Menopause and Body Hair

Menopause is a time in a woman’s life where inevitable changes are happening to her body. One of her main superpowers of giving birth to a baby is about to be taken away. And it affects her. It affects her physiologically, psychologically, emotionally, and physically. The changes that take place inside her body also manifest themselves outwardly affecting her appearance, including her skin and hair.

When women reach a certain age, they enter their menopause.

It is important for a woman to understand what menopause is and what changes it may bring, so she can face it with confidence: To see it as a new phase in her life that brings new possibilities, new challenges, new opportunities, as well as new blessings. Menopause need not be feared or dreaded, albeit a really difficult phase, but welcomed, as you arm yourself with the knowledge of what it is and where it will take you.

What is menopause?

Menopause is the season in a woman’s life after she has had her last and final menstruation. There is some subjectivity to it since you can only tell if a monthly period was your last one if you no longer have another after that. However, menopause may be viewed in retrospect as the last monthly period you had in the last 12 months. The interval (12 months) between your last menstruation and the determination of menopause is part of a longer phase usually referred to as perimenopause.

There is the menopause and the perimenopause stages

Perimenopause or transition menopause is an extended phase that begins when a woman is somewhere in her 40s. It extends up until the last two years (including the 12 month interval) before she reaches menopause, usually in her 50s. It’s a long season when your body starts to slow down, particularly in its reproductive capacity. However, in the last year or two of perimenopause, you may begin to experience the outward changes associated with menopause with more consistency. The most significant being your long period of amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

What happens inside your body during menopause.

A woman’s body slows down somewhere in her 40s. During this period her ovaries begin to produce estrogen in an irregular manner, particularly in terms of its frequency and intensity. This means either your monthly periods become fewer and far between or they vary in the strength and the amount of shedding (menstruation).

The role of estrogen and progesterone in the reproductive cycle.

Estrogen is the female hormone largely responsible for your ovary’s releasing of an egg cell during ovulation. Progesterone, another female hormone, follows suit and prepares the uterine lining for possible egg fertilization and pregnancy. During this stage, when the lining of the uterine wall thickens, estrogen levels are low. This prevents eggs from being untimely produced and released by your ovaries.

When fertilization occurs, progesterone will continue to support the maintenance of the uterine wall as well as the development of the placenta; progesterone preserves the integrity of the uterine lining and prevents shedding during pregnancy. Estrogen, on the other hand, stimulates growth in the breasts and stimulates milk production in preparation for child birth and breast feeding.

Progesterone prepares the uterine lining for possible egg fertilization and pregnancy.

When no fertilization occurs, progesterone level drops and the lining of the uterine wall and the blood break down and are shed. This is the start of menstruation. At this point, the woman’s ovaries are gearing up (anew) for the next cycle of ovulation. At the proper time, estrogen levels will once again peak signalling the ovaries to release an egg. This, basically, is the normal reproductive cycle of a woman.

This is how crucial the balance between estrogen and progesterone is in a woman’s reproductive cycle. Estrogen largely dominates the first half of a woman’s reproductive cycle; while progesterone does the latter, in non-pregnant women. Generally speaking. Many serious health issues result when an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone levels prevails. But during menopause, estrogen production significantly drops. This drop in estrogen not only affects your reproductive cycle, but other functions as well.

Estrogen is also responsible for the maintenance and support of other body functions, including:

1) Female phenotype structure. This distinguishes a woman from a man in stature and physical development. A woman’s bones are generally smaller and shorter than a man’s. A woman’s body normally has wider hips and thighs. Also, the voice box develops narrower to produce a distinctly female voice. Girls develop mature female breasts. This is largely due to the predominance of estrogen.

2) Fat storage. Estrogen controls and coordinates where women are most likely to store their fats. This is why a woman’s hips grow wider than a man’s.

3) Skin condition. During menstruation, when a woman’s estrogen level is low, the dermis (middle layer of the skin) becomes thinner. Also, estrogen is known to suppress sebum production (oil secretions), which makes a woman’s skin less oily than a man’s. This is the reason it is less likely for females to develop acne.

4) Hair quality. Women have finer hair than men, and the hair on their heads are more permanent than in men.

5) Also, generally, estrogen helps maintain brain function, bone strength, energy balance, and heart health.

Increase in androgen in menopause.

The significant drop in estrogen production during menopause also seriously affects these bodily functions. This drop in estrogen is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain. It also accounts for the proportional increase of androgen levels in the bloodstream. Androgen is often referred to as the male hormone. Women may not be aware, but their ovaries also produce androgen.

Sex drive and libido.

The science behind the relationship in the decrease in estrogen and increase (in proportion) of androgen is a bit confusing and a little tricky. Some say that if this is the case, i.e. that there is proportional increase in androgen during menopause, why is it that a woman’s sex drive or libido diminishes? Isn’t androgen (e.g. testosterone) responsible for strong sex drive and libido? But general observation abounds that during menopause, there is a decrease in the sex drive and libido of women. This much is clear: menopause diminishes a woman’s libido and desire for sex.

