Women and facial hair are not exactly a new thing. In fact, there have been many women throughout time who have sported facial hair. It is not just limited to those in the male-dominated society. But it seems like in these times, more and more women are growing their facial hair for various reasons.
It’s easy for a woman to grow facial hair when she has hormones and she has no restrictions on what type of beauty she can choose. Taxes, natural birth control methods, and medications for certain types of cancer can sometimes cause temporary growth of “fluff” on the chin or around the mouth area. There are also some other very common reasons why women grow facial hair. Here are some of the top five reasons why more and more women are beginning to grow their own version of the male beard.
What are the 4 most common reasons why women grow facial hair?
1. A reaction to a hormonal change
Many women start growing facial hair when they’re going through a hormonal change. When estrogen levels are low, it can cause the growth of facial hair. This is especially common during pregnancy and when taking birth control pills for the first time. Sometimes, this type of hormonal change will even trigger acne breakouts or other skin problems that cause unwanted hair growth.
2. The weather
The weather is another factor that will cause facial hair growth in women. It can make some women want to grow their own beards in order to live up to those rugged outdoorsmen standards and look tough in the winter months or cool off in the summertime.
3. Natural birth control methods
There are many different types of natural birth control methods out there that can cause a woman to grow her own version of a beard. Some examples could include using copper iUDs, taking hormone injections, or using progesterone cream that moisturizes the skin and slows down regrowth of hairs on certain areas where unwanted hairs occur.
4. Medical treatments related to cancer
Many women with breast cancer will have unwanted facial hair as part of their treatment plan. They may also decide not to shave because it might
How many women have facial hair?
There are many women who sport facial hair these days. In fact, according to the 2013 “American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery” report, there is an estimated 1.1 million American women in the United States who have some sort of facial hair and almost two-thirds of that number are women aged 18 to 34 years old.
These statistics show that more and more women are growing their own version of the male beard, which is quite different from what a woman’s typical facial hair looks like.
The first reason why more and more women are growing facial hair is because they feel more confident with it. Women would rather grow out their beards than go through the process of electrolysis because they can let it grow and maintain it on their own terms. With electrolysis, you must shave or wax every few weeks so that your skin does not get irritated or burned by the process.
Another reason as to why there has been an increase in female facial hair growth is because of its portrayal in pop culture lately. Many celebrities like Miley Cyrus have made headlines for sporting full beards on red carpets, which has helped girls realize that they too can grow a beard if they want to.
The fifth
Why do women grow it?
There are many reasons why women grow facial hair. Some men and women who have a hormonal imbalance may begin to grow it at various points during their menstrual cycles, which can cause a temporary growth of facial hair. Some women will also grow facial hair in response to natural birth control methods like the pill or other forms of hormonal contraception, which are not only effective but have fewer side effects than traditional methods.
Some women will grow their facial hair after taking certain medications for forms of cancer, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This is done to help shield the skin from radiation that can cause premature aging.
Some other reasons why more and more women are growing their own version of the male beard is because they want to feel masculine yet feminine at the same time. Many times, when a woman wants to be both feminine and masculine at the same time, she’ll choose to grow facial hair for herself trying something new and different.
How can they stop it growing?
Women can stop the growth of their facial hair by cutting it with a pair of scissors or using hair removal cream.
Some women have tried to stop the fluff from growing on their chin and around their mouth area by using a razor blade. This is not always effective, though, because it is difficult for women to reach these areas with a razor blade and shave them properly.
Hair removal cream might be a good option for some women who are looking to grow facial hair without it getting out of control. Some women also use toothpaste to try and remove the unwanted fluff from their face. If you choose this method, make sure that you don’t swallow any of the toothpaste as it could cause stomach upset if swallowed.
The best way for many women to stop facial hair is by going to their doctor and getting medication prescribed for them. There are various types of medications designed just for this purpose. These medications will help keep the unwanted facial hair under control, so they won’t end up looking like lumberjacks in no time!
