Unwanted hair growth and menopause
Are you starting to notice hair growing in places it’s not supposed to? Unwanted hair growth on the face, back or chest is not the end of the world – but it’s pretty annoying. What causes hair to grow in unwanted places during menopause? And how can you prevent it?
I notice hairs growing in unusual places, on my chin and chest. It’s really annoying. Just when I thought the worst was over... - Bella (age 58)
Hair growth on parts of the body where hair is normally absent or minimal, such as the neck, back, chest or face, tends to affect women in the later stages of menopause. A 2020 study conducted by Grymowicz et al. found that 50 percent of postmenopausal women experience unwanted facial hair growth.
Once you've stopped menstruating for 12 consecutive months, you have passed through menopause and are in postmenopause. In postmenopause, oestrogen levels have dropped dramatically and stay low. This is when you see the greatest imbalance between androgens and oestrogens, which can lead to unwanted hair growth.
What is happening in your body?
Menopause is associated with symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. These symptoms are usually only temporary. However, the hormonal shifts of menopause can also cause permanent changes, such as unwanted hair growth. What exactly causes unwanted hair growth?
In the years leading up to menopause, the ovaries gradually produce less of the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. During perimenopause oestrogen drops and then reaches a permanently low level after menopause (postmenopause). However, oestrogen levels drop quicker than androgen levels – the principal androgen being testosterone – causing a temporary imbalance between oestrogen and testosterone.
Androgens are hormones that regulate the development of male characteristics. They are also present in females and can influence various bodily functions, such as muscle mass development. Androgen overproduction can lead excessive hair growth on parts of the body where hair is normally absent or minimal, such as the neck, back, chest or face.
Do you have hair loss or acne?
An oestrogen-androgen imbalance can result in hair issues, like hair loss or a receding hairline. Read more about hair loss and menopause.
Androgens also stimulate sebum production in the skin. Too much sebum can lead to clogged pores and acne. There are also other factors that can contribute to skin problems. Read more about acne and menopause.
What can you do?
There are a number of options for removing unwanted hairs on your body, including shaving, depilation, waxing or laser hair removal. Laser hair removal or waxing should be done by a professional. What hair removal treatment is best for you depends on several factors.
- The condition of your skin. If you have a skin condition, such as eczema, psoriasis or a skin infection, you need to be careful not to irritate your skin. Therefore, the first step is to seek advice.
- Use of certain medicines. If you are taking medication, talk to your doctor. Some medications, like antibiotics, are known to make the skin more sensitive.
Can hormone therapy help?
Do you suffer from other menopausal symptoms besides unwanted hair growth, like mood swings or nights sweats that interfere with sleep? If yes, are these symptoms severe or persistent? Then hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could be the solution you've been looking for. HRT replaces lost hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) to counteract the effects of menopause.
Sources
- Bode, D., Seehusen, D. A., & Baird, D. (2012). Hirsutism in women. American Family Physician, 85(4), 373-380.
- Grymowicz, M., Rudnicka, E., Podfigurna, A., Napierala, P., Smolarczyk, R., Smolarczyk, K., & Meczekalski, B. (2020). Hormonal effects on hair follicles. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(15), 5342. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/15/5342
- Zouboulis, C. C., Blume-Peytavi, U., Kosmadaki, M., Roó, E., Vexiau-Robert, D., & Kerob, D. (2022). Skin, hair and beyond: The impact of menopause. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 21(2), 434-442. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2022.2050206
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FAQ
Where does unwanted hair appear?
During menopause, you may develop hair growth on your face (upper lip, chin), chest, neck or back. The hormonal imbalance that occurs as oestrogen levels decline causes thicker, darker hair to grow in unwanted places.
What is the best way to remove unwanted hair?
If you want to get rid of unwanted hair on your body, there are a number of options, including shaving, depilation, waxing or laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is the only long-lasting way to eliminate unwanted hair.
