When women grow facial hair, it is often the sign of a condition known as hirsutism. Hirsutism is quite common, with an estimated one in 20 women affected at some point during her life, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. During hirsutism, dark, coarse hair grows on areas of the female body that normally should only appear in those areas in men. One of the most noticeable places this hair may grow is on the face.
Menopause
Menopause is one common reason why darker hair may begin growing on a woman's face. During menopause, the natural production of female-related hormones, such as estrogen, decreases. This decrease can throw off a woman's balance of female hormones and male hormones (called androgens). Although androgens are more common in men, women also produce them from the ovaries and adrenal glands. Facial hair results when these levels become unbalanced.
Pregnancy
Like menopause, pregnancy can also cause an imbalance in the levels of male and female hormones in the body. Androgen production can increase during pregnancy as a normal part of fetal growth and development. Depending on how sensitive a woman's follicles are to the excess androgens, darker facial hair may sprout on the upper lip and chin.
Ovarian Disorders
Certain diseases and disorders of the ovaries can trigger excess production of androgens, leading to facial hair growth. One of the most common disorders is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), reports the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Ovarian tumors can also cause an imbalance of androgens in the body.
Adrenal Disorders
Disorders of the adrenal glands can trigger abnormal androgen levels, resulting in facial hair growth in women. These disorders include adrenal tumors, onset adrenal hyperplasia and Cushing's disease. Adrenal hyperplasia occurs when the adrenal glands do not make enough cortisol and make too much androgen. Cushing's disease occurs when a tumor develops in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is responsible for regulating hormone production of the adrenal glands, which, if affected by a tumor, can cause an imbalance of androgen production.
Hormone-Based Medications
Steroid-based medications that introduce synthetic hormones to the body can also cause female facial hair growth. These medications include testosterone, corticosteroids, danazol, anabolic steroids and metryrapone.
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