Will Testosterone Make Eyebrow Hair Grow?

Testosterone is a hormone known as an androgen. It is produced by the testes in men and the ovaries in women. It is also used predominately in anabolic steroids as a means of building muscle mass. In addition to muscle growth, testosterone is responsible for hair growth at several locations on the body.

Significance

• Testosterone is primarily considered a male hormone. Nevertheless, it plays a significant role in the maturation process of both sexes. In men, it is responsible for body characteristics such as the testes and increased chest muscles. However, testosterone also benefits women by strengthening muscles and bones and contributing to sex drive (libido).

Misconceptions

• Testosterone does not make eyebrow hair grow. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, steroids like testosterone “decrease the rate of growth of eyebrows, lashes, and hair on the extremities.” Instead, “testosterone will generally stimulate the growth of pubic and axillary hair.”

Effects

• While the growth of the eyebrows remains unaffected, testosterone does play a role in hair growth. Once puberty hits, the body releases testosterone, which is responsible for hair growth that generally begins in the pubic area and armpits. As testosterone levels continue to rise, hair may begin to appear in other areas of the body such as the chin, upper lip, periphery of the nipples, and abdomen.

Tests

• An individual can undergo a testosterone test to verify the exact levels of testosterone in his body. This is done by drawing a small amount of blood from a vein. The blood is then analyzed externally to determine the amount of testosterone in the bloodstream. The amount is measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). According to the National Library of Medicine, the average amount of testosterone is 300 to 1,000 ng/dL for men and 20 to 80 ng/dL for women. A decreased amount of testosterone may account for symptoms such as low levels of pubic hair and delayed puberty. An increased amount of testosterone may indicate the presence of testicular cancer, ovary disease, and precocious (earlier than normal) puberty.

Hair Removal

• There are numerous ways to thin bushy eyebrow hair. Eyebrow hair can be removed at home with tweezers or scissors. However, this method does not permanently remove hair and can be painful. Electrolysis is the process of removing hairs by administering an electric current. Electrolysis is permanent and can be performed by a professional hair removal clinic. Another permanent method of hair removal is laser removal, which, like electrolysis, is performed strictly at professional clinics.