Which Steroids Cause Body Hair Growth? A Pharmacological Review

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 2.9 to 4.0 million Americans have used anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), with many experiencing androgenic side effects [1.7.3]. This guide examines which steroids cause body hair growth, exploring the mechanisms behind this common, and often unwanted, outcome.

Quick Summary

A detailed look at how certain medications, particularly anabolic-androgenic steroids, lead to excessive body hair growth (hirsutism) by stimulating androgen receptors.

Key Points

Anabolic Steroids are Primary Culprits: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are the main class of drugs that cause excessive body hair growth (hirsutism) due to their androgenic properties [1.2.1, 1.3.5].
Mechanism of Action: AAS increase levels of androgens like testosterone, which is converted to the more potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT), stimulating hair follicles [1.4.1, 1.4.3].
High-Risk Steroids: Testosterone, Trenbolone, and Masteron are examples of AAS with high androgenic ratings, making them highly likely to cause body hair growth [1.4.1, 1.4.6].
Corticosteroid Effects: Corticosteroids like Prednisone can also cause hirsutism, but usually through hormonal imbalances from long-term use rather than direct androgenic action [1.3.1, 1.8.2].
Individual Factors Matter: Genetic predisposition, dosage, and duration of steroid use are critical factors that determine the severity of hair growth [1.3.1, 1.4.2].
Management is Possible: The primary treatment is stopping the medication under medical supervision. Other options include anti-androgen drugs and cosmetic hair removal [1.5.1, 1.6.2].
Gender-Specific Effects: In women, AAS can cause virilization, including irreversible facial and body hair growth, a deeper voice, and other masculinizing changes [1.3.2, 1.3.5].

Understanding Steroids and Hair Growth

Steroids are a broad class of organic compounds with two primary categories relevant to this discussion: anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and corticosteroids [1.9.5]. While both are called 'steroids,' their functions and side effect profiles differ significantly. Unwanted or excessive body hair growth, a condition known as hirsutism, is a well-documented side effect primarily associated with androgenic medications, especially AAS [1.2.1, 1.3.5]. This occurs because these substances mimic or increase the levels of male hormones called androgens, which are responsible for developing male secondary sexual characteristics, including body and facial hair [1.3.5, 1.9.1].

The Androgenic Mechanism: How Steroids Stimulate Hair Follicles

The primary driver behind steroid-induced body hair growth is the stimulation of androgen receptors in hair follicles [1.4.1]. Anabolic steroids elevate testosterone levels in the body. An enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, present in tissues like the skin, converts this excess testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) [1.4.1, 1.4.3]. DHT is a much more potent androgen than testosterone and binds aggressively to hair follicles, causing them to grow coarser, darker, and faster [1.4.1, 1.8.5].

This effect is highly dependent on a few key factors:

The Steroid's Androgenic Rating: All AAS have both anabolic (muscle-building) and androgenic (masculinizing) properties [1.9.1]. Steroids with a high androgenic rating are more likely to cause side effects like hirsutism [1.4.1].
Genetic Predisposition: An individual's sensitivity to androgens plays a huge role [1.4.2]. Some people have hair follicles that are genetically more responsive to DHT, making them more susceptible to significant hair growth [1.4.2].
Dosage and Duration: Higher doses and longer periods of use increase the circulating levels of androgens, thereby increasing the likelihood and severity of side effects [1.3.1].

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS) Known for Causing Hair Growth

AAS are the main culprits behind excessive body hair growth. Women who use AAS may experience permanent masculinizing effects, including increased facial and body hair [1.3.2, 1.3.5]. Some of the most common and potent AAS associated with this side effect include:

Testosterone: As the body's primary natural androgen, all synthetic forms (e.g., Testosterone Enanthate, Cypionate) directly increase androgen levels and subsequent DHT conversion, making hair growth a common side effect [1.4.6].
Trenbolone: This is an extremely potent androgenic steroid that binds aggressively to androgen receptors. It does not convert to DHT but its inherent androgenicity is a powerful stimulator of hair growth [1.4.1, 1.4.6].
Masteron (Drostanolone): A DHT-derivative, Masteron is known for its strong androgenic effects and is very likely to cause or worsen body hair growth in sensitive individuals [1.4.1].
Anadrol (Oxymetholone): Though already 5α-reduced, it is a highly potent oral AAS known for significant androgenic side effects, including hirsutism [1.5.1, 1.5.6].
Danazol: This synthetic steroid is listed as a common androgenic medication that causes hirsutism [1.2.1, 1.2.6].
Stanozolol (Winstrol): A popular DHT-derived oral steroid that can promote androgenic side effects [1.5.1, 1.5.6].

Corticosteroids and Hair Growth

Corticosteroids, such as Prednisone and Hydrocortisone, are primarily used for their anti-inflammatory properties [1.3.1]. While they can also cause excessive hair growth, the mechanism and presentation can differ from AAS.

