Unwanted Facial Hair Growth During Menopause - Causes and Solutions

Understanding Facial Hair Growth During Menopause

Many women find that facial hair growth increases during menopause. This can be an unwelcome change for some women who previously did not struggle with excess facial hair. Unwanted facial hair can appear on the upper lip, chin, jawline, and sideburns area. There are several reasons why facial hair increases for some women going through menopause. The good news is that there are also effective options for removing unwanted facial hair and managing its growth.

How Hormones Affect Facial Hair

Hormonal changes are the main culprit when it comes to increased facial hair during menopause. As women age and enter perimenopause and menopause, their estrogen levels decline while testosterone levels remain constant. This hormonal shift leads to a relative increase in testosterone. Since testosterone is associated with male characteristics, higher relative levels can cause changes like excess facial hair growth in women.

Women also produce small amounts of testosterone in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Lower estrogen allows more testosterone to circulate freely. Increased testosterone binds to hair follicles on the face, chin, upper lip, and jawline, accelerating growth. It stimulates typically fine, nearly invisible hairs to become coarse, thick, and dark. This is why facial hair can increase for women during the menopausal transition.

Does HRT Prevent Facial Hair Growth?

Because fluctuating hormones are behind it, many women wonder "will HRT stop facial hair growth?" Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) replaces estrogen lost during menopause. So in theory, balancing hormones with HRT could also balance facial hair growth.

Some research has found that estrogen-only HRT is associated with reduced facial hair growth in postmenopausal women. However, evidence is limited. Other studies show no difference in facial hair growth between women using HRT compared to those who do not.

The effects can also depend on the type of HRT used. Estrogen-only replacement aims to directly replace estrogen lost from menopause. Combination estrogen-progestin therapy contains progesterone along with estrogen. Progesterone may counteract some of estrogen's effects on hair growth.

Overall, more research is needed to determine if HRT prevents or slows the growth of facial hair during menopause. Women considering HRT for other menopausal symptoms may see improvements in facial hair. But starting HRT solely to reduce facial hair is not recommended given the limited evidence of its effectiveness.

Other Medical Options for Excess Facial Hair

While HRT may provide modest improvements, other medical options are more directly targeted and effective for treating excess facial hair including:

• Prescription creams - Creams like eflornithine hydrochloride can slow facial hair growth when applied regularly.
• Laser hair removal - Laser treatments work by destroying the hair follicle to prevent regrowth. Several sessions are needed but results are usually long-lasting.
• Electrolysis - This method kills individual hair follicles with a small electric current. Slow and requires many sessions but results are permanent.
• Anti-androgen drugs - Medications like spironolactone can block androgens and reduce facial hair, especially when other treatments fail.

A doctor can determine the best medical treatment for excessive facial hair based on a woman's symptoms, medical history, hormonal status, and preferences. Some options like prescription creams are less invasive while laser hair removal and electrolysis provide more permanent facial hair removal.

At-Home Remedies for Facial Hair Removal

In addition to medical treatments, there are also home remedies that can temporarily remove or reduce the appearance of facial hair. These include:

• Shaving - Use a clean, sharp razor meant for the face. Only shave in the direction of the hair growth.
• Plucking - Tweezing hairs one at a time provides longer lasting but still temporary results.
• Waxing/sugaring - Waxing kits are available for at-home use but carry a higher risk of irritation.
• Epilators - These electric devices pull multiple hairs out at once.
• Bleaching - Bleach lightens the hairs to make them less visible but does not remove them.
• Depilatory creams - Chemical creams dissolve the hair for temporary removal.

Gently exfoliating and moisturizing the face regularly can also help prevent ingrown hairs from developing. Always discontinue any at-home remedies if they result in skin irritation or tenderness.

When to Seek Professional Care

Most women can manage mild excess facial hair with at-home remedies. But some women develop more severe, male-pattern hair growth called hirsutism. Signs of hirsutism include:

• Hair that appears coarse, thick, and dark
• Hair growing on the chin, chest, stomach, or back
• Sudden increased facial hair growth
• No improvement with at-home removal techniques

Women with these symptoms may need medical evaluation and treatment. Causes include high testosterone or androgen levels that may signal an underlying hormonal disorder like polycystic ovarian syndrome. Blood testing can help diagnose any imbalance. Once the cause is found, medical management can get hormones back on track and reduce excess facial hair more effectively.

Coping With Facial Hair Changes During Menopause

Along with various removal methods, there are also healthy ways women can adjust their self-image and cope if facial hair becomes a source of distress:

• Remember that many women deal with extra facial hair, especially after menopause. You are not alone.
• Focus on positive attributes and build confidence in areas other than appearance.
• Practice self-care through relaxation techniques, therapy, or support groups.
• Find beauty role models who inspire self-acceptance and body positivity.
• Avoid comparing yourself to celebrities or unrealistic beauty standards.
• Join in activities and hobbies you enjoy to shift focus from appearance.

While frustrating, increased facial hair does not take away from a woman's beauty, value, or worth. Prioritizing emotional health alongside cosmetic treatments can help women going through menopause maintain a positive body image.

The Bottom Line

Changes like excess facial hair growth are common during menopause. HRT may help slow growth for some women but its effects are not well proven. The most effective approaches focus directly on removing existing hairs through medical treatments. At the same time, self-care and a supportive mindset are just as important in coping with this unwelcome sign of aging.

With the right combination of cosmetic and emotional self-care, women can overcome facial hair concerns and embrace this transition with grace and confidence.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.