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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Facial Hair, Excessive Libido. Taking Alendronate. Is It Hormonal Imbalance?

I began to take Alendronate in June. It is the only change in medications, diet, etc. I have recently begun to notice changes in my body that I believe may be related to hormonal imbalance. I am 67. I am hypothyroid and just had my thyroid tested and the results "were within normal range." I am suddenly growing facial hair and after 10 years of no libido suddenly I am experiencing a recurrence of strong sexual desire. I have no partner nor do I want one. I am baffled and don't know what to ask my primary care physician. Thank you.
Thu, 3 Oct 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Thanks for posting your query,

I understand it must be quite a great deal for you dealing with such symptoms as increased libido given that you do not wish to engage in any relationships. Unfortunately I am unable to relate the use of alendronate to increased libido (as the manufacturers do not mention such as side effects) nor those it affect body hormones. But with it use for treatment/prevention of post-menopausal osteoporosis, it is possible that it can cause some hormone imbalance which can trigger sex hormones hence increased libido. Alendronate is rather associaed to alopecia (excessive hair loss) rather than hirsutism (excessive unwanted hairs) in women. So I could explain this in only one simple way, that you have increased secretion of androgens/testosterone in your system (male sex hormone) which is causing the symptoms you are facing and it might not even be related to use of alendronate but rather related to menopause.
Hirsutism has several treatment options including treating your excess hair growth and taking anti-androgenic drugs which can be prescribed by a doctor.

Hope this helps and wish you the best.
Dr. Nsah
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Had Facial Hair, Excessive Libido. Taking Alendronate. Is It Hormonal Imbalance?

Hello, Thanks for posting your query, I understand it must be quite a great deal for you dealing with such symptoms as increased libido given that you do not wish to engage in any relationships. Unfortunately I am unable to relate the use of alendronate to increased libido (as the manufacturers do not mention such as side effects) nor those it affect body hormones. But with it use for treatment/prevention of post-menopausal osteoporosis, it is possible that it can cause some hormone imbalance which can trigger sex hormones hence increased libido. Alendronate is rather associaed to alopecia (excessive hair loss) rather than hirsutism (excessive unwanted hairs) in women. So I could explain this in only one simple way, that you have increased secretion of androgens/testosterone in your system (male sex hormone) which is causing the symptoms you are facing and it might not even be related to use of alendronate but rather related to menopause. Hirsutism has several treatment options including treating your excess hair growth and taking anti-androgenic drugs which can be prescribed by a doctor. Hope this helps and wish you the best. Dr. Nsah