The best nutrients to increase levels of testosterone are protein, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins particularly vitamin B6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Some women with high testosterone levels develop frontal balding. Other possible effects include acne, an enlarged clitoris, increased muscle mass, and deepening of voice. High levels of testosterone can also lead to infertility and are commonly seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Consider taking herbs. White peony, licorice, nettles, spearmint tea, reishi mushroom and others all have research to support testosterone - lowering effects and are commonly used in both PCOS and other cases of elevated testosterone in women.
Your hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which triggers your pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH). LH then travels to your gonads and stimulates the production and release of testosterone. (LH more often stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone in ovaries.)
Testosterone is highest in the morning and best tested between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Yes, testosterone is a key hormone to test for women. When testosterone levels are low, this is often when we see low libido, fatigue, and even depression.
Sexual stimulation and sexual activity cause testosterone levels to rise. Testosterone levels can drop during a long period of sexual inactivity.
Vitamin D and testosterone: Not just for men
Scientists have also observed a direct correlation between vitamin D and testosterone in women. In a recent cross-sectional study of women, researchers observed a positive, significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and total testosterone levels.
Take Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been associated with reducing androgen levels in women with PCOS. A review of six clinical trials with 183 women with PCOS revealed that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced total testosterone levels.
Among men, consumption of caffeinated coffee increased total testosterone and decreased total and free estradiol. Among women, decaffeinated coffee decreased total and free testosterone and caffeinated coffee decreased total testosterone.
Magnesium supplementation resulted in reduced BMI and testosterone levels as well as increased DHEA concentrations in women with PCOS. Also, magnesium supplementation may increase serum LH levels.
The results of this study showed that zinc supplementation can improve testosterone levels and sexual function in postmenopausal women. Using this supplement in postmenopausal women having zinc insufficiency is recommended.
Individual stress reactions were highly variable in direction and extent: both significant increases and decreases were found. Thus the data did not confirm previous findings of general increases in testosterone levels under stress in women.
Social research suggests high androgen levels cause aggressive behavior in men and women and as a consequence may cause depression. Higher androgen values are more pronounced at young ages and before and after delivery of a baby and might be responsible for the "baby blues".
Furthermore, Omega-3 fatty acids (FA) and vitamin E co-supplementations for 12 weeks in PCOS women are stated to have significantly improved insulin resistance indices and both total and free testosterone.
Testosterone is a male sex hormone, or androgen, produced in a woman's ovaries in small amounts. Combined with estrogen, the female sex hormone, testosterone helps with the growth, maintenance, and repair of a woman's reproductive tissues, bone mass, and human behaviors.
Role in sexual desire and arousal
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all affect sexual desire and arousal. Having higher levels of estrogen in the body promotes vaginal lubrication and increases sexual desire.
Many people report a positive mood between days 6 and 14 of their cycle. For some, their confidence grows slightly between days 6 and 13 of their cycle due to increased estrogen and testosterone levels.