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Side effects

Hair Growth - Hirsutism

Anabolic/androgenic steroids may cause male-pattern hair growth in females. Medically defined as hirsutism, this condition is characterized by the growth of hair in androgen sensitive areas of the body. With hirsutism, dark coarse hair (terminal hair) may develop on the face, chest, abdomen, and back, areas of the body normally associated with hair growth in men, not women.

Treatment for hirsutism typically involves immediate abstinence from anabolic/androgenic steroid intake, and initiation of a strategy to minimize androgen action at the hair follicles. This may include the use of oral estrogens, anti-androgens (spironolactone), or finasteride. Topical ketoconazole, an antifungal agent, has also been used with some success. The response to medical treatments may be slow, and the changes caused by anabolic/androgenic steroid use may persist for a year or longer. Regular hair removal of the affected areas may be necessary. The severity of hirsutism will be related to the androgenicity of the drug(s) taken, the dosage and duration of use, and sensitivity of the individual.

References

Wlliam Llewellyn (2011) - Anabolics

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