Older people still make love and have sex. However the libido does reduce with age.

One of the reasons, it is suspected, has nothing to do with the interaction of estrogen and androgen; but has everything to do with the cessation of progesterone production in menopause. One of the roles of progesterone, it is believed, is to promote sexual desire in women. Also, it is believed that progesterone is actively involved in the sexual fulfillment of men. But another reason associated with the lack of sexual desire in women is the thinning and dryness of the vaginal walls associated with menopause; which makes sexual contact uncomfortable. This directly relates to the significant decrease of estrogen, since estrogen is largely responsible for keeping the vaginal walls thick, lubricated, and elastic.

Menopause and body hair.

The significant decrease in the production of estrogen is also seen outwardly in the loss of hair. This is because estrogen is responsible for hair growth, and hair follicle maintenance.

1) The hair on your head.

You may have observed your hair thinning out or falling as you take a bath or comb your hair. Also, you may have noticed more of your scalp showing as you look in the mirror. In some instances, women have experienced localized baldness beginning to set in near the hairline or at the top. There are two causes why your hair thins out all over.

One is that, estrogen deficiency causes a weakening of your hair follicles. It is estrogen that stimulates the nourishment and growth of your hair follicles. When this fails, your hair follicles weaken and eventually some of them die, causing hair loss. Another reason is: when estrogen level drops, androgen can still stimulate new hair growth; but the hair quality is inferior, not as thick and strong as the female phenotype hair, and easily falls off.

The proportional increase of androgen is also largely responsible for the occurrence of localized baldness in some menopausal women. Androgen dominance is something women share with men who experience baldness beginning near their hairline or on the crown of their head towards their temples. In many cases, this is also associated with terminal hair growth in menopausal women.

2) Armpit and pubic hair.

Armpit and pubic hair is another area affected (positive?) by the drop in estrogen. Armpit and pubic hair is strictly regulated. Their growth is controlled, in that their length has limits. But during menopause, some women’s armpit hair have completely vanished. The shave (wax) and regrow cycle has all but completely stopped. The absence of armpit hair you experience is similar to your pre-puberty days. On the other hand, it is common experience for menopausal women for the strands of their pubic hair to become thinner and more diffuse or sparse; though majority would have nothing left completely in more elderly (post-menopausal) years.

3) Body hair.

Body hair is less obvious in women, generally, than in other parts where terminal hair grow more distinctly, e.g., armpits and pubis. The loss and thinning out of body hair seems to be a result of ageing in general than it is of estrogen deficiency in particular; although both are the main contributory factors. As the body grows older, there is poorer circulation of blood and nutrients around the skin.

Androgen and masculine hair growth.

If you have observed masculine hair growth in certain parts of your body (viz. your face) during menopause, it’s most probably caused by the proportional increase of your androgen levels. You may have observed it under your chin, or you may have noticed you’ve grown a thin mustache, or some sideburns. Androgen are the main cause why men grow mustaches and have goatees; and why some men have sideburns and all.

Now that your estrogen levels are low, your androgen are showing signs in places where they are welcome. As nature has it, you were made to (also) receive androgen influence in those areas; but were prevented to because of the dominance (before) of your estrogen. But now that your estrogen has become latent and largely inactive, the androgen your ovary produces are exerting their influence.

Recommended treatment for menopause and body hair loss.

If any of this — hair loss and masculine hair growth — begin to bother you; you should talk to your health care provider or doctor. They should have a better understanding of the science behind menopause and body hair loss and masculine hair growth. They would be more qualified to recommend remedies or treatments to help you overcome specific issues. Also, they should be able to rule out other probable causes of body hair loss and hair growth not related to menopause.

1) Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often recommended, but caution is advised in this course of action for its side effects, e.g. swelling of breasts, headaches, nausea, and vaginal bleeding. HRT is usually a combination of estrogen and progestin, and is designed to supply the hormonal balance to alleviate the symptoms of menopause and body hair loss. ERT (estrogen replacement therapy) on the other hand, is HRT that consists only of estrogen. Estrogen stimulates hair growth.

2) Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment. In PRP, blood is taken from your scalp and injected in areas where there is an absence of hair growth. The plasma that contains the growth factor in your blood is used to stimulate hair growth.

Have a positive outlook.

The outward changes often associated with menopause can have a psychological impact on women. Understanding the changes that happen inside your body should help you face the difficulties and challenges with confidence. Also, many of the inner struggles women face during menopause can be overcome with a positive outlook in life.

Live a healthy lifestyle.

Eat a balanced diet. Whatever diet plan you follow, choose health promoting foods.

Exercise regularly. This helps your blood circulate and your joints flexible.

Get enough sleep. Stop worrying too much, if you do. It doesn’t help.

