Strangely long chin hairs: They’re not a facial feature most women welcome, but they’re a reality for many people, especially as they age. In fact, in a memorable and relatable TV moment, talk show host Rosie O’Donnell once showed off a chin hair so long she was able to put a little bead on it.
O’Donnell’s candor is to be respected, but when those random chin hairs sprout seemingly out of nowhere, it’s normal to wonder why it’s happening in the first place ― and what you can do about
them. We asked an endocrinologist and a dermatologist to share everything you need to know.Blame it on your hormones
Dr. Ana Kausel, an
endocrinologist at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, said that when
women grow hair in a pattern and thickness similar to that of men, it’s
called hirsutism. As we age
and enter menopause, our hormones begin to shift, and when that happens, hairs
may sprout where there weren’t any before.
“All women have both estrogen and
testosterone, but in our reproductive years, we tend to have more estrogen than
testosterone, and this balances the testosterone’s side effects,” Kausel said.
“As we age, there’s a higher imbalance, since estrogen disappears, but the
production of testosterone remains, making androgens more potent and leading to
side effects like chin hair.”
As board-certified cosmetic
dermatologist Dr. Michele Green explained it, androgens — a group of
hormones that include testosterone — interact with hair follicles and activate
them to produce terminal hair, or hair that is longer, thicker, and more deeply
rooted, like beard hair. As a woman’s body produces less estrogen and
testosterone becomes dominant, facial hair is more likely to sprout.
Of course, this doesn’t happen to
everyone. And whether you do or don’t get those long chin hairs comes down to
your genetics.
“Hair follicles are unique, and
their sensitivity to androgens differs per individual,” Green said. “A person
is more likely to grow chin hair if other women in their family also have chin
hair.”
Kausel noted that while a little
chin hair here and there in older women is normal, it should be minimal. If you
notice a lot of growth, you should see a doctor for a blood test and,
potentially, a pelvic ultrasound.
What about facial hair in younger women?
Of course, chin hairs aren’t limited
to post-menopausal women. Women of reproductive age get facial hair, too, and
Kausel said that if this happens, you may want to see your doctor. “Having chin
hair might mean that your androgens (male hormones) are high,” she said. “High
androgens come from either the ovaries (polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS,
being the most common cause) or, much less frequently, the adrenal glands.”
PCOS is a common and treatable condition caused by cysts in the
ovaries that overproduce androgens, so a person’s cycle, ovulation, and
fertility can be impaired, Kausel said. “You may have other issues, too, that
come from having high androgens, such as acne, hair loss, and hirsutism. PCOS
can also have metabolic manifestations with weight gain, insulin resistance,
and a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.”
There is also a hereditary
condition, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, that can have a late onset and
affect facial hair growth, Green said.
“Another condition that can cause
sudden hair growth is Cushing’s disease, where the body produces too much
cortisol, leading to higher levels of androgen,” she said. “Cushing’s disease
is also associated with weight gain, headaches, and blood sugar issues.”
ong story short: If you’re
pre-menopausal and you develop facial hair, especially if it comes on suddenly,
see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
What to do about hair on your chin
While some of us are happy to
decorate our chin hair with beads, others might want to get rid of it. Luckily,
Green said, there’s a lot you can do if that’s the case.
“Laser hair removal is a convenient option to clear out
unwanted excess hair,” Green said. “The laser emits a specific wavelength that
targets the hair follicle’s pigment or melanin. With current advancements in
technology, lasers can safely treat all skin tones and hair colors except gray
and white, which do not contain melanin for the laser to detect.”
Furthermore, “Electrolysis is a
great option for permanent hair removal that works for gray and white hairs,”
she noted. “During electrolysis, an electric current is delivered to the bottom
of the follicle, destroying the root and damaging the follicle to prevent hair
growth.”
A physician could also prescribe
anti-androgenic medication like spironolactone to target the excess androgens and prevent
further chin or other unusual hair growth, Green said.
Over-the-counter depilatory creams
can be used at home to dissolve the hair, too, but these products tend to be
irritating and can even burn the skin if not used properly,” she said. “There
are prescription eflornithine creams that work to reduce hair growth, and this
cream is a good option for unwanted hair in a small, target area.”
Finally, while you may be tempted to
pluck your chin hairs, Green strongly advises against that. “Plucking using a
tweezer is not the preferred method of hair removal, as it can damage the skin
and cause ingrown hairs and folliculitis,” she said.
New, long chin hairs can be
annoying, but they’re often not cause for concern. And if they’re really
bothering you, there’s a lot you can do to address them ― so don’t be afraid to
chat with your doctor or dermatologist about any hair growth concerns you might
have.
Credit:
HuffPost.
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