Which synthetic hormone is produced by the adrenal glands to treat hirsutism?

The condition of hirsutism, characterized by excessive hair growth in women in locations where men typically grow hair, is often treated with hormones that can influence hair growth patterns. Among the options provided, synthetic hormones play a crucial role in managing hormonal imbalances that contribute to hirsutism.

Prednisone, a synthetic corticosteroid derived from cortisol, mimics the effects of natural hormones produced by the adrenal glands and can help in reducing inflammation and suppressing excessive hair growth when administered as part of a treatment plan. It is used in certain cases to manage the underlying causes of hirsutism, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), by modifying the hormone levels that drive unwanted hair growth.

While cortisol is a natural hormone that regulates various bodily functions, including metabolism and the immune response, it is not typically used in a synthetic form specifically to treat hirsutism. Testosterone is an androgen hormone that can exacerbate hirsutism rather than treat it, and estrogen, while utilized in hormonal therapies, doesn’t directly address the androgen overload that often leads to hirsutism. Hence, the therapeutic effects of prednisone in addressing the symptoms of hirsutism highlight its relevance in this context.