Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Which hormone imbalance is most likely to lead to increased facial hair growth?

1. Adrenaline

2. Insulin

3. Testosterone

4. Estrogen

The correct answer is: Testosterone

Increased facial hair growth, or hirsutism, is primarily linked to elevated levels of androgens, particularly testosterone. Testosterone is a male hormone that is also present in females, albeit at lower levels. When there is an imbalance where testosterone levels are higher than normal for a female body, it can lead to the stimulation of hair follicles in areas where men typically grow hair, such as on the face. While adrenaline and insulin can have various effects on the body, they are not directly associated with the development of excess facial hair. Estrogen, a hormone more prominent in females, typically counteracts the effects of androgens like testosterone. Therefore, an increase in testosterone without a corresponding increase in estrogen is key to understanding why facial hair growth might become more pronounced in individuals experiencing hormonal imbalances.