Health - Wellness
When Should You Be Concerned About Facial Hair Growth?
By SABIKA HASSAN
If you’re a woman who has noticed excess hair growth on the face, chest, inner thighs, lower stomach, and back, you may have hirsutism. According to a 2010 study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, hirsutism affects about five to 10% of females.
Various factors contribute to hirsutism, including hormonal imbalance, medication side effects, long-term stress, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). If you have been stressed for a long time, your body may have high levels of cortisol, which can contribute to hirsutism.
Facial hair growth may also be caused by high levels of androgens — typically male hormones that lead to coarse hair production and other puberty-related changes. However, if a hormonal imbalance causes your androgen level to become higher, you may notice excessive hair growth, a deeper voice, and balding, among other symptoms.
Many women do get a bit self-conscious about extra hair growth on the face and regions that often remain exposed. If you notice any of these symptoms along with coarse hair on the chin, thighs, and lower abdomen, talk to your doctor.