregular periods, and infertility. 

If you’ve ruled out the common causes of high testosterone in women, it may be best to consult with a provider for specialized hormone testing. 

What are the Symptoms of High Testosterone in Women?

High Testosterone in Women | Victory Men's Health

High testosterone in women is more common than you think. When left unchecked, it can wreak havoc on your health and confidence. So how do you know if your testosterone levels are too high? Here are the most common symptoms:

  • Persistent acne, oily skin
  • Unwanted hair growth (face, chest, back)
  • Hair thinning or male-pattern baldness
  • Irregular or missing periods
  • Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
  • Weight gain, especially around the midsection
  • Decreased breast size
  • Low libido or sexual dysfunction

If you’re dealing with more than one of these, getting your hormones tested is the next step.

How to Test for High Testosterone in Women

If you suspect high testosterone, the right lab tests can help you confirm what’s going on. Unfortunately, a lot of women are told their hormones are “normal” without a look at the bigger picture. That’s why it’s essential to work with a provider who specializes in hormone optimization and knows what to test for (and when).

Here’s a look at the hormone tests that can help you get answers: 

  • Total & Free Testosterone – Measures both bound and active testosterone levels.
  • DHEA-S – Checks adrenal function.
  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) – Determines how much testosterone is “free” and active.
  • Insulin & Fasting Glucose – Assesses insulin resistance.
  • LH/FSH Ratio – Helps diagnose PCOS.

Our testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the month, so testing should be done during the first half of your cycle. It’s typically recommended to get checked between days three and ten. 

How to Lower High Testosterone Naturally

There isn’t a quick fix for balancing your hormones. You have to understand your body and give it what it needs to function best. If high testosterone is causing unwanted symptoms, there are steps you can take to bring it back to normal. (On the flip side, if you’re a man looking to boost testosterone naturally, check out this blog post.)

The key is treating the root cause, whether that’s insulin resistance, stress, or hormone imbalances. Here’s where to start:

  1. Balance Blood Sugar & Reduce Insulin Resistance
  2. Support Your Adrenals & Reduce Stress
  3. Optimize Your Progesterone Levels
  4. Use Hormone-Balancing Supplements

Balance Blood Sugar & Reduce Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is one of the biggest drivers of high testosterone, especially in women with PCOS. When your body isn’t processing blood sugar efficiently, insulin spikes—and that triggers your ovaries to produce excess testosterone.

Here are some ways to get insulin under control:

  • Focus on protein-rich meals with fiber and healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar.
  • Cut back on processed carbs and sugars.
  • Try supplements like berberine and inositol, which are natural alternatives to Metformin.
  • Incorporate strength training into your weekly routine.

Support Your Adrenals & Reduce Stress

When you’re under chronic stress, your adrenal glands produce DHEA, which can convert into testosterone—leading to symptoms like acne, hair loss, and mood swings. Here’s how to support your body’s adrenal function:

  • Prioritize sleep—your hormones reset at night, and lack of sleep worsens stress.
  • Cut back on caffeine and overtraining, both of which can spike cortisol and testosterone.
  • Try adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola to support stress resilience.

Optimize Your Progesterone Levels

In PCOS, it’s common to see low progesterone alongside high testosterone, and both imbalances can contribute to unwanted symptoms. Weight loss is the best way to improve symptoms in women with PCOS, either naturally or with the help of medication like GLP-1s (Semaglutide), Metformin, and Spironolactone. 

Many women, especially those on birth control or in perimenopause, have progesterone deficiency without realizing it. Here are some ways to naturally boost progesterone:

  • Focus on stress reduction, as cortisol steals from progesterone production.
  • Eat foods rich in zinc and vitamin B6, which support natural progesterone levels.

Use Hormone-Balancing Supplements

Certain supplements can help bring testosterone levels down while supporting your overall hormone balance. Some examples include: 

  • Spearmint Tea – Naturally lowers testosterone levels and reduces excess hair growth.
  • Zinc – Helps regulate testosterone and supports healthy skin.
  • Omega-3s – Reduces inflammation and supports metabolic health.
  • Magnesium – Helps lower cortisol and stabilize blood sugar, both of which impact testosterone.

