Female facial hair often increases with age, particularly around menopause, due to a shift in hormone balance where declining estrogen makes naturally present androgens (like testosterone) relatively more dominant, stimulating coarse hair growth in areas like the chin and upper lip, a common and often hereditary part of aging. Genetics play a significant role, and while normal, rapid or excessive growth can signal underlying conditions like PCOS and warrant a doctor's visit.
Key Takeaways. Tweezing facial hair can cause hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and potential scarring. Pulling facial hair out near moles, acne, and ingrown hairs can be make inflammation and potential scarring worse. Alternatives range from creams and waxing to laser removal and electrolysis.
Vitamin B6 supplements can be used in the treatment of hirsutism caused by increased levels of prolactin in the body as it inhibits prolactin. Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant that reduces the effect of testosterone on facial hair and vitamin E reduces the production of testosterone itself.
During the hormone changes caused by menopause, estrogen levels decline while levels of testosterone and other androgens rise. This can result in hair growth on the face as well as excess body hair. Epilfree nonlaser-hair removal can remove unwanted hairs easily and effectively.
Methods to remove or reduce unwanted hair include:
Face shaving is a perfectly reasonable grooming technique if it solves more problems than it causes. If shaving your face rids you of unwanted hair, doesn't cause irritation, and leaves you with smooth, glowing skin, then continue to shave without shame!
Treatments for hirsutism
a prescription cream to slow hair growth on your face (eflornithine cream) taking a contraceptive pill if you've not been through the menopause yet – this can help control hormone levels.
Wrinkles: Fine lines appear more pronounced, especially around the eyes and mouth.. Sagging: Loss of firmness in the jawline and cheeks. Dullness: Your skin loses its natural radiance, appearing more lackluster.
No — shaving hair doesn't change its thickness, color or rate of growth. Shaving facial or body hair gives the hair a blunt tip. The tip might feel coarse or "stubbly" for a time as it grows out. During this phase, the hair might be more noticeable and perhaps appear darker or thicker.
You may develop coarse, dark hair growth on your upper lip, chin, chest, abdomen or back instead of the fine hair sometimes referred to as “peach fuzz” that commonly grows in those areas. Hirsutism can cause distress, but it's treatable.
Vitamin B12 is crucial for promoting healthy hair growth, including your beard. It supports red blood cell production, which carries oxygen to hair follicles, essential for stimulating growth and maintaining a healthy, full beard.
There are many ways to remove facial hair. For stray hairs, tweezing is best, while for larger amounts of fine downy hair, experts suggest threading or dermaplaning by a professional. For more information about other menopause topics, read more on our blog or symptoms library.
Magnesium may support hormone regulation, especially in PCOS, indirectly helping to reduce facial hair growth. What medication can slow facial hair growth? Medications like spironolactone, oral contraceptives, and finasteride can regulate hormones and slow hair growth.
Unfortunately, plucking does not stop hair regrowth ever. Yes, it might slow down the regrowth when hair is plucked at the right times and might make the hair thinner by traumatizing the follicle as well. But, no, it cannot affect the health of the follicle long-lastingly.
While there are several ways to remove chin hair, waxing offers unique benefits that make it the better choice: Shaving – Hair grows back quickly and feels stubbly. It also increases the risk of ingrown hairs. Tweezing – It's time-consuming and can irritate if you pluck too often.
Women tend to have more fragile skin than men; daily shaving could cause irritation, effectively negating the cosmetic benefits. Also, there is a risk of cutting the skin, which could lead to infection.
8 Ways to Get Rid of Unwanted Facial Hair
Besides hormonal changes, other factors can cause those stubborn chin hairs to sprout: Genetics – If your mum or grandmother had chin hairs, you might, too. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – A common condition causing excess androgens.
The 3-month beard rule is a simple yet powerful concept in the world of beard care: Let your beard grow naturally for 90 days without trimming or shaping. This rule gives your facial hair enough time to grow uninhibited, allowing you to evaluate its natural growth pattern, thickness, and potential.
(2004) reported that women with the body shape that is found most attractive by males (large breasts and a low waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), e.g. Singh 1993; Henss 2000) have higher oestrogen levels than other categories of body shape.
Signs of low estrogen include:
That's because many foods contain phytoestrogens, plant compounds that act like estrogen in the body. Eating plant foods high in estrogen may support heart health, improve bone health, and lower your risk of certain cancers. Foods high in estrogen include soy, nuts, seeds, cruciferous vegetables, and dried fruit.
The most effective, science-backed options include spearmint, saw palmetto, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6, and inositol. All these supplements can help you balance hormones and reduce androgen-related symptoms, including facial hair growth.
In polycystic ovary syndrome, the following measures can reduce symptoms caused by high androgen levels:
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)