Because it's socially unacceptable for women to have facial hair, they often try different removal methods. If you notice an increase in facial hair growth and a change in texture of the hair, consult your doctor to figure out what is causing the change.
Types of Hair
Women normally grow fine textured and light hair on their face, chest and back. Known as vellus hair, it helps insulate the body and keep a constant temperature, according to Teenshealth. Terminal hair is much darker and coarse. Also, terminal hair grows much longer than vellus hair. When children reach puberty, terminal hair begins to grow around the pubic region and under the arms. For men, terminal hair grows on various parts of the body such as the face, back and chest.
Hirsutism
When women begin to notice that their normally vellus hair on their face, chest and back is becoming more like terminal hair, they might have a disorder called hirsutism. Excess androgens being produced in the body and the sensitive hair follicles being exposed to androgens cause terminal hair growth, according to the Mayo Clinic. The most common condition that causes an increase in androgens that leads to hirsutism is polycystic ovary syndrome.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome causes women to have a hormonal imbalance. Women with PCOS are producing more androgens in the ovaries than they should. Androgen is a male hormone that women also make, but in smaller levels. Other symptoms besides increased hair growth include cysts on the ovaries, acne, irregular menstrual periods, infertility and weight gain. According to Women's Health, 5 million women in the United States may have this condition, and girls as young as 11 could develop PCOS.
Seek Medical Advice
Seek medical attention if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor can review your medical and family history. PCOS can be hereditary; often, women with PCOS find that their mother or a sister has the same condition. Testing of hormone levels, a pelvic exam and a vaginal ultrasound to search for cysts on the ovaries can be conducted by the doctor. Depending on the results from your doctor, many treatment options are available.
Treatment
Birth control pills are very effective in helping those with PCOS. They regulate the menstrual cycle, as well as balancing hormones with the active ingredient anti-androgenic progesterone, according to DermNet NZ. Spironolactone and Finasteride are anti-androgen medications taken to reduce hair growth and clear acne. Another method is laser hair removal surgery and electrolysis. These two methods are expensive but very effective in removing hair.
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