Take Control of Your Hormonal Health

If you’re struggling with the symptoms of high testosterone in women, you don’t have to settle for feeling “off.” The key is finding the root cause, getting the right testing, and making strategic lifestyle changes to restore balance.

At Victory Men’s Health, we specialize in hormone optimization to help men and women feel their best. Ready to take the next step? Contact us to schedule a consultation and start taking control of your hormonal health today.

Insulin Resistance & PCOS Symptoms: The Labs You Should Request with Angie Nichols

Posted on by AmyADMIN

Are you dealing with irregular periods, unexplained weight gain, or trouble conceiving? It’s incredibly frustrating when women’s health issues are often grouped or left unexplained when in reality, symptoms like these are usually connected to a common root issue. This rings especially true when it comes to insulin resistance and PCOS.

At Victory Men’s Health, we’re dedicated to not just addressing symptoms but also getting to the heart of the problem for our clients. That’s why we’re excited to dive into this crucial topic on our blog and our podcast, Women Want Strong Men.

In one of our recent podcast episodes, we had an enlightening conversation with Angie Nichols from Tier 1 Health and Wellness. Angie shared her expertise on PCOS, explaining how it’s often tied to insulin resistance and why it’s important to get the right lab tests.

Understanding what’s happening in your body and how to take control of your health is empowering. So, if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by these symptoms, know that you’re not alone, and there are answers out there. Let’s dive into what Angie had to say and learn more about managing PCOS effectively.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting millions of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by a combination of symptoms that impact hormonal levels, metabolism, and overall health.

This genetic condition manifests through various symptoms primarily due to insulin resistance. Although there is no cure for PCOS, managing the symptoms effectively can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected.

The Connection Between Insulin Resistance and PCOS

Insulin resistance is a key factor in the development and progression of PCOS. This condition takes place when the body’s cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When insulin resistance occurs, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, leading to elevated insulin levels in the bloodstream.

Elevated insulin levels can have several effects on the body, including stimulating the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone. In women with PCOS, this excess of androgens disrupts the normal balance of hormones, leading to symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, and infertility.

By addressing insulin resistance and its underlying effects, women with PCOS can better manage their condition and improve their overall quality of life.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Recognizing the symptoms of PCOS is the first step toward effective management. Once you’ve identified them, you can be proactive about treating your symptoms and regaining control of your health and well-being. Here are some common signs to watch for. 

  • Irregular Periods: Inconsistent menstrual cycles or the absence of periods.
  • Excess Hair Growth: Particularly on the face, chest, and back.
  • Acne: Severe and persistent acne that doesn’t respond well to typical treatments.
  • Weight Gain: Difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise efforts.
  • Thinning Hair: Hair loss or thinning on the scalp.

How Can I Test For PCOS? 

When diagnosing and managing PCOS, several lab tests can provide helpful information. According to Angie, these are the essential labs you should consider.

  • FSH and LH Levels: These are hormones produced by the pituitary gland that regulate the reproductive system. In PCOS, your FSH and LH levels can be imbalanced, often showing a higher LH to FSH ratio . This imbalance can affect ovulation and menstrual cycles.
  • Thyroid Function Tests: These tests measure levels of thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in your blood. Thyroid dysfunction can mimic or exacerbate symptoms of PCOS. It’s important to rule out thyroid issues to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
  • Free Testosterone Levels: This test measures the level of testosterone that is not bound to proteins in your blood. Elevated free testosterone levels are common in PCOS and can contribute to symptoms like hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne, and scalp hair loss.
  • Insulin and Glucose Levels: These tests measure fasting insulin and glucose levels to assess how your body manages blood sugar. 
  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): This is a protein that binds to sex hormones, including testosterone. Low levels of SHBG are often seen in PCOS and can lead to higher levels of free testosterone, worsening your symptoms.
  • A1C: This test gives you a picture of your average blood sugar levels over the last three months, which is crucial for understanding insulin resistance. This is diagnostic of prediabetes and diabetes but might still be normal with high fasting insulin, meaning the person is insulin resistant and just not diabetic yet. 

