When it comes to facial hair, women can be more concerned than men. While males are less bothered by the little strands growing on their upper lips and chins, females may worry a great deal. Though lip hair is more usual to occur, chin hairs, less common type of facial hair should not bring fear. Experts explain how they exist and how to deal with them.
According to Hadley King, MD, and board-certified dermatologist at New York's SKINNEY Medspa. "Chin hair results from a combination of genetics and hormones." Androgen or a woman's male hormone and her hormonal balance activate the development of chin hairs. Geoffrey Redmond, MD and Director of the Hormone Help Center explained how hair on chin and growth of other body hairs are linked to one's hormones. "In both sexes, testosterone levels rise at puberty, causing increased oiliness of the skin and the appearance of pubic and underarm hair. While we think of these as the only places a woman has body hair, most have some on other areas as well: lower legs, upper thighs, between the navel and pubic region, around the nipples and on the chin and upper lip. Some women experience increases in hair on other regions as well: chest and abdomen, lower back, neck and cheeks," Dr. Redmond stated.
The growth of Facial hair such as hair on chin could be hereditary. Aging also affects the development of hair on certain body parts. As women age, they tend to notice more strands of chin hairs due to changes in hormones and the excreted quantity. When asked about the volume of facial hair considered normal for women, Dr. Redmond answered, "There is no sharp dividing line between normal and abnormal amounts of hair. Facial and body hair is a very personal matter and so a personal definition is appropriate: hair that is enough to make a woman afraid that it will show is too much." Dr. Redmond believes that a limited amount of hair on chin and other body parts are normal and does not signify any health threat.
Once chin hair grows more than usual along with other symptoms such as irregular periods, weight problems or acne, it can lead to some health problems such as hirsutism or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Both Drs. Redmond and King suggested going through a medical examination when uncommon indications were experienced.
To get rid of extra chin hair, Haley suggested, "Whether your hormonal balance is "normal" or PCOS-related, medications that affect hormones, like oral contraceptives or spironolactone, can help curb excess chin hair growth, as well as overall facial hair."
