What Do These Have in Common? PCOS, Acne, Irregular Periods, Hair Loss & Low Libido 🩸

Fact-Checked By a Nutritionist MD

Published on June 30,2025

What do PCOS, hormonal acne, facial hair growth, irregular periods, hair thinning, and low libido all have in common?

They’re all signs of androgen excess—a hormonal imbalance that often flies under the radar but affects millions of people, especially women and those assigned female at birth.

In this blog, we’re digging into:

What androgens are, why too much (or too little) can wreak havoc, common symptoms of androgen dominance, and how nutrition and natural herbs like those in GRNS may help support balance.

🧬 What Are Androgens?

Androgens are often thought of as “male hormones,” but the truth is that everyone produces them—just in different amounts. The main androgens include: Testosterone, Androstenedione, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), and DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)

They play a crucial role in:

- Muscle development

- Libido

- Hair growth

- Bone density

- Mood and motivation

However, when androgen levels become too high, especially in women, they can cause a cascade of unwanted symptoms—physically, emotionally, and hormonally.

The effects of high androgen levels 🚨

Let’s take a closer look at each of the symptoms and conditions linked to excess androgens, so you can understand how they’re connected and why it matters.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS is the most common cause of excess androgens in women. High levels of testosterone and other androgens disrupt normal ovulation, leading to missed or irregular periods, fertility issues, ovarian cysts, and weight gain. Many of the symptoms below are part of the PCOS spectrum.

Irregular Periods

Androgens interfere with the signals between your brain and ovaries. This disruption can prevent ovulation, which is crucial for regular menstrual cycles. Without ovulation, estrogen and progesterone don’t follow their normal rhythm—resulting in missed, delayed, or unpredictable periods.

Hormonal Acne

Excess androgens increase sebum (oil) production in the skin, especially around the jawline, chin, and cheeks. This creates the perfect environment for clogged pores, inflammation, and breakouts—often deep, painful, and recurring around your cycle.

Hirsutism (Excess Facial & Body Hair)

High androgens, especially testosterone and DHT, can stimulate hair follicles in typically “male-pattern” areas—like the upper lip, chin, chest, stomach, and inner thighs. This is called hirsutism and affects up to 70–80% of people with PCOS.

Alopecia (Hair Thinning or Loss)

While androgens increase body hair in some areas, they shrink scalp hair follicles—especially on the crown or part-line—leading to androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss). This process is driven by DHT, the most potent form of testosterone.

Low Sex Drive

You’d think higher testosterone = higher libido, but it’s not that simple. When androgens are too high and imbalanced with other hormones like estrogen or progesterone, they can disrupt dopamine and mood pathways—leaving you feeling flat, tired, and disconnected from desire.

⚠️ Symptoms of Androgen Imbalance

If you’re dealing with any of the following symptoms, excess androgens might be a hidden factor:

🚩 Acne (especially jawline or hormonal breakouts)

🚩 Irregular or missing periods

🚩 Hirsutism (excess hair growth on face, chest, or stomach)

🚩 Alopecia or thinning hair on the scalp

🚩 PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

🚩 Low libido

🚩 Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety

These symptoms are your body’s way of telling you that your hormone pathways may be out of balance, particularly your androgen levels.

🧠 What Causes Androgens to Go Out of Whack?

There’s rarely one root cause, but common contributors include:

PCOS: the most common hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age

Stress: raises DHEA and cortisol, both of which impact androgen pathways

Insulin resistance: common in PCOS, can stimulate ovarian androgen production

Inflammation: chronic inflammation disrupts hormonal signaling

Genetics: some people are more sensitive to androgen levels than others

Diet and gut health: poor detoxification and microbiome imbalance can impair hormone clearance

Key Anti-Androgenic and Hormone-Balancing Ingredients in GRNS 🌿

🧘‍♀️ Green tea (found in many hormone-balancing herbs like mint and green tea)

Studies suggest that green tea may reduce free testosterone levels and improve hirsutism in women with PCOS.

🍄 Lion's Mane Mushroom

Adaptogens like Rhodiola, Lion’s Mane, and Ashwagandha help reduce stress-related hormone spikes and may indirectly reduce DHEA and androgens.

🌿 Ashwagandha

Supports adrenal health and balances cortisol. Since cortisol and DHEA share a hormone pathway, better stress regulation can help ease androgen excess.

🧬 Broccoli, Kale & Cruciferous Greens

These support liver detoxification, including the breakdown of excess hormones like testosterone and estrogen, helping your body clear what it doesn’t need.

🌱 Zinc-Rich Supergreens

Zinc is known to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, the most potent form of androgen (linked to acne and hair loss).

🦠 Prebiotics + Probiotics

A balanced gut helps your body process and excrete hormones more effectively. A dysfunctional gut may allow hormones like estrogen and androgens to recirculate, worsening symptoms.

🌿 How GRNS Supports Androgen Balance

GRNS wasn’t formulated specifically for hormones—but the synergistic mix of adaptogens, detoxifiers, and anti-inflammatory herbs makes it surprisingly powerful when it comes to supporting hormonal health—especially for symptoms linked to androgen excess.

It is important to note, please visit your healthcare providor and seek professional help for any health conditions or concerning symptoms.

✅ Who Might Benefit from GRNS for Hormonal Support?

- People with PCOS

- Anyone experiencing hormonal acne or jawline breakouts

- Those with thinning hair or increased body/facial hair

- People with low libido, poor energy, or cycle irregularity

- Women navigating post-pill hormonal rebalancing

You don’t need a diagnosis to want to feel better in your body. Hormonal support through nutrition is for everyone. It is important to note, please visit your healthcare providor and seek professional help for any health conditions or concerning symptoms.

FAQ: Diet, Hormones & GRNS

1. Is GRNS a hormone supplement?
No—GRNS is a wholefood-based greens powder designed to support overall health. However, many of its ingredients support hormone balance naturally, especially through stress regulation, gut health, and detoxification.

2. Will GRNS help with PCOS symptoms?
While not a cure, GRNS contains anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and gut-supportive compounds that may help address some underlying drivers of PCOS, like insulin resistance, stress, and poor detox pathways.

3. Is GRNS safe to take with other hormone-support supplements?
Yes. GRNS is food-based and gentle. But always check with your healthcare provider if you’re using prescription medications or hormone therapy.

4. How long before I notice improvements?
Most people notice changes in energy and digestion within 1–2 weeks. For hormone-related support, consistency over 1–3 months yields the best results.

5. Can men or people of any gender benefit from this?
Absolutely. While androgen excess is more commonly discussed in women with PCOS, everyone has androgens—and GRNS supports stress resilience, gut health, and inflammation, which are relevant to hormonal health for all.