Facial Hair and Menopause

[jewel1968]

I have had facial hair since my 20s that got steadily worse. I am blonde naturally but chin and facial hairs are strong and dark. Fine blonde hairs morph into dark tough hairs. Had difficulty conceiving first child so had tests as they suspected PCOS. Wasn't the case. Then had 3 pregnancies during which time facial hair seemed better. Have recently had internal scan as had potential post Menopausal Bleeding.

All OK just a period but I mentioned my facial hair to gynecologist and he said nothing in ovaries to explain and said if I am still experiencing an increase the facial hair I need to check it out as testosterone should be depleting in me at my age. Have GP appointment next week and wondered what I might say in addition to what gynecologist suggested. I have on more than one occasion been to GP about facial hair and they just shrug their shoulders. Any information or insight or tips very welcome.

I’m mid forties and have to constantly pluck out chin and neck hair, it’s awful because I get spots sometimes due to ingrown hairs.

I’ve not been tested for PCOS but my periods are regular so I’m doubtful.

The joys of peri menopause?!

I thought it was just a normal thing as woman age.

I think from what I have read and what the gynecologist said is that the ovaries produce testosterone and if it is a little high you may be one of those women who get thick coarse hair.

Once a hair is transformed from fine to coarse then it remains like that unless you get it treated by laser or similar. However as you get older (menopause)the ovaries stop producing testosterone so you should not really continue to get new coarse hairs. And if you do get new coarse hairs it could be that testosterone is coming from somewhere else such as the adrenal glands.

I have GP appointment next week so will share any information that might be of interest. The gynecologist did stress that I should get it checked. When you have dealt with this for 30 years or so and no medical professional ever suggested doing checks I am intrigued to see what happens.

I've been struggling with chin hairs for a few years - I plucked and them could feel them coming back within days. I've been using a Phillips Lumea since June and it's made a massive difference. They aren't gone yet but they take much longer to grow back.

What would it mean if adrenal glands were producing testosterone, though? That you are stressed?

Viva - don't know but I am stressed but not for the last 30 years. At least I don't think so.

Pineapple- I bought a lumea but because of acne associated I was reluctant to use it incase it might scar. And also a lot of the hairs while coarse are light or lightish in colour. I think about 25% are properly dark.

I also remember years ago when I was on the pill I lost weight which really surprised the nurse. I was also very healthy when pregnant.

It is strange but gynecologist did stress to have it looked into.

Been to GP. Blood tests for various including cortisol, progesterone, testosterone etc....

I don't think he is expecting anything to be revealed as I don't think he thinks the issue is bad enough. He didn't ask how long I spend plucking and shaving or how I have developed a skill to use makeup to conceal.

There is a family history though so genetic predisposition is there. We shall see if bloods reveal anything.

Any (hairy) news?

I’m on the same situation with high testosterone I’ve had bloods done checked for pcos which is negative
My Dr doesn’t seem overly concerned & didn’t really pay much attention to the hair growth . She said that she will monitor the raised testosterone but what can bd done to lower it