Androgens are a group of hormones often labelled as “male hormones,” but women need them just as much—just in smaller amounts. They play a vital role in energy, vitality, libido, metabolism, mood stability, muscle tone, and ovarian function. When androgens are out of balance—either too high or too low—it can lead to a wide range of symptoms that may be easily overlooked or attributed to stress or ageing.

For many women, androgen imbalance shows up as fatigue, low sex drive, irregular cycles, weight changes, acne, hair loss, irritability, or fertility issues. Understanding these hormones gives us a deeper view of what drives symptoms and how to correct them at the root, rather than just treating them as isolated issues.

What Exactly Are Androgens?

Androgens include several hormones, with the main ones being:

• Testosterone
• DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
• Androstenedione
• DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)

In women, they’re produced mostly in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and to a smaller degree, in peripheral tissues.

• Energy production
• Muscle repair and tone
• Libido and sexual response
• Bone density
• Motivation and focus
• Mood regulation
• Healthy menstrual cycling
• Proper egg development and ovulation

What Happens When Levels Are Too High?

• Acne (especially jawline, chin, neck)
• Oily skin
• Excess body or facial hair (hirsutism)
• Scalp hair thinning
• Irregular or absent periods
• Increased belly fat
• Irritability or aggression
• Infertility
• Deepened voice (rare)

What Happens When Levels Are Too Low?

Low levels are extremely common—especially after chronic stress, postpartum, perimenopause, or due to nutrient deficiencies. Symptoms include:

• Low libido
• Fatigue
• Reduced muscle tone
• Poor stamina
• Low mood or apathy
• Difficulty coping with stress
• Decreased motivation
• Bone loss
• Vaginal dryness
• Weight gain (especially hips/waist)

Conditions Associated With Imbalance

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Characterised by elevated levels causing acne, irregular cycles, insulin resistance, infertility, hair loss, and hirsutism.

Adrenal Dysfunction / Chronic Stress

High cortisol or adrenal burnout can disrupt androgen production, causing symptoms of low stamina, anxiety, low libido, and irregular periods.

Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Syndrome

Insulin can stimulate the ovaries to produce more testosterone, contributing to PCOS-like symptoms.

Perimenopause

Ovarian androgen levels decline years before oestrogen drops during perimenopause — leading to fatigue, mood changes, low libido, and metabolic shifts.

Hypothyroidism

Thyroid dysfunction affects androgen conversion and clearance, potentially causing both high and low androgen symptoms.

Postpartum Hormonal Changes

Levels commonly drop after birth, contributing to exhaustion, low libido, hair changes, and reduced resilience.

Genetic Variants (e.g., MTHFR, COMT)

Impaired detoxification pathways can affect hormone metabolism, increasing androgen-related symptoms.

Testing for sex hormone levels

Why Blood Tests Aren’t Enough

Blood tests capture a single moment and often miss fluctuations.

DUTCH Hormone Testing

Provides:

• 24-hour hormone patterns
• Androgen metabolites (how your body uses and clears them)
• Stress hormones and cortisol rhythm
• Oestrogen pathways

This is the most accurate way to see the full picture of androgen balance.

Support for Healthy Androgen Levels

Herbs That Reduce High Androgens

• Spearmint tea – reduces free testosterone
• Saw palmetto – blocks DHT conversion
• Peony + licorice combination – balances ovarian androgen production
• Reishi mushroom – reduces DHT and supports liver detox
• Nettle root – binds excess SHBG and helps androgen clearance
• Berberine – improves insulin, a major driver of high androgens

Herbs That Support Low Androgens

• Maca – energy, stamina, libido, adrenal support
• Tribulus – improves ovulation and testosterone in women
• Ashwagandha – improves DHEA and stress resilience
• Shatavari – balances hormones and supports the reproductive system
• Ginseng – boosts mental and physical energy

Nutrients for Androgen Balance

• Zinc – required for testosterone production and acne reduction
• Magnesium – hormone regulation and adrenal support
• B6 – supports hormone synthesis and mood
• Omega-3s – reduce inflammation and improve hormone signalling
• Vitamin D – essential for reproductive and adrenal health
• Chromium & inositol – regulate insulin and reduce high-androgen symptoms

Lifestyle Support

• Strength training (boosts testosterone naturally)
• Reducing sugar and refined carbs (lowers insulin-driven androgens)
• Stress reduction practices (yin yoga, deep breathing, meditation)
• Adequate protein and healthy fats
• Liver support: leafy greens, bitter foods, hydration

Why Androgen Balance Matters

• Energised
• Emotionally stable
• Focused and productive
• Sexually responsive
• Strong and resilient
• Balanced in their cycles
• More “themselves”