Laugh. Go out with friends. No matter how old you are, you’re never old enough to laugh.

Travel. Travel while you still have strength in your bones. Seeing new places is refreshing and good for your soul.

Play with your grandchildren. They add a dimension of youth to you, and give a spark of daily happiness.

Believe. Have faith and live your life to the full.

Menopause has its difficulties and challenges. That’s why understanding how it works is important, because it frees you from fear of facing it. Embrace it. Menopause need not hinder you from living a rich and meaningful life.

Menopause And Hair Loss

Hair Loss During Menopause

Menopausal hair thinning is a common condition that most women suffer from as they enter the perimenopausal and menopause stages. Hormonal changes, weak immune system, hereditary factors, and nutritional changes are some of the things that can trigger hair loss. Although this condition is usually considered to be subtle in women (unlike men who normally have bald spots), its effects are typically distressing when it becomes worse.

Below is an overview of hair thinning in menopausal women, its effects, treatment options, and also management techniques.

The Menopause

When women hit their mid-40s, they start experiencing biological changes as their bodies evolve in anticipation of menopause. However, apart from actually reaching that age, external factors can also cause hair thinning and loss.

Causes Of Hair Loss

Hormones

Hormones are the primary cause of thin hair and sometimes hair loss in menopausal women. It should be noted that estrogen is required for the healthy development of thick hair. For instance, during pregnancy, women tend to have high levels of female hormones. During this period, women normally have fuller, thicker, and healthier hair.

But what happens exactly during menopause?

During this phase, the level of estrogen in the body starts to decline. On the other hand, the production of androgens, i.e. the male hormones, begin to increase. The compounding effect of this hormonal change is that hair follicles start to produce thinner hairs.

It should be noted that genetics also plays a crucial role in determining the strength of your hair. So, the combination of genetics with low levels of estrogen will lead to the development of progressively thinner and weaker hair follicles.

Hormonal change is the main culprit of thinning hair during menopause.

Thyroid disease:

Both menopause and thyroid disorders share the same symptoms. It is also worth noting that women who are at the menopausal age are more likely to develop thyroid disorders, i.e., hyperthyroidism. A prolonged and severe state of hypothyroidism can make your hair thinner and even lead to hair loss.

Nutritional changes:

The human body contains estrogen receptors, which are found in the hypothalamus gland. These receptors are responsible for controlling the way that the body uses its energy. They are also crucial in determining the rate of metabolism and hunger pangs. Once a woman reaches menopause, the level of estrogen rapidly declines. This has a direct impact on the way the estrogen receptors in the brain function. Overall, the resulting effect is that a female is highly likely to change their diet. They may be attracted to fast foods that are highly processed and sugary. These foods usually lack the essential nutrients and as a result, cause iron deficiency. The low iron content in the body is what sometimes causes thinning hair.

Illnesses:

The low levels of progesterone during menopause can trigger several illnesses. During this stage, a woman’s immune system is usually weak, and they are at a high risk of contracting infections. Menopause brings typically the onset of autoimmune disorders, which may damage the hair follicles and cause hair to thin or fall out. For instance, Lupus, Crohn’s disease, alopecia, and psoriasis are some of the autoimmune diseases that may cause hair thinning and sometimes hair loss.

Stress:

Besides illnesses, chronic stress is another condition that’s also common at this point. Due to other factors, people at this age tend to become more stressed. Clinically, there is a direct link between stress and hair thinning. High levels of stress in the body usually causes hormonal changes. The resulting impact of this is often visible through the hair in the form of thinning, and sometimes hair falling out.

Effects of Hair Thinning

The effects of hair thinning and hair loss during menopause can be devastating. Many women end up suffering from low self-esteem. According to physicians, society typically attributes healthy and thick hair to beauty and youth. To many women, having healthy hair makes them feel beautiful, and losing it can do the opposite.

It should be noted that psychological studies associate thinning hair to anxiety and depression. Furthermore, it can result in social withdrawal. But it doesn’t matter if your hair loss is caused by hormonal changes, diet, or an underlying medical condition. It’s still possible to restore hair thinning in menopausal women.

How to Treat Hair Loss And Hair Thinning

Menopausal women treat their thinning hair. Some of the effective treatment options include:

Using Hair Thinning Shampoos

Some shampoos can help to increase hair volume, making it thicker. These shampoos contain amino acids and vitamins which nourish the scalp and enhance the generation of healthier hair. To achieve the best results, use the strengthening shampoo every day.

Folic Acid Supplements

These supplements contain B-vitamins, which are vital for the generation of new cells. When dealing with hair thinning, folic acid supplements help the hair follicles to generate new hair effectively. However, there is a need for more research to determine the effectiveness of B-vitamins and hair thickening.

