Women don’t often grow beards, unless they suffer from a condition called hirsutism. This is a hormone-related condition which means women suffer from excessive facial hair growth. It affects one in 10 women and is a common symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects around one in five women. Although women with hirsutism are able to grow thick, full beards, it is an uncomfortable and often embarrassing condition.
Hirsutism is caused by higher than normal levels of male hormones called androgens. These androgens interact with hair follicles and promote hair growth, leading to facial and body hair. In some cases, the condition is hormonal and usually caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, an incurable but treatable condition. In other cases, hirsutism may be associated with other medical conditions or medications. Without medical assistance, it is unlikely that a woman could grow a full beard, but they may be able to achieve some facial hair growth.
Many women with hirsutism turn to hair removal treatments such as waxing, shaving or using depilatory creams to combat unwanted facial hair. These methods are effective but may need to be repeated on a regular basis. For women with severe hirsutism, laser or electrolysis treatment to permanently remove hair may be an option. While these treatments can be expensive and time-consuming, they provide long-term relief from facial hair growth.
It is also possible for women to grow a beard with the help of hormone therapy. Testosterone therapy is often used to help women with hirsutism to grow a full beard. This treatment has to be prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Although this therapy is effective, it also carries risks, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and muscle and bone loss.
For most women, wanting to grow a beard is not a serious medical condition, but for women with hirsutism it can be a struggle. With the help of medical professionals, a woman can grow a full beard, but it is important to understand the risks associated with doing so.
Hormonal Causes
Women with hirsutism, an excess of facial hair growth, can be caused by elevated levels of male hormones called androgens. Normally occurring in menstruating women, androgens like testosterone, play a role in hair growth regulation. When higher level of androgens are present, the hair follicles are stimulated, causing the growth of thick, dark facial or body hair. An excess of androgens can be caused by both normal and abnormally functioning ovaries, as well as adrenal glands.
The most common cause of hyperandrogenism, an excess production of androgens, is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). For women affected by the condition, the body does not regulate the production of hormones in a regular pattern. Despite PCOS being an incurable condition, it is highly treatable and there are a number of ways to reduce the levels of androgens and counteract the symptoms of hirsutism.
Medical treatments can include oral contraceptives as well as a variety of drugs like spironolactone or flutamide which are anti-androgens. These drugs help to regulate and adjust the levels of male hormones in the body, reducing the symptoms of excess facial hair growth.
Cosmetic Solutions
For women with mild hirsutism, there are a number of ways to manage the issue. Hair removal methods can help to reduce the visible facial hair, while hormone replacement has been known to be effective in some cases.
Waxing, depilatory creams and shaving are some of the most common ways to remove unwanted facial hair. These methods offer quick, if temporary, relief from excess hair growth. However, for longer lasting results, professional services such as electrolysis, laser treatments or threading can help to reduce facial hair and keep it from growing back.
These treatments are typically more expensive than at-home solutions but they provide long-term relief from facial hair growth. Professional services can offer waxing and threading and are often performed in salons, clinics and spas.
Natural Remedies
Natural remedies can also be used to treat hirsutism and reduce facial hair growth. Vitamin C, green tea and ginger are all known to be effective at treating hirsutism and reducing unwanted facial hair. A diet high in lean proteins and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA’s) like fish, olive oil and flaxseed have also been linked to reducing facial hair growth and treating hirsutism.
Herbal and nutritional supplements are sometimes recommended for women who suffer from hirsutism. These supplements usually contain ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, biotin and primrose oil. These ingredients can help to restore hormonal balance and reduce symptoms of hirsutism.
It is important to always consult with a doctor or medical professional before taking any natural remedies or supplements as they may interact with other medications or cause side effects.
Implications and Tips
Hirsutism is a difficult condition to deal with and can cause feelings of insecurity and embarrassment. The condition is treatable and support groups, both online and in person, can be useful for women dealing with hirsutism.
Additionally, it is important for women with hirsutism to be aware of the potential implications of testosterone therapy. Although it can be an effective treatment for hirsutism, it carries with it the risk of muscle, bone and cardiovascular diseases and should be discussed with a healthcare professional before taking.
Finally, for women living with hirsutism, there are a number of tips and tricks to help manage the condition. For example, it is important to exfoliate regularly and use specialized shaving and depilatory products designed for sensitive skin. Additionally, wearing loose-fitting clothes and styles that draw attention away from facial or body hair can help make the condition less noticeable.
