5 Reasons You Have Unwanted Facial Hair

Most women have some amount of hair on their chins- a few thin and faint strands popularly termed as 'peach fuzz'. But some others might notice coarse and random dark hair on their faces from time to time. Such unwanted facial hair is not only a thing of embarrassment but is sometimes a cause for concern as well.

Fortunately, women are already familiar with ways to get rid of the unwanted facial fuzz like waxing, threading, etc. But for those who are wondering why women have facial hair, continue to read. After all, knowing what causes facial hair growth can make it easier to manage it.

1. Hormonal Imbalance- Unwanted facial hair in women tops the list of all health conditions we blame hormones for. If you see women with unwanted facial hair, she is suffering from hirsutism- a condition where women have unwanted facial and body hair. It is similar to the growth pattern of hair in men. Hirsutism is caused by an imbalance in sex hormones and the leading cause of hormonal imbalance is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

2. Cushing’s Syndrome- It's a very rare condition that affects 1 in 50,000 individuals, but women are three times more likely to get affected. Cushing’s syndrome is caused due to high levels of the hormone cortisol that can cause symptoms like facial hair, excess weight gain, stretch marks, muscle or bone weakness, etc.

3. Predispositions (Genetic or Racial)- Females from certain parts of the world like the Mediterranean countries or the Indian subcontinent are more likely to suffer from unwanted facial hair compared to those from Europe, America or East Asia. Sometimes, it could be due to genetic factors. You could have it if it runs in your family. Though nothing can be done if this is the cause, you can opt for good hair removal processes.

4. Menopause- As a woman gets older and attains the age of menopause, she experiences hormonal imbalances and syndromes that can cause unwanted facial hair to grow.

5. Certain Drugs- Facial hair growth might also be a side effect of certain medications that you must be taking. Steroids, Minoxidil, Cyclosporine, chemotherapy drugs, epilepsy medicines, and even contraceptive pills can cause unwanted facial hair growth in women. So tell your doctor if you find facial hair growth after taking any medicine.