Hormones and their effects on the body
Hormones, like testosterone and estrogen, are the main causes of facial hair growth in women. Testosterone is a male hormone that can cause a woman’s hair to grow in unwanted places. Testosterone also helps build muscle mass, which typically causes more hair to grow on the cheeks and jawsline.
Estrogen is one of the most important female hormones that can cause facial hair growth. Estrogen is helpful in building breast tissue and it also helps maintain healthy blood flow to the skin. In some cases, people can have an abnormally high amount of estrogen which may cause unwanted side effects, including unwanted facial hair growth.
Some medications such as antidepressants or certain types of cancer treatments can temporarily cause facial hair growth as well. Excess levels of thyroid hormones or over-active pituitary gland may also cause unwanted side effects like excess facial hair, acne, and other issues with how your body looks and feels.
Medications for certain types of cancer and their effects on the body
One of the top five reasons why more and more women are beginning to grow their own version of the male beard is because of medications for certain types of cancer. Some medications, like chemotherapy, can cause temporary growth in facial hair as well as a variety of other temporary side effects.
Chemotherapy treatment targets cells in the body that have mutated, so it can be very effective in treating cancer. But one problem with this treatment is that it can also cause other side effects such as nausea, depression, and weight changes. It’s important to note that these side effect do not last forever; they go away within a few months time.
Female patients receiving this type of treatment sometimes grow significant amounts of facial hair during the course of treatment and then lose it again after finishing their course or at a different stage in their life. But if these women want to help keep some of their facial hair on longer or for an extended period, there are a few options available to them.
1) Groom until you’re comfortable with how much hair you want to keep
2) Have your doctor cut them down through electrolysis
3) Get laser treatments
4) Visit a dermatologist who specializes in treating facial
Other underlying medical conditions that cause a woman to grow facial hair.
Hormonal changes like puberty, menopause and pregnancy can cause a woman to grow facial hair. Another reason for facial hair growth is if the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone. The condition is known as hypothyroidism. There are also some other medical conditions that can cause a woman to grow facial hair at different times in her life. One of these conditions is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can cause extra body and facial hair as well as irregular periods, infertility and moody behavior. Finally, women with lupus might grow facial hair due to an increase in the number of red blood cells. Lupus causes severe joint pain, skin rashes and fatigue because it affects how your body uses oxygen.
Other Reasons for Growing Facial Hair
1. Estrogen
Women with abnormal levels of estrogen often grow facial hair as a result of the hormone imbalance. This is due to the increased production of cortisol, which in turn increases growth of facial hair.
2. Cushing’s Syndrome
When women are diagnosed with Cushing’s Syndrome, they typically grow more body and facial hair. This is due to the high levels of cortisol that can occur as a result of this condition.
3. Birth Control Pills
Some women will use hormones that mimic testosterone, such as birth control pills, to help regulate their menstrual cycle or for other medical reasons. These hormones can cause temporary growth in the chin area and on the upper lip area. Menstrual cycles also tend to cause some women to grow more hair on their face than others while they are cycling.
4. Medications and Chemotherapy
Some medications and chemotherapy drugs have been associated with temporary periods where hair is not growing normally, leading to an increase in facial hair growth when it has been stopped or ceased treatment with one of these drugs.
How to Deal with a Woman Growing a Beard
Prepare for a woman to grow facial hair. Here are some of the top five reasons why more and more women are beginning to grow their own version of the male beard.
#1: Hormones
When a woman is experiencing hormonal changes or even an illness, she may notice that her chin or mouth area is growing very quickly.
#2: Temporary Beard Growth During Pregnancy
Some women experience temporary “fluff” growth on the chin or around the mouth area just before childbirth. This is normal and does not mean that you have a medical condition like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
#3: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Also known as polycystic ovaries, PCOS is a hormone disorder which causes irregular periods and hirsutism, or excessive growth of body hair in both men and women. It can also cause infertility problems for women who have this condition. Because it causes so many different symptoms, PCOS can be difficult to identify. But if you think you might have PCOS, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any symptoms you may be experiencing and how they might be related to this condition.
