Which hormone is often linked to hirsutism and acne in women?

The hormone primarily linked to hirsutism and acne in women is the androgen hormone. Androgens, such as testosterone, are male hormones that are present in both men and women but typically at lower levels in women. When there is an imbalance or an increase in androgen levels, it can lead to various symptoms including hirsutism, which is the excessive growth of hair in areas where men typically grow hair, and acne, which is often exacerbated by the influence of androgens on the sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production.

Estrogen plays a role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive health, but it is not primarily responsible for the development of hirsutism or acne. Insulin is more related to metabolic processes and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can indirectly contribute to androgen sensitivity and subsequent symptoms but is not the hormone most directly linked to hirsutism and acne themselves. Progesterone regulates the menstrual cycle and helps prepare the body for pregnancy, but it does not have a direct link to the development of hirsutism or acne in the same way that androgens do. Therefore, the androgen hormone is the correct choice in this context.