Female Facial Hair Causes

Causes of Female Facial Hair

Excessive hair growth occurs in both men and women, but it is more psychologically distressing for women. Some women have facial hair because of a medical condition known as hirsutism, but many women who have not been diagnosed with this condition have facial hair too. Female facial hair is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance as the result of obesity, medication, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and aging. If you have sudden and abnormally thick facial hair growth, it can be a symptom of a serious medical condition, and you should consult your doctor or gynecologist.

Hormones

A hormonal imbalance can cause female facial hair. All women have testosterone, the male hormone, and estrogen, the female hormone, in their bodies. When the healthy balance of these hormones is disrupted, it can cause increased levels of testosterone and decreased levels of estrogen. This results in female facial hair.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease

If you suddenly have facial hair where you didn't previously, it could be a symptom of Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), which is one of the most common causes of female facial hair. PCOD causes a hormonal imbalance in favor of testosterone, resulting in the hair growth. This abnormal hair growth occurs around the mouth, in the same area where a man would have a beard and mustache.

Genetics

Genetics can be the cause of female facial hair. Women with facial hair often have a close relative, male or female, with the same condition. Another genetic factor that contributes to female facial hair is ethnicity. For instance, people from East Asian and Native American backgrounds have little body hair.

Medication as the Cause of Female Facial Hair

Some common prescription medications can cause a hormonal imbalance, resulting in the growth of female facial hair. One is minoxidil, which is a topical medication applied to the skin for hair loss. Facial hair growth can occur on women using minoxidil, even if it has not been applied to that area of skin. Other medications include androxy, prednisone, halotestin, steroids, danazol and glucocorticoids.

References

• Hormones known as androgens comprise of testosterone that is usually the cause of facial hair growth. Both adult males and females have certain levels of testosterone in their body; however men tend to possess 10 times more testosterone than in women. At puberty, a woman's level of testosterone is at its highest. Thereafter the levels decrease until menopause. Although, the levels of testosterone are very low after menopause, the hair follicles continue to remain hyperactive and generate hair, thus resulting in the growth of facial hair in women. Menopause often creates hormone imbalances and unwanted hair growth for most women. During menopause, the proportion of male hormones, androgens to estrogen may change, and this can produce a mild increase in facial hair. Another common medical reason for facial hair is the overproduction of secretion from the androgens. One particular syndrome that needs to be checked and ruled by women experiencing facial is polycystic ovarian disease or PCOD. PCOD is believed to be one of the most common causes for facial hair in women. The syndrome is connected to excessive androgen production where the estrogen levels are reduced and the testosterone or androgen levels are increased. In such a scenario facial hair appears on the upper lip and chin. In women with PCOD, facial hair tends to appear thicker and darker. Genetic endowment and also plays an important role in some women as one of the causes for facial hair growth in women. Some women with thick hair growth on the face and body usually have a hereditary background of thick hair growth in either one of the parents. In some families, heavy facial growth is quite common. It is strongly advised to consult a gynecologist to check for abnormalities causing facial hair growth in women. Do not resort to any folk remedial treatment for treating facial hair without determining the cause of it from a medical expert. A medical practitioner is the final authority in suggesting the necessary treatment for the condition.
• I have been on minoxidil for over 2 weeks and noticed facial hair growth on my checks and both sides of my face. I know that the minoxidil is not getting on these areas or my face. Is this to be expected with minoxidil as a side effect or does the liquid have to have contact with the face to grow the unwanted facial hair? Please advise. Linda AskDocWeb: The liquid is supposed to grow hair only where it has contact with the skin but there are a few reports of increased hair growth in other areas. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you have an increase in size or darkness of fine body hair.