If you notice hair on your chin, do not rush to epilate. Before getting rid of facial hair, you should understand the reason.
Women worry when dark, coarse hair suddenly appears in the most visible place – on the chin. Why do they appear and how to get rid of them?
“Hirsutism, or the appearance of coarse hair in women, is usually associated with hormonal imbalance,” explains gerontologists, according to “DoctorPiter”. Hirsutism is extra hair growth in women. It is often noticeable around the mouth and chin.
Hirsutism is a condition in women that causes extra growth of dark or coarse hair. Hair growth follows the male pattern. It can appear on the face, chest, back and other parts of the body where women don’t normally grow hair, according to the Mayo Clinic.
In hirsutism, extra hair growth is often due to an excess of male hormones called androgens. The main androgen involved is testosterone.
Self-care techniques can be helpful in removing unwanted hair. Medical treatment is also available for those who wish to treat hirsutism.
Symptoms
Hirsutism is coarse or dark hair that appears on the body where women normally have no hair:
- face,
- breast,
- lower abdomen,
- inner thighs,
- the back.
If high androgen levels cause hirsutism, other symptoms may appear over time. This process is called virilization. Symptoms of virilization can include:
- voice deepens
- scalp loses hair
- acne appears
- breast size decreases
- muscle mass increases
- the clitoris becomes larger.
When to see a doctor
If you think you have too much coarse hair on your face or body, talk to your doctor. Ask about treatment options.
Extra facial or body hair can be a symptom of another disease. Get a health checkup if you experience heavy or rapid hair growth on your face or body within a few months. Also get tested if you notice symptoms of virilization. You may be referred to a healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats hormonal disorders, called an endocrinologist, or to a doctor who treats skin problems, called a dermatologist.
What can cause hirsutism?
Excessive androgens – quantity of male sex hormones. Increased testosterone levels stimulate hair follicles.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is the most common endocrine cause, accompanied by cycle and metabolic disorders.
Adrenal problems. These glands produce androgens, which can cause hair growth.
Insulin resistance. High insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce testosterone.
Age-related changes. Estrogen levels drop during menopause, making the effects of androgens more pronounced.
Will the hair disappear if the hormones are normalized?
“The problem can be managed, but the approach must be comprehensive. First of all, the cause must be found together with a doctor – an endocrinologist or a gynecologist. He will choose an appropriate treatment protocol,” experts explain.
If the cause is hormonal, drug therapy is used. The doctor will prescribe oral contraceptives, antiandrogens, or medication to regulate insulin levels.
PCOS and insulin resistance require lifestyle changes. Diet and exercise are essential to help stabilize hormonal levels.
“Treatment will prevent new hair growth, but coarse hairs that have already grown back may require cosmetic removal,” emphasizes the gerontologist.
Can facial hair be removed with tweezers?
“Yes, but carefully.” “Yes, it is a quick and cheap method; the hair is removed by the root, leaving the skin smooth for several weeks,” say experts. “However, tweezing carries a high risk of ingrown hairs, microtrauma and inflammation (folliculitis). Pigmentation—dark spots at the site of the lesion—may appear. Also, tweezing does not prevent hormonal growth, so the hair will return.”
Which facial hair removal methods are the best?
The choice of method depends on your hair type and budget.
Laser epilation is the gold standard. The laser destroys the follicle by targeting the melanin. However, this method works best on dark hair. A course of procedures is required.
Photoepilation (IPL) is another hardware method similar to laser hair removal, but it is less targeted and less effective in reaching the deep roots, so more sessions are required.
Sugaring procedure is a more budget-friendly option. However, it provides temporary results, often causes irritation to sensitive facial skin and does not address the problem of hirsutism.
Electrolysis is the only medically recognized method for permanent for epilation. A thin needle is inserted into each follicle, which destroys it electrically. This process is time-consuming and painful, but it provides results that last a lifetime.
