Excessive pubic and axillary hair in a female adolescent is most likely due to elevated androgens.

Excessive pubic and axillary hair in a female adolescent is most likely due to elevated androgens.

• A. High estrogen levels
• B. High testosterone
• C. Low estrogen levels
• D. High progesterone

Answer: (B)

Excessive pubic and axillary hair in a female adolescent points to increased androgen activity. Hair in these regions responds to androgens, and testosterone is the main circulating androgen in females. When testosterone levels rise, it stimulates the hair follicles in androgen-sensitive areas to produce more terminal hair, leading to hirsutism. Estrogens and progesterone regulate other female features and menstrual function but do not drive increased androgen-dependent hair growth. So elevated testosterone best explains this pattern.

Excessive pubic and axillary hair in a female adolescent points to increased androgen activity. Hair in these regions responds to androgens, and testosterone is the main circulating androgen in females. When testosterone levels rise, it stimulates the hair follicles in androgen-sensitive areas to produce more terminal hair, leading to hirsutism. Estrogens and progesterone regulate other female features and menstrual function but do not drive increased androgen-dependent hair growth. So elevated testosterone best explains this pattern.