Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common condition caused by hormones in women who are in their reproductive years, according to the Mayo Clinic. PCOS is a potentially serious condition that also can lead to cosmetic concerns: women with PCOS may grow male-pattern facial hair. Physicians can offer treatments for this abnormal hair growth.
Significance
The ovaries of most women diagnosed with PCOS are filled with small cysts, which can affect their ability to get pregnant, according to the National Library of Medicine. The production of female hormones, such as estrogen and progestin, in the ovaries is disrupted by these abnormal cysts. Women with PCOS can develop hormonal imbalances, and their bodies can begin to make too much of the male hormones known as androgens.
Function
Excess androgens lead to male-pattern facial hair in women with PCOS. Androgen hormones stimulate the hair follicles on the face and elsewhere on the body to produce what are known as terminal hairs, which are coarse, dark, and sometimes curly hairs, just like those found in a man's beard or on his chest. According to the Mayo Clinic, about half the women diagnosed with hirsutism (male-pattern hair growth) have PCOS. Other overt symptoms of PCOS that result from excess androgens include acne and even male pattern baldness, the Mayo Clinic says.
Prevention/Solution
Many physicians offer treatments and lifestyle recommendations that can reduce or eliminate facial hair growth in women. Many physicians first recommend that women lose weight; many women with PCOS are overweight or obese. Losing weight can curb androgen production and may reduce facial hair growth. Many physicians also prescribe oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin, which can counter androgen levels and restore hormone balance. Physicians also may recommend the medication Aldactone, which stops the androgen hormones from stimulating the hair follicles.
Time Frame
Reducing or eliminating facial hair growth takes time. The Mayo Clinic notes that the commonly prescribed medications generally take at least one month to reduce hair growth noticeably. Not all medications work in all women, and some women may need to seek care from a dermatologist to get results.
Considerations
Women whose facial hair growth does not stop in response to medication and lifestyle changes may want to consider one or more hair removal methods. Daily shaving of facial hair appeals to few women, but the effects of waxing or of a depilatory last up to several weeks. For particularly stubborn hair, women with PCOS may want to consider laser hair removal or electrolysis. Both provide long-lasting results.
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