More Reasons Why Women Grow Facial Hair
The reason why some women grow facial hair is not completely clear, but the majority of them have several different reasons. Some of these reasons are medical, including Polycystic ovary syndrome, Cushing syndrome, and Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Other causes are purely cosmetic, such as medication. Here are a few of the reasons why women grow facial hair. While these reasons might not always be completely harmless, they are all relatively harmless.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
This disorder affects more women than you may realize. Women with the disorder have abnormally high levels of male hormones. This imbalance results in a number of health issues, including irregular periods and excessive facial hair. In women, the disease can also lead to acne and baldness on the front of the head. Thankfully, there are several treatments for PCOS that can help women with this condition reduce the growth of their facial hair.
In some cases, women are born with insulin resistance, causing their blood sugar levels to be abnormally high. When this happens, the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate, stimulating the ovaries to overproduce androgens. High insulin levels lead to diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Overproduction of androgens in women can also lead to excess facial hair, or acanthosis nigricans. The condition should not be confused with mild insulin resistance or with other forms of hyperandrogenism, however.
If you have been noticing facial hair growth in women for more than a few months, it may be an indication of an underlying medical condition. It’s important to see a physician, especially if it is excessive, is associated with symptoms of virilization. A doctor might refer you to a dermatologist or skin specialist. If the hair growth is consistent over a period of time, it may be a sign of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which affects the body’s ovaries and causes an imbalance of sex hormones. Polycystic ovary syndrome also contributes to obesity, infertility, and multiple cysts on the ovaries.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
This rare inherited disorder is caused by an enzyme deficiency in the adrenal glands, which normally produce the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Because the enzyme is not present in 95 percent of people with CAH, the adrenal glands cannot produce the correct amounts of these hormones, which results in an imbalance of hormones in the body. This imbalance can lead to a host of problems, including early puberty, atypical genitalia, and atypical facial hair.
Another cause of hirsutism in women is the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which causes the body to produce too much testosterone. It accounts for up to 70 percent of cases of hirsutism in women. Doctors do not fully understand the causes of PCOS, but many people manage the condition with birth control pills or hormone treatments. If you are experiencing facial hair, you should consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
A diagnosis of CAH may include a biopsy, blood tests, and genetic testing. MRI and CT scans can be used to visualize the adrenal glands. Laboratory tests may include serum cortisol, 17a-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione. An overnight dexamethasone suppression is sometimes helpful. Treatment options depend on whether the disease has advanced to a more severe stage.
Cushing syndrome
A diagnosis of Cushing syndrome requires a variety of tests. A patient’s blood ACTH levels are the first test. If the level is low, it is likely that a person has a primary adrenal adenoma or carcinoma, which is usually unrelated to the growth of facial hair. The diagnosis of Cushing syndrome can be made only after corticosteroid medication has been ruled out.
Other symptoms of the disorder include weight gain. This is due to excess amounts of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. The excess cortisol stimulates reticulated tissues, resulting in excessive androgen secretion. This syndrome may also lead to hyperthyroidism, which manifests as amenorrhea, infertility, and acromogly. In women, moderate growth of facial hair is also seen.
While the most common cause of excessive facial hair is aging, women may also experience the condition due to certain conditions. Hormonal changes following menopause can cause a woman to develop a mustache or whiskers. The underlying endocrine disorder, Cushing syndrome, is also responsible for excessive growth. In addition to aging, it can also be a result of medications, certain medical conditions, and an abnormal pituitary gland or thyroid.
While most people don’t experience excessive growth of facial hair due to Cushing’s syndrome, some women may have this condition. The excessive production of cortisol in the body causes the body to react abnormally to stress. Medications that cause high levels of cortisol can also lead to Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing syndrome is more common in women than in men, but it is not the only cause.
Medications
Excessive facial or body hair in women is known as hirsutism. This problem typically appears as coarse, dark hair and is caused by underlying medical conditions or medications. Polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS) is one such condition that is caused by an imbalance of the hormone androgens in the body. This condition is associated with irregular menstrual cycles and other problems, including obesity and infertility. Fortunately, most cases of hirsutism improve with medical management. However, delaying treatment can have long-term health consequences.
