Are There Supplements That Reduce Testosterone in Women with PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is the most common metabolic hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. The exact cause is unknown, but there appears to be a genetic component. One of the hallmarks of PCOS is dysfunction of the ovaries, which result in lower levels of estrogen and higher levels of testosterone, an androgen hormone. Symptoms of excessive testosterone include hirsutism, or excess dark facial and body hair; infrequent menstruation, hair loss and possibly a deep voice. Discuss treatment options with your doctor because there are some supplements that may help reduce testosterone levels.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a type of small palm tree that is native to parts of the southern United States. The tree produces a berry that is used in making herbal medicines. Saw palmetto is traditionally thought of as a men's herb because of its frequent use in treating an enlarged prostate. However, because the herb has anti-androgenic properties that act to lower testosterone levels, it has also found some use in the treatment of PCOS. "Prescription for Herbal Healing" by Phyllis A. Balch states that saw palmetto can improve hirsutism by blocking the effects of testosterone on hair follicles.

Peony and Licorice

Three different varieties of peony are used in making herbal preparations: red peony, white peony and moutan. In all cases, the root and bark of the root is harvested to be used medicinally. Peony possesses some weak estrogen-like effects, which can be beneficial in treating PCOS.

The woody roots of licorice are collected after this perennial plant reaches three years old to be used in herbal supplements. According to the University of Michigan Health System, this herb also has some anti-androgenic activity and is often used in tandem with peony in the supplement known as shakuyaku-kanzo-to to lower the elevated testosterone levels seen in PCOS.

Spearmint

Spearmint, or Mentha spicata, is native to the Mediterranean region and a member of the mint family of plants. Its leaves are collected and dried for use in making herbal teas, tinctures and essential oils. A tea made from spearmint leaves appears to be able to lower testosterone levels in women and reduces the symptoms of hirsutism. Drinking one cup of spearmint tea twice daily, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, may help reduce the amount of testosterone in the blood of women with PCOS.

Vitamin D and Calcium

Getting the proper nutrition is also an important component in the treatment of PCOS. It's essential to maintain adequate levels of a number of vitamins and minerals, including the B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, chromium, magnesium, calcium and zinc. Vitamin D is required for proper calcium absorption and calcium is needed for normal development of follicles each month; the effects of calcium are reduced when testosterone levels are elevated. A report published in the medical journal "Steroids" states that administration of vitamin D and calcium to women suffering from PCOS helped normalize their menstrual cycles within two months.