"Menopause is a normal, natural event---defined as the final menstrual period and usually confirmed when a woman has missed her periods for 12 consecutive months," according to The North American Menopause Society. The average age for menopause is 51. One of the many symptoms associated with menopause is facial hair growth.
Menopause
As you approach your 30s, your body produces less estrogen. By your late 40s, your menstrual cycle can become infrequent, and your ovaries stop producing eggs, which results in the end of menstruation. Symptoms of menopause can vary, but they often include hot flashes, weight gain, acne, increased facial and body hair, and urinary and vaginal problems.There are certain factors that could make a women reach menopause early. A total hysterectomy causes early menopause. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy associated with cancer can cause menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes.
Hormones
During menopause, you have a decrease in the female hormone estrogen and an increase in the male hormone testosterone. "Since the body continues to produce small levels of the male hormone testosterone, some women may experience some hair growth on the chin, upper lip, chest, or abdomen," according to Medicinenet. This facial hair growth is a problem to many women.
Facial Hair Growth
All women have some facial hair from a young age. This hair usually is fine and thin, not very noticeable. "It appears that estrogen receptors are most abundant around the genital area, face and lower limbs," according to New Zealand Dermatological Society. With the lack of estrogen, facial hair begins to change and grow thick.
Medical Assistance
You should talk to your doctor as you start experiencing menopausal symptoms and as you go through menopause. After reviewing your menstrual cycles and medical history, your doctor can suggest any treatments you might need.
Facial Hair Treatments
Facial hair growth during menopause can be be embarrassing and upsetting, but there are many options for dealing with unwanted facial hair. Hormone therapy can lessen the growth, although there are some potentially serious side effects with this treatment, so you should discuss it carefully with you doctor. You also can use electrolysis and laser surgery to remove unwanted facial hair permanently. Waxing and topical creams can provide temporary removal.
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