Minoxidil

It’s also known as Rogaine. This is an FDA-approved hair thinning and hair loss treatment that’s sold over-the-counter. Minoxidil enhances the thickening of thin hair. For better results, it should be applied on the scalp every day. If you are going to use minoxidil, you need to take it for almost 4 months to get tangible results. Additionally, you can use it in the form of foam or liquid.

Note: Minoxidil should be used consistently every day, or you may fail to see tangible results. Additionally, it may have adverse effects on some people. They include unwanted hair growth in areas such as the neck region and face. Furthermore, scalp irritation is a common side effect.

Home-based Laser Therapy

Previously, the FDA approved the use of laser therapy by dermatologists only. However, you can now use it at home. Home-based laser therapy designed for hair helps to enhance the development of new cells. As a result, it promotes the regrowth of thick healthier hair. But just like minoxidil, it may take several months before you get any positive results.

Note: As much as home-baser laser hair therapy is good, it’s actually costly. The equipment used in this process usually costs hundreds of dollars. This is obviously a significant investment, and you need first to consider other options.

Spironolactone

It’s also known as Aldactone. This is a prescription drug that’s normally prescribed to people, including menopausal women, suffering from hair thinning caused by androgen production. Spironolactone is considered a “water pill” and its also an anti-androgen.

It’s one of the better remedies for thinning hair in women who have reached menopause. This is because it helps to regulate hormonal fluctuations in this phase. However, the doctor needs to carry out blood tests before prescribing this drug.

Biotin

Biotin is also known as vitamin-B7. Biotin is a nutrient that’s considered water-soluble, and you can find it in various foods. As a solution for hair thinning and loss, it’s recommended that the affected person uses a biotin supplement. It promotes the breakdown of enzymes and can, therefore, lead to the development of thick hair.

Note: Biotin contains vitamin B7; hence, it shouldn’t be used together with Vitamin B5 supplements. This is because the combination of these vitamins typically reduces the effectiveness of one another.

Essential Oils

These are natural but highly effective liquids which are obtained from specific plants. They are commonly used in alternative medicine, including aromatherapy. One of the best types of essential oils for hair thinning is lavender oil. Evidence suggests that it can effectively minimize balding spots. When lavender oil is combined with thyme or rosemary, it often leads to the growth of thicker and healthier hair.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids include omega-3 and -6. Fatty acids are also referred to as essential fatty acids because they can’t be produced naturally by the body. They are useful in facilitating the growth of thicker hair. It should be noted that omega-3 fatty acids help to fight inflammation. So, if your hair thinning is a result of an underlying medical condition, then this essential fatty acid can help to improve your condition. Omega-6-fatty acids, on the other hand, help to improve the skin’s health. Therefore, it can help to improve the scalp’s health and lead to the growth of thicker hair.

Corticosteroids

Just like omega-3 fatty acids, Corticosteroids help to fight underlying inflammation. The prescription drug can help to treat hair thinning thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Hormone replacement therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps to improve the quality of your hair. Additionally, it makes it thicker and more pronounced on the head. Generally, hormone replacement is a form of therapy that helps to reduce the negative effects of menopause. It helps to increase the level of female hormones in the body and restore it to normal levels.

Note: Women can only undergo estrogen hormone replacement therapy if they have removed their uterus. This is because this medical procedure increases the risk of uterine cancer, and doctors won’t allow patients to use it due to safety issues.

Other Management Techniques

Transitioning to menopause is not easy. The body comes with a lot of physical changes. Besides that, there are a lot of emotional effects that occur. All these experiences can leave you feeling depressed with low self-esteem. Apart from the remedies mentioned above, some of the management techniques that you can use to prevent hair loss during menopause include:

Exercising

Exercising is not directly related to hair thinning, but it can be beneficial. Engaging in physical activities can help to improve your general health. Remember that stress and diseases usually peak during this phase.

Furthermore, they are among the major causes of hair thinning. But by exercising, you can minimize the severity of stress and reduce your chances of getting inflammatory diseases. This way, you will end up protecting your hair indirectly.

Avoid Stress

As stated above, menopausal women are at a high risk of developing chronic stress. The psychological effect of menopause is usually draining. However, stress causes typically adverse health effects, including hair thinning. It creates a decline in estrogen production, which generally leads to hair thinning or hair loss.

So, it’s essential to avoid stress. Engage in stress-reducing activities that can help to calm your body and relax your mind. They include yoga, meditation, tai chi, and Pilates, among others.

Drink Adequate Water

The effects of menopause also include physical appearance. Apart from skin changes, most women end up with hair loss/thinning. To reduce its impact, it’s important to drink adequate water daily. Ensure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water. It helps to flush out toxins in the body, which leads to inflammation.

Watch Your Diet

When a woman is in menopause, their diet matters. Their physical and emotional well-being requires that they attend to their nutritional needs. A significant percentage of their daily diet should be composed of fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, calcium-rich foods such as milk and yogurt are important for the development of bones. On the other hand, iron-rich foods like eggs, fish, and red meat supply the body with fiber. It’s important to avoid spicy food. Furthermore, cut your alcohol intake and ensure that you avoid caffeinated drinks.

