Chin hair in PCOS, known as hirsutism, is common due to elevated androgen (male hormone) levels, causing thick, coarse hair growth in male patterns on the face, chin, chest, and abdomen, impacting self-esteem but treatable with hormonal meds (birth control, spironolactone), insulin-reducing drugs (metformin), lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, spearmint tea), and hair removal methods like laser hair removal.
Changes in your hair growth
You might notice more hair growth on your chin, neck, and sideburns, or you may see a bald spot appearing on the crown of your head. If you notice unusual hair growth or hair loss, it may be linked to a PCOS-related hormone imbalance.
Practical tips for PCOS facial hair growth
The disorder can cause many symptoms, including thicker, darker, and more excessive facial and body hair growth. While medical treatments can lead to improvements in symptoms, PCOS' effects on hair often persist for many. However, there are solutions available to address them.
When we talk about PCOS hair growth, we're referring to vellus hair follicles on the face (also known as 'peach fuzz'), which develop into terminal hair. This terminal hair is larger, darker and more visible, and is often found on the face, the chest, torso and upper thighs in women with PCOS.
A women with PCOS may have to go back several times in order to get the problem under control. Plucking is one way to to hide excess hair in the early stages. Although it is a quick and easy fix, plucking the hair from the follicle can distort the follicle and can cause the hair to thicken and become darker.
Common symptoms of PCOS include:
Some supplements that may help with hirsutism include:
No, Ozempic isn't FDA approved to treat PCOS. But it can be prescribed off-label for PCOS treatment.
We usually start with hormone therapy, such as birth control pills, to regulate your hormone levels and reduce hair growth. These pills contain estrogen and progestin, which help lower your relative androgen levels. If necessary, we add androgen suppressants to your treatment to reduce your androgen production.
PCOS treatment in Korea integrates Western medicine (like Metformin, birth control, anti-androgens) with Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) herbal remedies (e.g., Changbudodam-tang, Chokyung-san, Gamuigibitang), acupuncture, and significant lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stress management) to address hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, fertility, and symptoms like acne and irregular periods, often using a personalized approach.
For PCOS, you should avoid foods that increase inflammation and insulin resistance, such as sugary drinks, refined carbs (white bread, pasta, pastries), processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, sausage), fried foods, excessive red meat, trans fats (margarine, shortening, fast food), and highly processed snacks, as well as limiting alcohol and added sugars to help manage symptoms like weight gain and insulin resistance.
Metformin is a drug that is used in women's health for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), problems with excessive facial hair (hirsutism) and is also used for diabetes. Metformin reduces circulating insulin, which decreases the concentration of free levels of androgens.
Women with PCOS differ in reproductive hormones past menopause. Hirsutism symptoms such as unwanted hair growth and balding worsen with age. The most important findings are that metabolic parameters worsen in overweight women with PCOS, increasing their risk for life-long health issues beyond menopause.
One out of three people with PCOS don't struggle with their weight, but still have the condition. What does lean PCOS mean for their health and lifestyle? While the majority of people with PCOS have excess weight, it is possible to have the condition and still have a BMI within normal range.
If you've noticed facial hair starting to grow in new places, it can sometimes be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. These hormonal imbalances can have many symptoms and causes: Excess of androgens (the male sex hormone) Polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS)
You can lose weight by exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet. Your diet should include plenty of fruit and vegetables, (at least 5 portions a day), whole foods (such as wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals and brown rice), lean meats, fish and chicken.
As mentioned, PCOS syndrome alone is not a qualifying condition for disability claims. However, there are several health problems that can help PCOS patients qualify, including: Type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure.
Final Takeaways
Metformin remains the go-to first-line medication for PCOS with insulin resistance, thanks to decades of research, safety, and accessibility. Ozempic may be preferable for those with significant weight loss goals or if metformin is not tolerated or effective.
Vitamin D appears to improve reproductive and metabolic impairment in PCOS through its impact on insulin resistance.
Waxing also makes the perfect approach to PCOS hair removal not only because of its long-lasting results but also because of its accessibility. Waxing can remove hair from all over the body at lower costs than laser hair removal, and provides better results with less irritation than constant shaving.
So, if you are considering a magnesium supplement to manage PCOS symptoms, the best option would be between 300-400mg of Magnesium Glycinate. Here are some brands that sell a high-quality magnesium supplement you may want to try.
What are possible complications of PCOS? Women with PCOS are more likely to develop certain serious health problems. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, problems with the heart and blood vessels, and uterine cancer. Women with PCOS often have problems with their ability to get pregnant (fertility).
The most common signs and symptoms of PCOS include: Irregular periods: Abnormal menstruation involves missing periods or not having a period at all. It may also involve heavy bleeding during periods.
Exhaustion That Doesn't Go Away
Many people with PCOS describe a constant fatigue that does not improve with rest. Even after a full night of sleep, energy levels remain low and concentration can feel difficult.