During menopause, changes in facial and body hair can occur. Hair may begin to grow in areas where women are not accustomed to seeing it, such as the face, chest, or back. While this is generally harmless, it can be considered undesirable. What causes this change, and what can be done about it?
I keep noticing hairs in places I never had them before, like my chin and chest. I find it bothersome. I thought I had already dealt with all the symptoms.
In addition to well-known menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and mood swings, which are often temporary, permanent physical changes can also occur during menopause. One example is unwanted hair growth in typically hairless areas.
Why does this happen? During menopause, the production of the sex hormones progesterone and oestrogen in the ovaries gradually decreases. Oestrogen levels decline during perimenopause and remain permanently low after menopause. In contrast, androgen levels (the most well-known androgen being testosterone) remain relatively stable or decrease only slowly in many women. This can create an imbalance between oestrogens and androgens.
Androgens are hormones that stimulate male characteristics. They naturally occur in the female body and play an important role in various bodily functions, such as building muscle mass. An excess of androgens can lead to hair growth in areas unusual for women, such as the neck, chest, back, or face.
An imbalance between androgens and oestrogens can also be the cause of these issues. This imbalance can lead to a receding hairline and other hair problems. Read more about hair loss during menopause.
Androgens also stimulate sebum production, which can result in clogged pores and acne. It’s worth noting that skin problems are complex, and many factors can contribute. Read more about acne during menopause.
Personalised product advice for your menopause symptoms
Unwanted hair growth during menopause cannot always be prevented. However, there are ways to manage it and reduce its visibility, such as using various hair removal methods. What works best varies from person to person and depends on factors such as your skin and personal preferences.
Changes in hormone levels can affect your energy levels, sleep, digestion, and metabolism. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and sufficient rest can help prevent or alleviate symptoms. Small adjustments can already make a difference in how you feel.
If you use medications or supplements, a healthy lifestyle supports your body in absorbing nutrients and processing medications. This enhances the effectiveness of supplements and medication. Here’s what experts recommend for managing unwanted hair growth.
If you find the hairs bothersome, you can choose to remove them, for example, by shaving, plucking, laser treatment, or waxing. Always have laser or waxing treatments performed by a professional. The best hair removal method depends on factors such as:
Many women are unaware that, in addition to hormone therapy, there are proven effective hormone-free medications to relieve menopausal symptoms. While hormone therapy can address multiple symptoms simultaneously, hormone-free medications often target a specific symptom. For example, certain antidepressants (SNRIs) for hot flushes, anti-inflammatory drugs for joint pain, or antacids for heartburn.
Hormone-free medication is always prescribed by a doctor. It can be a good option for those who cannot or do not want to use hormone therapy. These medications work directly on the symptom without affecting your hormonal balance, allowing you to address your complaints in a targeted way and support your body.
During menopause, changes occur in how your body generates energy, builds muscle, and repairs the skin. You can naturally support these processes with high-quality supplements. Magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 are recommended for every woman going through menopause.
The effectiveness of supplements depends on factors such as your lifestyle and health and can vary from person to person. The quality of the product also determines how well it works. Therefore, choose high-quality supplements without unnecessary fillers.
Personalised product advice for your menopause symptoms
