Electrolysis Practice Exam

Which hormone is known to contribute to hypertrichosis?

1. Adrenaline

2. Cortisone

3. Insulin

4. Estrogen

The correct answer is: Cortisone

Cortisone is a corticosteroid hormone that has been associated with a number of physiological effects, including influences on skin and hair growth. Hypertrichosis involves an abnormal increase in hair growth in areas where hair is normally present or in areas where there is typically very little or no hair, and cortisone can alter the hair growth cycle and increase hair follicle activity. Cortisone works by affecting the metabolic processes in the body and can influence the production of other hormones that, in turn, can contribute to changes in hair growth. Elevated levels of cortisone or other glucocorticoids can lead to hypertrichosis as a side effect, particularly in conditions like Cushing's syndrome, where cortisol levels are significantly increased. The other hormones listed have different primary functions or effects: adrenaline is involved in the body's fight or flight response and doesn't directly influence hair growth; insulin primarily regulates glucose levels and metabolic processes; while estrogen plays a role in hair growth, it is usually associated with an overall decrease in hair loss rather than an increase, as seen in hypertrichosis.