As you enter into sexual maturity during puberty, the colorless, vellus hairs of your body become coarser, darker and curlier in response to changes in the male hormone androgen. Variations in androgen levels can effect hair growth all over the body, including the scalp, underarms and face. Women with certain disorders that affect their hormone levels or who take certain medications face a greater risk of hirsutism--excessive facial hair--though specific causes can vary.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Manifested as obesity, infertility, irregular menstrual cycle and cyst development, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) also can induce excess facial hair growth as it creates imbalances in hormone levels. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 5 percent to 10 percent of women of childbearing age could develop PCOS as a result of genetic factors and insulin complications. The Mayo Clinic points to PCOS as the leading cause of excess facial hair growth, because the condition vastly accelerates production of androgen in the female body.
Cushing's Syndrome
Whenever your body experiences stress, whether from life changes, work pressure or family matters, it increases production of the hormone cortisol. This steroid enhances adrenal gland functioning, quickening the delivery of nutrients throughout the body. Unfortunately, excessive exposure to cortisol can interfere with normal hormone production, resulting in an imbalance of the sex hormones related to increased facial hair growth. Cushing's syndrome can result from either steroid drug use or continuous exposure to the hormone cortisol during stressful events.
Genetic Disorders
Hirsutism is often inherited, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. An increased sensitivity to the hormone androgen, known as hyperandrogenism, affects roughly 5 percent to 10 percent of women. Like PCOS, hyperandrogenism results in irregular periods and facial hair development. Also, hypertrichosis, an excessive amount of hair development in any given body region, can express itself as increased hair growth on the face.
Medications
Many medications can contribute to the development of facial hair growth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For example, cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant drug used to reduce the risk of rejection of a transplanted organ, may produce hair growth as a side effect. This also is the case with minoxidil, which is used to promote hair growth on the scalp, and denazol, which treats endometriosis. Additionally, any drug that boosts male hormone production, such as anabolic steroids, will increase facial hair growth.
Member Comments