If you’re experiencing hair loss, excessive facial hair, hairy chin, ‘moustache’, hairy nipples or persistent acne, then androgen excess—elevated male hormone levels—could be the cause. One common condition that leads to this is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. PCOS is characterised by irregular periods, elevated androgen levels, and cysts on the ovaries, and it can lead to symptoms like acne, excess hair growth, and difficulty ovulating.
However, it’s important to know that there are several other potential causes of androgen excess, including:
- Androgen hypersensitivity
- Adrenal androgen excess
- High prolactin levels
- Hormonal birth control with a high androgen level
- Menopause
Understanding the root cause of your symptoms is essential for determining the most effective treatment. Below are 4 common causes of androgen excess in women:
1. Hormonal Birth Control with a High Androgen Level
Some hormonal birth control methods can trigger androgen excess because they contain progestins with a high androgen index, meaning they have a “masculinising” effect. This can lead to common symptoms such as hair loss and acne.
How to know if your birth control has a high androgen index: Check your birth control label for progestins such as levonorgestrel (found in many pills, Mirena IUD, and emergency contraception), norgestrel, desogestrel, and etonogestrel (e.g., Nuvaring).
What can you do?
- Consider switching to a birth control option with a low androgen index, such as one containing drospirenone (the same active ingredient in spironolactone), norgestimate, or natural body-identical progesterone.
- Even better, choose a non-hormonal method such as condoms, or a copper IUD.
2. Androgen Hypersensitivity
Sometimes, androgen levels are normal, but your body may be overly sensitive to them. This can still lead to symptoms of hair loss (androgenic alopecia), acne, or excess facial hair.
Causes of androgen hypersensitivity include:
- Birth control with a high androgen index.
- Coming off anti-androgenic birth control, like Yasmin, which may cause a temporary androgen surge.
- Inflammation, which can trigger an exaggerated response to androgens.
- Hormonal shifts during Perimenopause and menopause.
How to manage this:
- Reducing inflammation through an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle changes can be very helpful.
- Supplements like natural progesterone or anti-androgen herbs such as spearmint may reduce symptoms.
3. Adrenal Androgen Excess (Adrenal PCOS)
If your DHEAS (an adrenal androgen) is high but your ovarian androgens (testosterone) are normal, this could point to adrenal androgen excess.
Causes include:
- Chronic stress, which affects adrenal function.
- Elevated prolactin, which increases DHEAS.
- Adrenal PCOS, which differs from the more common ovarian PCOS and isn’t driven by insulin resistance.
Treatment options:
- Supporting your adrenal glands with supplements like PCH Magnesium Complex and PCH B Complex.
- Reducing stress through lifestyle changes and mindfulness practices.
4. Ovarian Androgen Excess (Classic PCOS)
PCOS is often characterised by ovulatory dysfunction and excess androgen production by the ovaries. This is the most common form of PCOS, especially when other causes of androgen excess have been ruled out.
Treatment:
- Address the root cause, such as insulin resistance, by making dietary and lifestyle changes.
- Cyclic progesterone therapy can also help to regulate ovulation and reduce androgen levels.
Summary & Treatment Options
If you’re dealing with androgen excess, understanding the cause is crucial for finding the right approach. Birth control adjustments, natural anti-androgen supplements, and hormone-balancing strategies are often effective, but it’s always best to get to the root cause with accurate testing.
- Supplements to consider: Natural progesterone, spearmint tea, zinc, PCH Magnesium Complex, PCH B Vitamin Complex, and adaptogens like PCH Ashwagandha for adrenal support.
- Lifestyle changes: Focus on anti-inflammatory diets, stress management, and regular movement to support hormone balance.
- Testing: A Dutch test can provide a detailed look at your hormone levels. It measures testosterone, DHEA, and their metabolites, giving insight into whether your androgen levels are elevated and how they are processed in the body, helping you and your Pippa Campbell Health practitioner to tailor the best treatment plan for your specific symptoms.
If you’re unsure about the cause of your symptoms, working with a Pippa Campbell Health practitioner and using the right tools—like the Dutch test—can help you gain deeper insights into your hormonal health.
See also the blog ‘What Is The Root Cause of Your PCOS?’