One of the most common causes of facial hair in women is hormonal changes after menopause. These changes cause women to develop whiskers and a mustache. Women who suffer from hormonal imbalance may be at risk for Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that results in excessive levels of the hormone cortisol in the body. The symptoms include excessive facial hair, poor wound healing, and diabetes. Although these symptoms do not always require treatment, women with Cushing’s syndrome should seek medical help to address the problem.
Some medications can help prevent excessive growth of facial hair. Oral contraceptives, which contain estrogen and progestin, are a common option. These female hormones inhibit the production of androgen, the hormone responsible for excessive hair growth in women. Depending on the type of treatment, it can take up to six months to see significant results. Ideally, women should stop taking oral contraceptives after three or four months, because continued use increases the risk of blood clots. Other side effects include nausea and abdominal upset.
Family history
While the Ferriman-Gallwey study was conducted on white women and may not apply to women of color, other recent research suggests that race does matter for facial hair growth. A study published in 2014 analyzed high-resolution images of 2,895 women’s faces and found that Asian women had the highest concentration of facial hair, despite the fact that this finding was not consistent across ethnic groups.
Facial hair is a social and emotional burden for many women. A study of women with facial hair revealed that 40% reported being uncomfortable in social situations and 75% had clinical levels of anxiety. While the study revealed that overall, women with facial hair enjoyed a high quality of life, they scored lower in their social life and their relationships than those without it. Despite all these challenges, it is important to remember that female facial hair is perfectly normal and can contribute to a woman’s self-esteem.
Obesity
One reason women grow facial hair is because of their weight. In some cases, this is due to a hormonal disorder known as PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome. This condition involves fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries. Some women may also have a disorder called Cushing’s syndrome, in which their adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of cortisol. While the exact cause of hirsutism is still unknown, research has led to new treatment options.
How to Stop Facial Hair Growth As a Woman
If you’re a woman, you might be wondering how to stop facial hair growth. The truth is that chin hair is a perfectly normal part of growing up. It’s caused by shifting hormones, aging, and genetics. Getting rid of this hair is relatively easy, but if you’re an adult, this problem may be a sign of a medical condition. If you’re a woman and have excessively coarse facial hair, you may want to see a doctor.
Vitamins
Men’s hormones produce a dark beard on their face. Women, however, are not naturally born with this feature. This condition, known as hirsutism, can be caused by a number of factors, the most common being a hormonal imbalance. Some of the causes of this condition include menopause, stress, obesity, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, and adrenal gland disorders.
Some vitamins, such as magnesium, zinc, and copper, can help prevent facial hair growth. These can be taken in the form of foods or as supplements. Zinc can be found in foods such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, and leafy green vegetables. Copper and magnesium are also found in chickpeas and sunflower seeds. Zinc supplements should be taken orally for best results.
Vitamin B6 is another vitamin that inhibits the growth of facial hair in women. Vitamin B6 works by regulating the level of testosterone in the body. This in turn inhibits facial hair growth in women. To get your daily dose of vitamin B6, you can eat avocados, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts. You can also find vitamin B6 supplements in natural foods and can take them orally to prevent facial hair growth.
Another natural herb to help prevent facial hair growth is palmetto. Taking a supplement of palmetto will relax your hormone levels and inhibit androgen production. Palmetto also helps flush out toxins that contribute to facial hair growth. Depending on the cause of your hair, you may also want to consider taking a calcium-d-glucarate supplement to combat this condition. It is a very effective supplement and is readily available at any pharmacy.
Herbal supplements
Women who suffer from excessive facial hair may want to consider taking an herbal supplement. Many vitamins and minerals have properties that can prevent facial hair growth. In addition, they can help prevent the production of prolactin, a hormone that can lead to excessive growth. This hormone can contribute to facial hair growth in women. Women can obtain this vitamin through natural food sources and oral supplements. These products can help prevent facial hair growth and are natural treatments that can be highly effective.
