Welcome back to the Hormones 101 series — your grounded guide to understanding the hormones behind your symptoms. So far, we’ve explored Cortisol, Progesterone, and Oestrogen. Today, we’re diving into two often-overlooked yet essential hormones: testosterone and DHEA — known collectively as androgens.

Often thought of as “male hormones,” androgens are vital for women too, influencing everything from mood, energy, libido, and skin to metabolism and reproductive health.

If you’ve experienced acne, hair thinning, irregular cycles, or low energy — and your bloodwork comes back “normal” — androgens might be playing a role beneath the surface.

Let’s explore what they do, how imbalance shows up, and natural, integrative ways to bring them back into harmony.

🌿 What Are Androgens?

Androgens are a group of sex hormones made by both men and women — just in different amounts. In women, they’re essential for:

• Energy + motivation

• Libido + mood

• Skin clarity + muscle tone

• Blood sugar regulation

• Ovulation + reproductive function

The two primary androgens for women are:

• Testosterone – About 25% comes from the adrenal glands, 25% from the ovaries, and 50% through conversion in tissues like skin and fat.

• DHEA – Made by the adrenal glands, DHEA is a precursor to both testosterone and oestrogen.

Other Androgens You Might Hear About

• DHEA-S – A stable form of DHEA that reflects adrenal output over time

• Androstenedione – A precursor to testosterone and oestrogen; often elevated in PCOS

• DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) – A potent form of testosterone linked to symptoms like acne, facial hair, and hair loss (even when testosterone appears normal)

These markers provide deeper insight, especially when symptoms don’t match your blood test results.

Signs of High Androgens

When androgen levels are elevated, you might notice:

• Hair thinning at the crown

• Unwanted facial or body hair

• Acne or oily skin

• Irregular or missing periods

• Long cycles

• Skin tags or dark patches

• Mood swings or irritability

• Insulin resistance or weight gain

• Fertility challenges

The source matters:

• High testosterone often stems from blood sugar dysregulation

• High DHEA typically links to chronic stress or adrenal activation

The PCOS–Androgen Connection

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) affects roughly 1 in 10 menstruators. It’s often associated with high androgens, but there’s nuance:

To diagnose PCOS, two of these three must be present:

1. Elevated androgens (testosterone or DHEA)

2. Irregular or absent ovulation

3. Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound

But:

• Not all people with high androgens have PCOS

• Not all PCOS includes elevated androgens

Androgens can delay ovulation, suppress progesterone, and mimic oestrogen dominance — making proper testing essential.

“Normal” Labs, Still Symptomatic?

Yes — it’s possible.
Your androgen metabolism pathway might favour 5-alpha reductase, which increases more symptomatic forms like DHT. This won’t show on standard bloodwork — but the DUTCH test will.

🔻 What Low Androgens Look Like

Though levels decline naturally with age, low testosterone or DHEA can also stem from:

• Chronic stress

• Under-eating or restrictive diets

• Overtraining

• Nutrient deficiencies

Common signs:

• Low energy or fatigue

• Low libido

• Difficulty building/maintaining muscle

• Low mood or mild depression

 The Androgen–Insulin Feedback Loop

Insulin resistance can drive up androgen levels — and vice versa.

Cycle:
High insulin → High androgens
High androgens → More insulin resistance

The good news: You can break the cycle with lifestyle changes — not just medication.

 Your Androgen Balancing Toolkit

🌿 Daily Lifestyle Practices

• Balance blood sugar with meals every 3–4 hours (include protein, fat, and fibre)

• Strength train 2–3x/week to improve insulin sensitivity

• Gentle movement (walking, yoga, pilates) to regulate cortisol and DHEA

• Prioritise 7–9 hours of sleep

• Breathwork, journaling, or guided meditation (start with the 21-Day Stress Cleanse)

• Track your cycle

• Reduce endocrine disruptors (plastics, fragrances, harsh cleaners)

💊 Supplements & Herbs (with practitioner guidance)

• Myo- and D-Chiro Inositol – Supports insulin + ovarian health

• Berberine – Improves blood sugar, may reduce androgens

• NAC – Boosts ovulation, antioxidant support

• Zinc – Helps with acne + hormone conversion

• Magnesium – For stress, sleep, and adrenal health

• Omega-3s – Reduce inflammation, support mood + metabolism

• Spearmint tea – May reduce testosterone (especially in PCOS)

• Liquorice root – Supports adrenal function + may lower testosterone (avoid with high BP)

🥗 Food for Hormonal Health

• High-fibre foods: flax, leafy greens, chia

• Cruciferous veg: broccoli, kale, rocket

• Protein at every meal

• Healthy fats: olive oil, seeds, avocado

• Blood sugar stabilisers: cinnamon, ACV

• Low-glycaemic fruits over processed sweets

In Chinese medicine, gently sweet foods (dates, carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, oats) support the Spleen and Stomach — key for digestion and hormonal nourishment.

✨ Start with one or two small shifts. Consistency is where the magic happens.

🧪 Functional Testing + Supportive Therapies

• Acupuncture – Regulates hormones, supports adrenal + ovulatory health

• Chinese herbal medicine – Targets stress, inflammation, and menstrual regulation

• DUTCH test – Reveals how your body metabolises hormones, not just how much you make

💡 There’s No One-Size-Fits-All

Your body is unique — and your hormone plan should be too.

In 1:1 care, we look at your full picture: symptoms, cycle patterns, lab results, lifestyle, and emotional health. From there, we build a support strategy that truly fits — whether that means herbs, nutrition, functional testing, or simple daily shifts.

✨ I currently have 5 openings for July.
If you’d like personalised support or want to explore working together, you can book a free 20-minute intro call here.

Here’s to happy hormones,
Noeleen 🤍