The main hormones responsible for facial hair growth are androgens, which are typically male hormones (although they are present in both men and women, albeit in different ranges). Women who suffer from facial hair almost certainly have higher-than-average levels of androgens or low levels of female hormones like estrogen and progesterone (or both). This can cause all kinds of problems, including weight gain, acne, and reduced libido, just for example – in other words, nothing good. But you may also experience issues with your hair that are normally reserved for men, including thinning and hair loss on your head and hair growth on your chest, chin, and upper lip. In extreme cases, this traditionally male hair growth in women is called hirsutism, and it is characterized by male patterns of hair growth.
However, most women won’t experience this level of hair growth. With age, a person’s hormone levels change, and it’s common for women to see an increase in facial fuzz, not to mention a few coarse, dark hairs here and there. In fact, this process begins for some women as early as their twenties or thirties, and it can even start at adolescence, depending on the person. But for most, hair growth is something that increases with age.
So what can you do about it? For many women, birth control pills can help, but after a certain age it is not advisable to continue taking these hormones. Luckily, many women going through menopause begin taking estrogen pills to deal with issues like hot flashes and insomnia, and these can help to keep facial hair under control, as well.In truth, there are all kinds of drugs that may help to control androgen levels, although you’ll have to talk to your doctor before taking any. Unfortunately, they tend to come with any number of unpleasant side effects.
As an alternative, you could always consider waxing, plucking, or depilatory creams, depending on how sensitive your skin is. Shaving is generally considered a terrible idea since the bristly hair growth it promotes can cause your follicular problem to appear even worse. You might also consult a site like Epilator Central for a fast (if not pain-free) removal option, or you could go for something more permanent with laser hair removal treatments. Regardless of the cause of facial hair growth in women, you likely just want it gone. And whether you choose hormone treatments or removal options, you should know that there are plenty of ways to keep your face fuzz free and feminine.
