Short answer: Some medicines can cause unwanted hair growth. Drugs that act like androgens, such as testosterone, anabolic steroids and danazol, can cause true hirsutism, meaning coarse hair in a male-type pattern. Valproic acid can raise testosterone levels.[1], [4], [5] Others, including minoxidil, cyclosporine and phenytoin, cause hypertrichosis, which is extra hair growth that does not depend on androgens.[1], [2] Medicines are a rare cause overall, but worth checking if your hair changed after starting something new.[14]
Most hirsutism is caused by PMOS, previously called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), not by medicines.[1], [15] Still, androgenic drugs are a recognized cause, and doctors are told to ask about them, including testosterone products used by a partner.[1], [16] This article lists the medicines with the best evidence, explains what kind of hair growth each causes and tells you what to do if you suspect your medication.
Please don’t stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Several of the drugs below treat serious conditions such as epilepsy, organ transplant rejection or high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor first.
Hirsutism or hypertrichosis: Why the difference matters
Hirsutism is coarse, dark hair growing in a male-type pattern, such as on the upper lip, chin, chest or abdomen, and it is driven by androgens. Hypertrichosis is extra hair growth in a generalized, non-sexual pattern that is not caused by androgens.[1], [2] Androgen-blocking treatments are used for hirsutism, but they are not the main approach for drug-induced hypertrichosis. That is one reason your doctor will want to know which type you have. Read more in hirsutism or hypertrichosis?
Drugs that can cause hirsutism or excess hair growth
| Drug | Used for | Type of hair growth |
|---|---|---|
| Testosterone (including a partner’s gel) | Low testosterone in men, low libido after menopause | Hirsutism |
| Anabolic steroids | Misused for muscle building and sport | Hirsutism, plus virilization |
| Danazol | Endometriosis, hereditary angioedema | Hirsutism, plus virilization |
| Valproic acid | Epilepsy | Can raise testosterone |
| Glucocorticoids (long-term, high-dose) | Asthma, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases | Excess hair as part of Cushing’s syndrome |
| Oral minoxidil | High blood pressure | Hypertrichosis |
| Topical minoxidil | Scalp hair loss | Localized hypertrichosis |
| Cyclosporine | Organ transplants, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis | Hypertrichosis |
| Phenytoin | Epilepsy | Hypertrichosis |
1. Testosterone, including a partner’s testosterone gel
Testosterone itself is the most direct cause. Women can be exposed when they touch a partner’s skin where testosterone gel or solution has been applied. The drug information warns women to call a doctor right away if they notice hair growing in new places or acne. It advises users to wash their hands, let the gel dry and cover the area with clothing.[3] The Endocrine Society tells doctors to ask about this.[1]
Some postmenopausal women are prescribed testosterone for low sexual desire. At doses that keep levels in the normal female range, a global consensus statement found mild increases in acne and body or facial hair growth in some women. It found no evidence of clitoral enlargement, voice change or hair loss at those doses.[12]
2. Anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone, sometimes misused to build muscle. In women, they can cause growth of body and facial hair, voice deepening, male-pattern baldness, smaller breasts and changes in the menstrual cycle, especially with long-term misuse.[4] The Endocrine Society names them as a cause of hirsutism.[1] If you use them, tell your doctor. It changes how they interpret your symptoms and blood tests.
3. Danazol
Danazol is a synthetic hormone used to treat endometriosis and to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema. Its listed serious side effects include increased facial hair, baldness and a deepening or hoarse voice, which should be reported to a doctor straight away.[5] The original brand is no longer on the market.[5]
4. Valproic acid (valproate)
Valproic acid is mainly used to treat epilepsy. The Endocrine Society says it is the only anticonvulsant known to raise testosterone levels.[1] The NHS lists irregular or delayed periods as a side effect and PMOS as a rare side effect.[6] Don’t stop or change valproate without medical advice, but do tell your doctor if you notice these changes.
5. Glucocorticoids (steroid medicines such as prednisolone)
Glucocorticoids are the anti-inflammatory steroids used for asthma, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and many other conditions. They are not androgens, but long-term, high-dose use is the most common cause of Cushing’s syndrome.[7] In Cushing’s syndrome, women may grow more hair on the face, neck, chest, abdomen and thighs.[17] Read more in hirsutism and Cushing’s syndrome.
Drugs that cause hypertrichosis (non-androgenic hair growth)
6. Oral minoxidil
Minoxidil tablets are used to treat high blood pressure. Listed side effects include an “increase in size or darkness of fine body hair.”[8] DermNet lists minoxidil as a cause of generalized hypertrichosis.[2]
7. Topical minoxidil
Minoxidil solution or foam for scalp hair loss can cause localized hypertrichosis, meaning extra hair where the product touches the skin.[2] The drug information says not to apply it to other body areas.[9] Practical tips are to apply it to a dry scalp, let it dry before lying down and wash your hands afterward, so it doesn’t spread to your forehead or face.
8. Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine suppresses the immune system after organ transplants and treats severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Increased hair growth on the face, arms or back is a listed side effect.[10] DermNet lists it among causes of generalized hypertrichosis.[2]
9. Phenytoin
Phenytoin is an older epilepsy medicine. “Unwanted hair growth” is a listed side effect.[11] The Endocrine Society names phenytoin and cyclosporine as examples of medicines that cause hypertrichosis.[1]
What about other drugs on older lists?
