What Causes High Androgen Levels & Hirsutism?
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a number of causes of high androgen levels. These include polycystic ovary syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and, rarely, tumors on the ovaries or adrenal glands. Some medications can also cause hirsutism, such as danazol, which is used to treat endometriosis in women. But use of other medications can result in hirsutism, including testosterone, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, minoxidil and phenytoin. Treating Hair Growth If the underlying cause of hirsutism is addressed, excess hair growth in inappropriate areas can be resolved. A prescription treatment may be appropriate, including birth control pills or anti-androgen medicines, both of which block or inhibit androgen production. For many females, hair on the chin may strictly be a cosmetic concern. One prescription topical treatment, Vaniqa, can be used to retard hair growth on the facial area in women over the age of 12. But if medical treatment i