Causes of Facial Hair in Older Women

Hair is growing on your face and your chin, and it's even growing thicker than ever under your arms and on your legs. However, it's falling out of your head. What is going on? Blame it on age and hormones and perhaps on a condition called hirsutism.

Significance of Estrogen and Male Hormones

As women age, their estrogen levels decline and can no longer ward off androgens, which are male hormones--namely testosterone--which cause hair loss. They can also cause unwanted hair growth in other areas.

Outcome

Coarse, wiry hairs may appear on a woman's face and chin due to the disruption of hormones. Hair is sprouting where it shouldn't be.

Additional Causes

Laurie Green, M.D. of Cnn.com explains that, when facial hair appears on women, it is often simply a sign of aging. It isn't necessarily due to hormonal changes, although hormones can have an impact. Genetics plays a role. If you parents are particularly hairy, you probably will be, too.

Another Consideration

Hirsutism, or excessive hair growth, can be caused by androgenesis. Keep in mind that androgens are male hormones. If women have too many of them, changes are going to occur including the cessation of the menstrual period, going bald, deepening of the voice, and the appearance of facial and body hair.

Dysfunction

Dr Green explains that women produce androgens in the ovaries and in the adrenal gland. The androgen in the ovaries is testosterone primarily. When androgens are overproduced, this can result in hirsutism.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Cnn.com