You may see fluoxetine (Prozac), interferon, penicillamine and diazoxide on other “drugs that cause hirsutism” lists. We checked the patient drug information for fluoxetine, and it does not list hair growth as a side effect. For the others, we could not confirm the link in the sources we rely on, so we have left them out. If you take one of them and notice new hair growth, mention it to your doctor anyway. Rare side effects are not always listed.
Supplements can matter too. MedlinePlus notes that certain medicines and supplements can raise testosterone levels.[13] Bring every supplement you take to your appointment, including “hormone support” products and gym supplements.
Is my medication causing my hair growth?
These clues suggest a medicine may be involved:
- The hair growth started or got worse within weeks to months of starting a new medicine or changing a dose
- The hair is fine and spread across areas such as the forehead, cheeks, arms or back, rather than in a male-type pattern (more typical of hypertrichosis)
- You use testosterone, anabolic steroids or a product that a partner applies to their skin
Your doctor will look at the pattern of hair growth, your other symptoms and your medicine list, and may order hormone tests to check for other causes.[1] See diagnosing hirsutism: Blood tests, ultrasound and other labs and what causes hirsutism.
Will the hair go away if I stop the drug?
We could not find good-quality data on how often drug-related hair growth reverses, or how long that takes, for most of these medicines. Your doctor may be able to lower the dose or switch to an alternative. In the meantime, hair removal methods work the same way whatever the cause. See the guide to permanent hair removal and how to stop hair growth on a woman’s face.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if hair growth bothers you or started after a new medicine. Seek an urgent appointment if new thick, dark hair suddenly starts growing on your face and body, your voice is getting lower or your muscles are getting bigger.[14] An enlarged clitoris or periods that become irregular or stop also need prompt attention.[1] These can be signs of virilization.
Frequently asked questions
Which medications cause facial hair in women?
The best-documented ones are testosterone, anabolic steroids, danazol, minoxidil, cyclosporine and phenytoin. Long-term high-dose steroid medicines can also cause it through Cushing’s syndrome.[1], [2], [7]
Can my partner’s testosterone gel give me facial hair?
Yes, it can. Testosterone can transfer through skin contact. Women who develop new hair growth or acne after contact should see a doctor, and the user should cover the application site.[3]
Does topical minoxidil cause facial hair?
It can cause extra hair where it touches the skin. Keep it on the scalp and wash your hands after use.[2], [9]
Can antidepressants cause hirsutism?
The patient drug information for fluoxetine (Prozac) does not list hair growth as a side effect. We found no good evidence that common antidepressants cause hirsutism.
Can birth control pills cause hirsutism?
Combined birth control pills are actually the first-line treatment for hirsutism in most women who are not trying to get pregnant.[1] If you notice more hair after starting any hormonal contraceptive, ask your doctor whether a different type would suit you better. See hirsutism medication.
Key takeaways
- Medicines are an uncommon cause of hirsutism. PMOS (formerly PCOS) is the most common cause.
- Androgenic drugs such as testosterone, anabolic steroids and danazol cause true hirsutism, and valproic acid can raise testosterone.
- Minoxidil, cyclosporine and phenytoin cause hypertrichosis, which is non-androgenic hair growth.
- A partner’s testosterone gel can transfer through skin contact.
- Never stop a prescribed drug on your own. Ask your doctor about alternatives.
Free: The Hirsutism Action Plan
A 12-page guide: what’s causing your hair growth, which tests to ask your doctor for, and which treatments actually work, plus a printable doctor visit checklist.
You’ll also get our weekly email. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sources
- Martin KA, Anderson RR, Chang RJ, et al. Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(4):1233-1257. PubMed 29522147
- DermNet. Hypertrichosis. Accessed October 2026. Link
- MedlinePlus Drug Information. Testosterone Topical. Accessed October 2026. Link
- MedlinePlus. Anabolic Steroids. Accessed October 2026. Link
- MedlinePlus Drug Information. Danazol. Accessed October 2026. Link
- NHS. Side effects of valproic acid. Accessed October 2026. Link
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Cushing’s Syndrome. Accessed October 2026. Link
- MedlinePlus Drug Information. Minoxidil. Accessed October 2026. Link
- MedlinePlus Drug Information. Minoxidil Topical. Accessed October 2026. Link
- MedlinePlus Drug Information. Cyclosporine. Accessed October 2026. Link
- MedlinePlus Drug Information. Phenytoin. Accessed October 2026. Link
- Davis SR, Baber R, Panay N, et al. Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019;104(10):4660-4666. DOI 10.1210/jc.2019-01603
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Testosterone. Accessed October 2026. Link
- NHS. Excessive hair growth (hirsutism). Accessed October 2026. Link
- Teede HJ, et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. 2026;407(10545):2329-2339. Published online May 12, 2026. PubMed 42119588
- Azziz R. The evaluation and management of hirsutism. Obstet Gynecol. 2003;101(5 Pt 1):995-1007. PubMed 12738163
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). What are the symptoms of Cushing syndrome? Accessed October 2026. Link
This article is for education and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about diagnosis and treatment.