Scalp Massage

This is a cheap management technique that’s readily available. Scalp massage enhances the development of thicker and healthier hair. You can do this when you wash your hair. Simply apply a gentle pressure on your scalp using your fingertips. Scalp massage enhances the flow of blood and also removes dead skin cells, which may hinder healthy hair growth.

Conclusion

According to research studies, more than 50 percent of women in menopause normally experience hair loss and thinning. This is a common condition that affects a large part of the population. Although hormonal change is usually considered as the main culprit, there are still other factors that can cause hair thinning.

Therefore, it’s important to consult a trichologist to determine the cause of hair thinning. Apart from prescription drugs, you can also use OTC medications. Furthermore, there are also home-based management techniques that can help nourish your hair. If you are a woman in menopause experiencing this condition, remember that you’re not alone. Also, don’t forget that it IS possible to grow your hair back thicker and healthier.

7 Foods You Can Eat For Thinner Body Hair

Do you find that your body hair grows thicker than you want? Or maybe it sprouts up in embarrassing places? Unwanted body hair is a common problem that no one wants to experience. It can happen on areas like legs, arms, and armpits, or in more visible areas like your face and back. Finding an effective way to thin out undesirably thick hairs is difficult, especially if you don’t want to remove them entirely. But, there are many foods you can eat aid in thinning unruly body hair.

Hirsutism is the word that describes excessive hair growth. Several things including hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome, exacerbate this problem. Diet also plays a massive part in excessive hair growth, and eating certain foods will naturally thin your overly thick body hair.

How exactly does your diet affect hair growth?

There are many ways that food influences how much hair your body grows. Firstly, overeating will make you gain weight, and being overweight is a contributing factor to an increase in your androgens and testosterone production. These two hormones directly link to an increase in the way your hair grows. A diet too high in carbs and sugars makes it likely that you may develop insulin resistance. To lessen the chance of developing hirsutism, eat fewer sugars and white flour.

Foods You Can Eat For Thinner Body Hair.

1. Green Tea:

Green tea is an extremely healthy drink that you should try to consume daily. Numerous research studies suggest that polyphenols from green tea lessen the presence of a hormone linked to thicker body hair. If you add lemon to your drink, it will up the EGCG that your body absorbs, making it even more useful.

2. Lettuce:

Leafy lettuce is a helpful food for thinning overly thick body fuzz. Salad has much chromium, a mineral that regulates blood sugar and lessens the amount of insulin your body produces. Lettuce is also a smart weight-loss food, which means you should be eating more of it every day. Greens like lettuce are high in magnesium, which is proven effective at thinning excessive body hair.

You should try eating a fresh salad for lunch or as a side with dinner. Doing this will be beneficial for your health in general and will help you to shed any unwanted body hair. Adding a salad to meals is also an excellent way to fill up without gaining any weight.

It is important to watch what kinds of dressing you opt for because some are high in calories. Balsamic vinegar makes a great topping and has practically no fat when you compare it with other varieties of store-bought dressings. Or, you can always choose a low-fat option to compliment the weight-losing benefits of eating greens.

3. Apricots:

Apricots are full of healthy B complex vitamins. You get plenty of Vitamins B3, B5, and B6 from eating just one apricot per day, which is why you should consume one every chance you get. These three vitamins combined promote weight loss and reduce hair growth in unwanted places like the face and back. B vitamins also help to balance out your hormones, which will thin your body hair even more.

4. Barley:

Whole grains like barley are incredibly beneficial to your overall health. Barley has a minimal GI ranking, which means it doesn’t play havoc with your blood sugars. Barley is the perfect carb for increasing energy that won’t cause your sugar levels to fly all over the board. Eating cereal or bread high in the grain is healthier than eating foods like white bread, which has the wrong kind of carbs.

White bread and other sugary foods have lots of simple carbs. These are the kind you want to avoid because they break down and turn to sugar very quickly once you consume them. Complex carbs like barley take longer for your body to breakdown after you’ve eaten them. The results are more energy and less sugar in your system.

5. Chicken

Skinless chicken breasts are healthy, protein-rich food. You can eat chicken breasts all day long and still lose weight, making it an excellent choice for hirsutism. Chicken breasts are also abundant in Vitamins B3 to B6, which both combat excessive hair. Try having chicken breasts for dinner with a side of spinach for a super-powered, hair-fighting entree.

6. Tuna

If you’re battling with excessive hairiness, try adding a little tuna to your diet. Tuna is a low-fat choice that offers carb-free protein. This means you can eat lots of it without weight gain. Fish is also high in B vitamins that lessen hair growth in unwanted places. Just be sure that you aren’t overeating the tuna because it contains mercury and other kinds of metals.

