Here’s why some women experience chin hair
Most women will experience chin hairs throughout their lives — this is entirely normal, so don’t freak out. Chin hair most commonly takes the form of thin strands known as “peach fuzz,” but a few can present as random dark, coarse chin hairs from time to time. Certain hormones can cause women to grow thicker and darker hairs on the chin if they ever get out of balance. Pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, and other things can all influence hormones in the body. But, if you start to notice excessive facial hair growth that’s dark and coarse, this could signal that you have high levels of androgen hormones, a condition known as hirsutism. Sometimes, it’s hard to determine the cause behind hirsutism. In other cases, it can be related to an underlying health issue. Here are some common culprits if you’re worried about your chin hair or want to know what’s causing yours.
1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that affects how your ovaries work. Typically, cysts grow on the ovaries, preventing eggs from maturing and leading to fertility issues. PCOS can also affect your hormone levels, causing weight gain, irregular periods, acne, and increased hair growth. People with PCOS often notice more chin hair. If any of these signs ring a bell, visit your PCP as soon as possible.
2. Ovarian tumors
Growths or masses on your ovaries can cause your body to increase facial hair production, causing androgen hormones. In most cases, these masses are typically benign. They can also result in pelvic pain or irregular vaginal bleeding. Be sure to visit your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
3. Cushing’s syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome is a rare disorder caused by high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone in the body). This disorder can cause excess facial hair, weight gain, stretch marks, skin that bruises easily, and muscle weakness. It can occur as a side effect of certain medications or be caused by a tumor.
4. Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance means your body doesn’t respond appropriately to insulin, a hormone that helps turn sugar into energy. As a result, your blood sugar stays elevated, leading to pre-diabetes and diabetes. Insulin resistance also raises your body’s testosterone level, causing more facial hair to grow.
5. Pregnancy
When you’re pregnant, testosterone and estrogen levels rise. Since it’s hard to predict what pregnancy-related hormonal changes will bring on, some women will notice an increase in facial hair during this time. Don’t be afraid to call your gynecologist with any concerns you’ve noticed to verify that they are just another bodily change from pregnancy hormones.
6. Age Or Medication
While hormonal imbalances and specific syndromes can cause excess facial hair growth in some women, it’s due to age for others. As women grow older, they tend to get hairier, especially post-menopause. Certain medications can also lead to an increase in chin hair growth, such as some chemotherapy drugs for cancer and some medicines for epilepsy. Always consult your doctor if you notice anything unusual with your body, including changes to facial hair.
How do I get rid of chin hair?
If you aren’t digging your chin hair, many treatments are available to remove it. Shaving, plucking, waxing, and hair removal creams are all common and inexpensive ways to remove chin hair, but they can easily irritate delicate facial skin. What’s the most effective treatment? Laser hair removal works the best and provides permanent results — it causes a gradual decrease in hair growth over a series of treatments, so you’re left with finer, lighter hair on the face.
Bottom line: female chin hair is entirely normal. But, if it’s bothering you, consider scheduling an appointment with a specialist.
Want to learn more about laser hair removal? Check out LaserAway, the nation’s leading hair removal experts.
References
- “5 Reasons You’re Suddenly Getting Chin Hair,” Women’s Health, June 26, 2019.
- “Do You Get Chin Hair? 6 Things Hair on Your Chin Can Mean, According to The Experts,” Cosmopolitan, November 23, 2021.