Some women experience problems with the levels of progesterone and estrogen in their bodies. As a result, they are not likely to develop facial hair. The problem can develop later in life, however, when the levels of these hormones become imbalanced. Luckily, some supplements can help reduce the production of facial hair and even help prevent the appearance of melasma and hyperpigmentation.
One natural herbal supplement for facial hair growth is saw palmetto. Saw palmetto is a plant-based remedy that inhibits the androgenic activity of male hormones. It limits the activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which triggers follicles to grow excess facial hair. Saw palmetto is available in capsule or pill form.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may also be at risk for excessive facial hair. A combination of magnesium and zinc supplements has been shown to reduce the amount of androgens in the body, preventing the growth of facial hair. The combination of these supplements has also shown a significant improvement in the symptoms of hirsutism. Zinc supplements can be found in whole grains and soybeans.
Dietary supplements
Women often experience unattractive facial hair due to hormonal imbalances, including polycystic ovaries. The good news is that dietary supplements can be effective tools to stop facial hair growth. They can balance progesterone and estrogen levels and inhibit the production of testosterone, the male hormone responsible for stimulating hair follicles on the face. However, there are many factors to consider before starting a dietary supplement regimen.
Vitamin B6 can be beneficial to female facial hair growth. Vitamin B6 helps to inhibit the production of the prolactin hormone, which causes facial hair in women. Those who are prone to this problem can take vitamin B6 supplements in the form of tablets or capsules. Some of these supplements can even boost estrogen levels, which is another way to reduce unwanted facial hair. These can be taken in the form of dietary supplements or as natural foods like spinach.
Facial hair growth is almost always caused by sex hormone imbalances. A woman who is suffering from facial hair growth is experiencing an imbalance in the levels of male and female hormones, especially testosterone. Too much testosterone in the body can cause acne, facial hair growth, and even male pattern baldness. Therefore, it’s imperative to balance these hormones. The right combination of estrogen and progesterone will prevent facial hair growth in women.
Electrolysis
Before considering the use of electrolysis for facial hair reduction, you should know what to expect. While the procedure is safe, you should be aware of some possible side effects. Among these is hyperpigmentation of hair. If you have darker hair, this effect could be worse than usual. However, the intensity of electrolysis must be much higher than normal. This could be temporary and will disappear after a few months.
Unlike other hair-removal methods, electrolysis takes several sessions to achieve the desired results. You will need to return to the clinic once or twice a week or every other week to maintain the results. However, the procedure is non-invasive, and it requires no maintenance. It is safe for women and men alike. While electrolysis can be painful, it is not a long-term procedure. Once you’ve completed several sessions, the unwanted hair will be gone for good.
Before you choose an electrologist for electrolysis, you should be aware of the risks and possible side effects of the procedure. In addition to the potential side effects, electrolysis treatments can be expensive and may take longer than expected. Moreover, locating an electrologist outside of big cities can be difficult. Therefore, you should do your research and find a practitioner in your local area. If you can’t find one locally, you can consider the other options.
If you are a woman suffering from hirsutism or any other type of hormonal facial hair, it may be time to consider using electrolysis for permanent removal. In addition to the permanent removal of unwanted hair, electrolysis can also address any underlying medical conditions. If you are a woman and would like to avoid the cost of electrolysis, you may want to choose the cheaper alternatives.
It is important to note that menstrual cycles may influence hair growth. Women approaching menopause will produce higher levels of male-type hormones, called androgens. Androgens can change hair follicles in the face into thicker hair. Hence, it is crucial to avoid any hormone changes. Fortunately, electrolysis is safe and effective. But if you’re a woman, you should consider these things first.
Conclusion
Women are just as capable of growing facial hair as men are. But what are the reasons why they grow facial hair?
It is not always clear why women grow facial hair, but there are a few things that can be checked to reveal the cause. Some of the potential reasons for a woman to grow facial hair are hormonal, side effects from medications, and other underlying medical conditions. Whether she is growing a beard or mustache, there are some ways to deal with a woman that is growing a beard and preventing it from going too far.