7. Spinach

Leafy green foods like spinach and lettuce contain healthy magnesium, though spinach is vibrant with 20% of your DV for every 100 grams. Many research studies suggest a link between magnesium deficiency with insulin resistance. So, not eating enough magnesium-rich foods could easily cause you to have unusually thick body hair. By increasing your spinach intake, it will combat the fuzz growing on your body.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the information on this page will help you in achieving your desired results and thin out any unwanted body hair.

It’s important to remember that eating a healthy diet filled with vitamins and minerals will help you to live a happy life. The proverb, “you are what you eat,” couldn’t be any more accurate!

Be sure to get lots of B vitamins from the foods you consume and try to avoid sugar and high-carb dishes. Junk food is the worst thing for your body and promotes unwanted hair growth in places like your face, back, and body.

With the right diet, you will notice incredible results and feel more confident once your body hair has toned down. It’s tough dealing with excessive hair, especially for women.

What Causes Hair To Grow On A Woman’s Chin?

Women are always concerned about how we look.

Although our whole appearance matters, most of the time the focus is on the face. That’s why an unusual change can be a matter of concern.

Although women don’t have usually have full-grown beards, the development of chin hair is not something unusual. It’s common to see a few visible strands of hair standing out from time. Every woman has a few strands of hair on their chin. This is a normal occurrence even though it’s not highly visible.

Tiny and light-colored hair helps to regulate the body’s temperature. But there are some instances where the growth is sudden, excess, and unwanted.

So, what causes hair to grow on a woman’s chin?

Hair due to Hormonal Changes

This is the number one cause of the growth of chin hair in women. For instance, during puberty, the body may experience an increase in the level of androgen hormone. As a result, this hormone causes the hair follicles to enlarge. The eventual result is the growth of darker and coarser chin hair.

Naturally, every human being has androgen. However, men have more androgen than women. And it’s for this reason that their facial features involve the growth of excessive chin hair.

When there are hormonal imbalances, women will end up also developing chin hair, just like men. Apart from puberty, other causes that may lead to hormonal changes include pregnancy and changes in the environment.

A slight change in both female and male sex hormones can easily create an imbalance. This may lead to the rapid growth of facial hair in areas such as the chin.

Medications can occasionally cause increased hair growth.

Although this is not very common, there are certain medications that can cause hair to grow on a woman’s chin.

Evidence suggests that some drugs for epilepsy and chemotherapy can cause hair growth. Besides that, there are class C drugs that have proved to also cause this.

When women use illegally bought anabolic steroids for gym or sports, they risk developing facial hair. So, if you are a woman and want to use a class C drug, make sure that it’s prescribed and purchased from a verified pharmacy.

Rapid Weight Changes

Rapid and massive weight changes are another cause of hair growth on a woman’s chin.

Research has established that a significant weight gain or weight loss coincided with the growth of chin hair in women. Obesity, for instance, causes an imbalance in both male and female hormones. Note that even a small hormonal imbalance has a huge impact on the growth of facial hair.

Additionally, extreme and rapid weight loss can cause the growth of fine chin hairs.

Fine chin hairs are often a giveaway sign of anorexia.

Age when extra hairs appear

The growth of chin hair is prevalent in older women. It is even more prevalent after menopause. The older you get, the hairier your body becomes. One of the areas that you will notice is getting hairier is your chin. This is because, at this stage, the body produces a lower level of estrogen.

Hirsutism

The growth of chin hair in women could also be a sign of health problems. This could be a serious indicator of an underlying issue that’s undetected.

When there is a sudden and excessive growth of facial hair on an area such as the chin, this condition is normally referred to as hypertrichosis or more specifically in women, hirsutism.

This medical condition can be caused by several health problems such as:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is the number one cause of hirsutism. This is a serious and common medical condition affects which affects almost 12 percent of American women who are of childbearing age.

PCOS affects the ovaries by causing irregular periods, high levels of male hormones, and sparking the growth of tiny ovarian cysts. It may also result in weight gain which, as mentioned above, may spark the unwanted growth of chin hair in women.

Androgen-secreting tumors

They affect the adrenal glands and ovaries. Although these tumors are not very common, they cause serious side effects. They are associated with hirsutism which causes excessive hair growth in women.

These androgen-secreting tumors may be accompanied by high levels of testosterone. And it’s known that a high level of male hormone in a woman’s body may easily lead to the growth of chin hair.

Non-classic congenital-adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH)

This is a mild form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. NCAH is a genetic disorder that affects women later in life. The rare medical condition has no earlier symptoms and it’s not so common.

The rapid growth of excess facial hair such as chin hair is one of the main symptoms of this disease. It may also cause menstrual irregularity, a symptom that’s also associated with PCOS.

