Do you find yourself removing hair from your face every other day? Isn’t it tiresome? Well, this may be a symptom of PCOS. This issue makes you lose hair on the scalp where it should not, all the while increasing its appearance on the face! How unfortunate. Read this blog to know the reason for PCOS facial hair growth and treatment method.
There are a lot of signs that may undermine your personality, but after diagnosis, it is time to embrace it. What is the first step of acceptance? It is knowledge. This piece is set to explain PCOS and its relationship with facial hair. Let’s discuss hair types and the effect of PCOS on hair growth.
Types of Normal Hair
Hair grows out from the follicles present deep into the skin. The hair continues growth even if the outer part, known as a shaft, is plucked out. Unless the follicle is completely eradicated, hair growth will not stop. Normal hair is of two types:
Vellus Hair
A fine, short, soft texture and colorless hair covers the entire face, body, and back, giving women a hairless look.
Terminal
Terminal hair is coarse, dark, and long hair that grows on the scalp of both men and women. Unlike women, men have terminal hair all over their bodies.
Why does PCOS Increase Facial Hair – Is It Hirsutism?
Hirsutism
Hirsutism is the scientific term for excess hair in places where it should not grow (in women). Generally, women with coarse terminal hair on their face are patients with hirsutism. One most noticeable symptom is the development of chin hair similar to males.
Effects of Androgen on Facial Hair in PCOS Patients
Extra hair or hirsutism is the most common visible symptom of PCOS. The reason behind this is increased androgen levels than normal in the female body. Androgen – a male hormone, should be lower in levels in women.
Organs like the ovaries and adrenal gland produce androgen, and some of the hair follicles may be this hormone-sensitive. Androgens convert vellus hair to a terminal one, which is longer, darker, and has much visibility.
Reason For High Androgen Level?
PCOS is of different types driven by various factors, the most common reason for high androgen is insulin resistance.
Insulin Resistance
Few women are born with or develop later in life insulin resistance. This condition impairs blood sugar control mechanisms. Higher levels of blood sugar triggers the pancreas to produce more insulin. With the increase in insulin, the ovaries overproduce androgens.
Methods to Manage Hirsutism
Getting proper medical treatment is a must for relief from PCOS symptoms. Doctors often suggest using OCP (oral contraceptive pill) to regulate hormone imbalance. Once your levels are normal your hormones will reduce facial hair.
Cosmetic Method
There are various cosmetic options or home remedies for facial hair removal in PCOS patients.
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Waxing
Laser
Electrolysis
Bleaching
Plucking
Conclusion
Lifestyle modification to target hormones and cosmetic methods for facial hair can significantly benefit the individual. Care Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers offer multiple treatments that would help manage the condition. Call for further details at (352) 612-1722 Fruitland Park location or (352) 218-3211 The Villages. You can also reach our Kissimmee location at (407) 553-3979.