Dealing with chin hair? 6 health conditions that could be causing it
At some point in our lives, we'll all notice a straggly little hair living rent-free on our chins. And chances are, we'll catch it at the most inconvenient time, i.e. on a first date, during a job interview, or straight after taking a new passport photo that we'll have to live with for the next 10 years.
But after immediately plucking the pesky thing from your face and hoping no one caught a glimpse, you probably moved swiftly on and never thought of it again, right? Because let's be honest, in the majority of cases, a small strand waving from your skin is pretty normal, and it happens to most people.
But in other (rarer) cases, there could be more to that rogue chin hair than meets the eye. If you've noticed excessive or repeated growth of facial hair, or are wondering what on earth is going on with that one stubborn thread that can't be beaten by your tweezers, there are a number of possibilities to consider.
Cosmopolitan UK spoke to Elizabeth May, an expert from the Private Skin Laser Clinic in Hampstead to take us through all the possible explanations. From uncontrollable factors like (even though you hate to admit it) getting older to a potential PCOS diagnosis, hopefully, her expertise on the matter will give you all the answers you're looking for...
What is hirsutism?
"Excessive dark, thick, coarse, hair growth in females, which appears in a male pattern, is referred to as hirsutism. This can involve single or multiple areas, such as moustache and chin area, chest, lower abdomen, back and inner thighs," May says.
Why do women get chin hair?
In terms of why excessive hair growth happens, May explains that "hirsutism is generally caused by a hormone imbalance." She explains that this an "increase in production in the male hormones called androgens, or an increase in skin sensitivity to androgen."
So, if you are concerned about your chin hair, or just want to know what's causing yours, here's what could be going on behind the scenes…
You have PCOS
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a condition that affects how your ovaries work, explains May. It's more common than you may think, affecting about 1 in every 10 women in the UK, according to the NHS. However, as of 2023, the World Health Organisation reported that up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed worldwide. Symptoms include irregular periods, weight gain, adult acne, and fertility problems, alongside excessive hair growth - which, of course, can include chin hair.
If you're suffering from one or more of these signs and you're worried, May encourages speaking to your doctor about your options. Though unfortunately there's no 'cure' for PCOS, as such, there are treatments available that can help to manage the condition. This ranges from lifestyle changes, including following a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and managing stress, all the way through to surgery.
You have Cushing's syndrome
May also notes the possibility of Cushing's syndrome. It's far less common than PCOS - the National Institute of Health reports it affects an estimated 40 to 70 people out of every million. But, as per the Brain Institute, women are three times more likely to develop it.
In terms of what it is, Cushing's syndrome is caused by high levels of the cortisol hormone. Not only can it be responsible for facial hair growth, it can also cause weight gain, stretch marks, skin that bruises easily, and muscle or bone weakness.
Chin hairs can occur as a side effect of taking certain medications, or more rarely, because of a tumour developing inside a gland. This goes without saying that appropriate advice from a medical professional will be needed. If you are uncertain or worried about Cushing's syndrome, it's best to consult your doctor.
You're getting older
If you only need one reminder that you're a victim of the passage of time, it's a good old chin hair. May notes: "There is a natural tendency to get hairier with age, especially post-menopausal."
In this instance, your chin hair could just be a fact of life, but it can be worth consulting with your GP to make sure that there's nothing more serious going on without you realising it.
Your weight has changed
For some, the sprouting of new chin hairs may also be in conjunction with a noticeable weight gain or weight loss. May states that the two could be related, explaining that obesity "upsets the balance of male and female hormones." And as we've already learned, your hormones can have a major impact on hair growth.
In contrast, May adds that extreme weight loss can cause an increase in fine hairs, like those usually seen in children. This is known as lanugo, and can be an indicator of anorexia, a disorder for which you should always seek the support of an expert.
Your medication is affecting you
Though May says that medication being the cause of chin hair growth is rare - she stresses that you shouldn't rule it out. She notes that particular drugs, like some chemotherapy for cancer and some medicines for epilepsy do have the power to spark changes in your body.
"Plus, anabolic steroids used illegally in sport and sold in some gyms may increase facial hair if used by women," she continues. These are class C drugs, and should only be sold by pharmacists with a prescription; if you're using them without guidance, facial hair may be just one of a range of very serious side effects, from aggressive behaviour and mood swings to blood clots and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
You're predisposed to hair growth
May outlines that hirsutism is "not hereditary but can be more common in some ethnic groups." She explains that it specifically occurs more commonly in women of Mediterranean or Middle-Eastern origin, adding that "in the general population, 10% of Caucasian women will experience it too."
How do I get rid of chin hair?
Let us stress that it's no one else's decision apart from your own as to whether or not you get rid of your chin hair. But, if it's on your to-do list for the week, you might want to grab a pen and paper and take note!
May schools: "Treatments available for removal of facial hair are varied with markedly different results. Physical removal, such as shaving, plucking, waxing, bleaching and hair removal creams, is common and inexpensive but can sometimes irritate the skin." Similar (but not the same as) upper lip hair removal options, you have to be more careful with treating your face hair as your skin is more sensitive.
May adds: "Medications that have an anti-androgenic action can be used if a hormonal cause is diagnosed." But, do note here: these are only available on prescription, and range from oral contraceptives to spironolactone.
Next up is electrolysis, which May says is often suggested if the hair is grey, blonde, or ginger in colour. Though again, side effects can arise, including inflammation and scarring.
Finally - and for those looking for the most effective treatment where price is not a problem - let us steer you in the direction of laser therapy. May notes that this is your best bet if your hair is coarse and black, as it works by "inducing a gradual decrease in hair growth, resulting in finer, lighter hair on the face."
So there you have it - your complete guide to the causes of chin hair. Plus, your guide to the best removal methods. Remember, female chin hair is fairly normal, but if it is bothering you, booking an appointment to see a specialist can't do any harm.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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