Most women have facial hair, the amount of which is usually determined genetically. But when the soft peach fuzz on the face grows into terminal hair that is dark, coarse and noticeable, this may result in a common condition called hirsutism. A 2000 study conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham indicates that up to 10 percent of the female population have some degree of excessive facial hair growth.
How Facial Hair Growth Changes
The type and pattern of facial hair growth in women may be altered by hormonal changes that take place during puberty. Male sex hormones called androgens cause the fine vellus facial hair to turn into dark, terminal hair growth. This may be noted in tandem with the appearance of pubic hair and terminal hair under the arms. Some women may not notice a change in facial hair growth until they hit menopause, in which terminal facial hair appears due to hormonal fluctuations. But sometimes facial hair growth is simply genetically predetermined, states the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), in which case terminal hair growth on the face is said to be "idiopathic." Idiopathic hirsutism is more common in women of Middle Eastern, South Asian and Mediterranean descent.
When Facial Hair is Problematic
Having facial hair growth in itself isn't threatening to a woman's health, and in many cases, it may simply be a cosmetic nuisance. But the AAFP cites several underlying medical conditions that cause excessive facial hair growth on women, including polycystic ovary syndrome and Cushing's syndrome. Tumors on the ovaries or on the adrenal gland may secrete androgens, resulting in noticeable facial hair. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that a hereditary condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia can also result in high androgen levels.
Other Symptoms
In addition to facial hair growth, medical conditions can also cause a host of other symptoms, notes the NIH. These may include irregular menstruation, decreased breast size, increased muscle mass, acne, obesity, thinning hair and a deep voice with a masculine timbre. Excessive hair growth may not only affect the face--it may also grow on other areas of the body, usually the chest and back, notes the Mayo Clinic, in a pattern similar to that noted in men.
What To Do
Facial hair growth and other signs and symptoms that accompany hirsutism may be resolved, if there's an underlying medical condition that causes it. Surgical removal of androgen-secreting tumors may be necessary. Sometimes birth control pills and anti-androgen medications are used, or a combination of both. However, the Mayo Clinic indicates that treating facial hair often requires using cosmetic hair removal treatments.
Cosmetic Treatments
There are numerous home and salon treatments that remove facial hair, including waxing or sugaring, threading, tweezing and use of cream depilatories, all of which remove facial hair temporarily. For long-term or permanent hair removal, the Mayo Clinic recommends laser hair removal, which reduces the density of facial hair growth, and electrolysis, a needle treatment that permanently eliminates the growth of hair from follicles. A doctor may prescribe a topical hair growth inhibitor called eflornithine, which goes by the trade name Vaniqa. This medication is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of facial hair in women only and is effective only if applied on a regular basis.
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