Long-term or high-dose use of corticosteroids like Prednisone can lead to hirsutism [1.3.1, 1.8.2]. This is often related to the drug causing an imbalance in adrenal hormones or elevating cortisol levels, which can disrupt the normal balance of androgens and estrogens [1.3.1, 1.8.2]. The resulting hair growth may appear on the face and body, and even low doses over several months can trigger this effect in some individuals [1.8.3]. Unlike some other side effects of Prednisone, this unwanted hair may not disappear immediately after stopping the medication and can take months to resolve as the body's hormones rebalance [1.3.1].

Comparison Table: Steroid Type and Hair Growth Potential


Steroid Name	Type	Primary Use	Likelihood of Causing Body Hair Growth	Mechanism
Testosterone	Anabolic-Androgenic	Muscle growth, TRT	High	Converts to DHT, a potent androgen [1.4.1].
Trenbolone	Anabolic-Androgenic	Muscle growth	Very High	Highly androgenic; binds aggressively to androgen receptors [1.4.6].
Masteron	Anabolic-Androgenic	Muscle hardening	High	DHT-derivative with strong androgenic properties [1.4.1].
Prednisone	Corticosteroid	Anti-inflammatory	Moderate to High (long-term)	Causes hormonal imbalances, potentially raising androgen levels [1.3.1, 1.8.2].
Nandrolone (Deca)	Anabolic-Androgenic	Muscle growth	Lower	Converts to a weaker androgen (DHN) than DHT [1.5.6].
Hydrocortisone (Topical)	Corticosteroid	Skin inflammation	Low to Moderate	Can cause localized hypertrichosis (excess hair growth) [1.3.3].

Managing Steroid-Induced Hair Growth

Managing hirsutism caused by steroids primarily involves addressing the root cause. The first and most effective step is discontinuing the use of the offending androgenic steroid, under medical supervision [1.5.1]. For corticosteroid-induced hair growth, a doctor may adjust the dose or taper off the medication [1.3.1].

Other management strategies include:

Mechanical Hair Removal: Shaving, waxing, plucking, or using depilatory creams can manage existing hair [1.3.1, 1.6.3].
Anti-androgen Medications: Drugs like spironolactone may be prescribed to block the effects of androgens on hair follicles [1.6.4, 1.6.6].
Hormonal Therapy: In some cases, oral contraceptives are used to regulate hormone levels and suppress androgen production [1.6.3, 1.6.6].
Permanent Removal: Laser hair removal and electrolysis are options for long-term destruction of hair follicles [1.6.1].

Conclusion

Unwanted body hair growth is a significant and common side effect strongly associated with anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) due to their potent androgenic properties. Steroids like Testosterone, Trenbolone, and Masteron are primary examples of drugs that cause this effect by stimulating hair follicles via DHT and direct androgen receptor activation [1.4.1]. While corticosteroids like Prednisone can also cause hirsutism, it is typically a result of hormonal imbalances from long-term use rather than direct, potent androgenicity [1.3.1]. The severity is influenced by the specific drug, dosage, duration, and individual genetics. Management always begins with consulting a healthcare provider to address the underlying cause and explore treatment options.

For more information on the evaluation and treatment of hirsutism, one authoritative resource is the Endocrine Society.

Frequently Asked Questions

For hair growth caused by corticosteroids like Prednisone, it may not vanish immediately and can take several months for your body's hormones to rebalance [1.3.1]. For anabolic steroids, the changes can be permanent in women [1.3.2, 1.3.5].

No, but most do to some degree. The likelihood depends on the steroid's androgenic rating. Compounds with high androgenic ratings like Trenbolone are more likely to cause it, while others like Nandrolone have a lower androgenic impact [1.4.1, 1.5.6].

Yes, women who take anabolic steroids can experience increased facial and body hair (hirsutism) as a side effect of virilization [1.3.5]. Long-term use of corticosteroids like Prednisone can also cause facial hair growth in women [1.8.1, 1.8.2].

Anabolic steroids directly mimic potent male hormones (androgens) that stimulate hair follicles [1.4.1]. Corticosteroids, like prednisone, typically cause hair growth as a secondary effect by creating hormonal imbalances within the body, especially with long-term use [1.3.1].

It varies, but some users may notice changes within weeks or months of starting a steroid cycle [1.4.6]. For corticosteroids, it can occur after a few months, even on a low dose [1.8.3].

Yes, excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) can be a side effect of topical steroid medications like hydrocortisone cream, though it is more common with oral or injectable steroids [1.3.3].

Steroids with a lower androgenic-to-anabolic ratio, such as Nandrolone, are generally considered less likely to cause androgenic side effects like body hair growth compared to highly androgenic steroids like testosterone or trenbolone [1.5.6].