Cushing syndrome

Cushing syndrome is caused by high levels of cortisol hormone. Cushing syndrome can occur after prolonged use of corticosteroids. Besides that, it may occur if your body decides to produce extremely high levels of cortisol hormone.

Women who suffer from this condition have high chances of growing excessive chin hair.

Genetics

The growth of excess chin hair in women can be genetically based. If your mother or grandmother has visible chin hair, chances are that you might also develop it.

The Bottom Line

It’s clear that there are numerous factors that can make women grow chin hair. Some of them are harmless while in some instances it may be an indication of a serious health problem.

Generally, it’s normal to have some chin hair. A lot of women, in fact, treat it as an issue that relates to cosmetics. So, they opt to go for treatment options such as laser, waxing, or plucking.

However, if you have excessive hair growth on your chin that is causing you to worry, then you need to seek professional medical attention. This should be a matter of concern, especially if the sudden growth of chin hair is accompanied by other symptoms.

Skin Discoloration During And After Menopause

Hyperpigmentation is a harmless but common skin condition that is characterized by darker patches. Usually, parts of the skin appear darker than the standard color of the surrounding skin. It occurs when melanocytes become overactive. Melanocytes are skin cells that are responsible for the production of melanin. When melanocytes become overactive, they end up producing high amounts of melanin and result in darker skin patches. Note that skin discoloration can affect people of all ages. However, it’s more prevalent in women who are in menopause and those in post-menopause.

Types of Skin Discoloration

There are multiple types of hyperpigmentation, and they are usually categorized depending on the cause. The three common categories include:

Melasma

This hyperpigmentation is also known as chloasma. Melasma usually affects pregnant women. It’s also prevalent in women who are using birth control pills. Large patches of darkened skin characterize this type of hyperpigmentation and they usually appear on the face, stomach, and forehead.

Acne and Injury

Acne and injuries are common causes of skin pigmentation. They cause skin blemished and leave marks on the skin. Injuries such as scrapes, burns, and cuts also cause skin discoloration, and they are sometimes known as the post-inflammatory type of hyperpigmentation.

Sun Spots

They are also referred to as age spots or sometimes liver spots. Sunspots are the most common forms of hyperpigmentation. Small patches of dark spots characterize them. They usually affect the face, arms, hands, and neck.

Additionally, they also affect other areas that are regularly exposed to sun rays. They commonly appear in older adults. Besides that, they may occur after prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Aging and the Skin

Aging is a process that naturally occurs. It involves two methods, which include changes in the setup of genetics. Besides that, it also involves changes caused by a negative environment. One of the body parts, which is generally affected by aging, is the skin. This external body organ is affected by hormonal and endogenous factors.

So, once a person starts to age, they begin to experience excessive skin dryness. Additionally, the skin layer starts to thin. Well, this is due to issues such as low production of collagen and loss of elasticin fiber. Besides that, the production of sebum is usually low. Other changes include an increase in the rate of perspiration, especially in menopausal women.

Changes in hormonal concentration may also cause menopause skin discoloration. During the menopausal transition, the skin significantly worsens because of the low production of female hormones. Generally, the skin changes considerably in adults. So, this means that their skin requires special care and treatment. This may involve lifestyle changes, the use of cosmetic products, or medical treatment options. A holistic approach is also right. This is because it’s safe and natural. Holistic techniques may make it possible for the skin to attain increased thickness and reduce fine wrinkles.

Skin Discoloration During and After Menopause

Women are heavily invested in their physical appearance. That’s why the onset of menopause usually results in lots of emotional turmoil. There is hair loss, development of fine wrinkles, loose skin, hot flushes, and other side effects. Overall, menopause results in significant physical changes.
During and post-menopause, some women may even end up experiencing pronounced skin pigmentation. This condition is also called melasma when it affects the face. The modeled type of pigmentation affects the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip typically.

Menopausal and post-menopausal skin changes are inevitable. Any woman at this stage in life is bound to experience drastic changes in terms of appearance. At the onset of menopause, the ovary normally stops producing female hormones. This means that many parts of the body, including the skin, will get affected.

The ovary is a crucial organ in a woman’s life. And once the production of the female hormone stops, menopausal skin discoloration starts. This skin complication can also be experienced post-menopause. Biologically, the ovary affects the production of estrogen. So, the lack of estrogen means that the receptors will be significantly affected. They include organs such as the brain, the reproductive organ, breasts, heart, urinary tract, and of course, the skin.

It’s worth noting the estrogen plays a crucial role in the reproductive system. This hormone is responsible for ovulation and implantation. In addition to that, it maintains the pregnancy, and it’s critical to breastfeeding.

Nature of the Skin

This is indeed the largest organ in the body. Generally, the skin acts as a protective barrier. It protects the internal organs from damage. It’s made of three layers which are:

The Epidermis

It’s the thin outer layer. The epidermis consists of three cells which are the squamous cells, basal cells, & melanocytes. Squamous cells are found in the outermost layer and they are usually shed continuously. Basal cells are located below the squamous cells, while the melanocytes are responsible for making melanin. It’s the high production of melanin, which usually leads to hyperpigmentation.