Is there a cure for PCOS?

There is no known cure for PCOS, but there are several ways to help manage your symptoms. Adopting a balanced diet and getting regular exercise are foundational steps in managing PCOS. 

A diet rich in whole foods, low in processed sugars, and high in fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Regular exercise, including both aerobic and strength training, can aid in weight management and reduce symptoms of insulin resistance.

Ultimately, PCOS is all about managing your symptoms, insulin, and blood sugar.

What are the treatment options for PCOS symptoms?

Here are some of the most effective medications commonly prescribed for PCOS: 

  1. Semaglutide
  2. Metformin
  3. Spironolactone
  4. Progesterone
  5. Combined Thyroid Medications
  6. Levothyroxine
  7. Combined Oral Contraceptives

Semaglutide

Semaglutide has shown promise in managing weight gain associated with PCOS. It’s a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by regulating appetite and food intake, leading to significant weight loss. At Victory Men’s Health, we offer Semaglutide as a treatment option for individuals struggling with weight management. This medication can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the severity of other PCOS symptoms.

Metformin

Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for managing insulin resistance in women with PCOS. It works by improving the body’s response to insulin and reducing glucose production in the liver. Metformin can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen levels, and promote ovulation. 

Spironolactone

This medication is often used to treat symptoms related to excess androgen levels, such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and acne. Spironolactone works by blocking androgen receptors and reducing androgen production in the body. It’s an effective option for managing the cosmetic symptoms of PCOS.

Progesterone

If you have irregular menstrual cycles, progesterone can be prescribed to help induce regular periods. This hormone therapy can also reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that can occur with prolonged menstrual irregularity.

Combined Thyroid Medications

Unlike medications like Levothyroxine that only contain T4 thyroid hormones, combined thyroid medications such as NP Thyroid or Armour Thyroid contain both T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, providing a more balanced approach. 

Some patients using Levothyroxine will have an improvement in TSH and free T4, but have poor conversion into free T3, resulting in the issues continuing. Other combined therapies like NP thyroid and armour thyroid medications address both T4 and T3, while Levothyroxine only addresses T4 and relies on your body to do the conversion to T3.

According to Dr. Angie Nichols, raising your thyroid levels to a therapeutic range can significantly improve PCOS symptoms and boost your energy levels. By addressing underlying thyroid issues, these medications support better metabolic and reproductive health. 

Levothyroxine

If thyroid dysfunction is contributing to your PCOS symptoms, managing your thyroid levels is crucial. Levothyroxine is a common medication used to treat hypothyroidism, helping to normalize thyroid hormone levels and alleviate related symptoms.

Combined Oral Contraceptives

Birth control pills are commonly prescribed to help regulate menstrual cycles and manage androgen levels. They work by providing a steady level of hormones, reducing the severity of PCOS symptoms such as acne, excessive hair growth, and menstrual irregularity.

However, while effective at covering up symptoms, birth control pills do not address the root cause of PCOS or the long-term issues, such as infertility. For this reason, healthcare providers who focus on optimizing hormones, like Dr. Nichols, don’t typically prescribe them for PCOS. 

Take Action With Victory Men’s Health

By understanding the connection between insulin resistance and PCOS, recognizing the symptoms, and requesting the right labs from a healthcare provider, you can take steps toward better health. For women that we suspect may have PCOS, we often recommend micronutrient testing to get to the root of the hormone imbalance that may be causing some symptoms. 

While PCOS is specific to women, men can also face challenges related to insulin resistance. If you have a loved one experiencing symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, fatigue, or difficulty managing blood sugar levels, it’s essential to seek support from a men’s health specialist. 


Our team at Victory Men’s Health is here to provide personalized care and guidance, helping to address any concerns related to insulin resistance and other men’s health issues. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards regaining control of your health and well-being.