Dermis

It’s the middle skin layer, which consists of the blood vessels, sweat glands, nerves, lymph vessels, collagen bundles, and hair follicles. The dermis provides the skin with tensile strength. This is because it has connective tissues such as elastin and collagen. Besides that, it also contains receptors that feel touch and pain.

The Subcutaneous Fat Layer

It’s the deepest layer of the skin. This fat layer has an extensive network of fat cells and collagen. It’s responsible for protecting the body against injuries thanks to the fat, which acts as a shock absorber. Additionally, it helps to conserve heat in the body.
The overall nature of the skin is to act as a protector. It’s the primary barrier that protects the body against micro-organisms invasion, dehydration, and environmental pollution.

Common Causes of Hyperpigmentation during and After Menopause

Naturally, the way the skin functions changes with age. This is because its structure also changes due to hormonal factors. During and after menopause, the difference in metabolism and hormonal deficiency results in significant deterioration of the skin’s quality. The leading causes of hyperpigmentation during and after menopause are:

Hormone Fluctuations

During the young reproductive years, estrogen hormone keeps the skin healthy and supple. In addition to that, it also helps to regulate the male hormone. However, during these two phases in a woman’s life, the level of estrogen usually drops. The low production of estrogen leads to atrophy, a condition that is characterized by skin thinning. Besides that, it may lead to decreased production of sebaceous secretions and collagen production. Note that estrogen deficiency may also hasten the aging process of your skin. All these complications may result in skin discoloration.

Hormone and Stress

During menopause and post-menopause, the body changes, and most women are stressed. This may be caused by emotional, psychological, and physical changes. So, the body ends up producing high levels of cortisol, which helps to manage stress. A high level of cortisol in the body leads to estrogen imbalance, which leads to hyperpigmentation. So, avoiding stress is one of the key ways to prevent skin discoloration.

Sunlight Exposure

This is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation in older women. The skin usually thins during and after menopause. This means that it cannot adequately handle exposure to intense sun rays. Constant exposure to sunlight is also one of the main reasons why many women have recurrences of hyperpigmentation.

Understanding Hyperpigmentation During and After Menopause

Estrogen moderates the production of melanin. The hormone helps to balance the production of this skin pigment by keeping everything under control. But as menopause begins, the skin becomes sensitive. This is because of the low production of estrogen, which affects the production of collagen fiber and oil by the sebaceous glands.

So, when the skin gets exposed to the UV rays, a woman is more likely to experience brown and dark age spots. They are more prevalent in exposed areas such as the face, hands, chest, neck, and arms. The lack of sufficient estrogen production increases the synthesis of melanin as a counteractive effect. This is a protective type of response as the skin tries to protect the inner layers. Note that skin discoloration may also be accelerated by using tanning beds.

Most women entering their 40s and 50s will experience menopausal skin changes. New patches of dark pigmentation will start to appear on the skin. They are usually known as age or liver spots.

Managing Hyperpigmentation During and After Menopause

Menopause usually causes a significant shift in a woman’s life. It completely changes the way you appear. So, how do you manage hyperpigmentation during and after menopause? Well, the first step is by implementing dietary and lifestyle changes.

You can no longer eat junk, processed foods. Your diet needs to contain high amounts of vitamins such as B, E, and D. Besides that, you should take high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. These are important for the development of collagen and the regulation of hormones in the body. In addition to those, ensure that you drink lots of water. This is because menopause makes the skin thin and susceptible to dehydration.

Other lifestyle changes that you should implement includes getting enough sleep and avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol. Note that menopause comes with a lot of emotional changes. So, you may want to indulge in alcoholism to deal with these new changes. However, this will only make the condition of your skin worse. Besides that, avoid tobacco smoking and your exposure to second-hand smoke. All these will help to reduce your chances of developing hyperpigmentation.

Note that lack of sleep may also make your skin weak. So, make sure that you get at least 8 hours of sleep. To improve your skin’s elasticity, opt for cold showers. They increase the flow of blood under the skin. Besides that, they help to minimize hot flushes, which are common during menopause.

Conventional Treatment of Hyperpigmentation During and After Menopause

There are various multiple treatment alternatives to address hyperpigmentation. Menopausal and post-menopausal women are prone to this condition because the skin is weak at this point. Additionally, their bodies don’t produce the desired amount of estrogen, which regulates various functions of the skin. Some of the conventional treatment options include:

Contraceptive Pills

There are contraceptive pills which help to treat various skin problems. Contraceptives which contain drospirenone can help to suppress the level of male hormone in the body. This is particularly beneficial in women who are transitioning to menopause. These drugs help to increase the production of collagen, restore the moisture content in the skin, and increase the skin’s thickness. Note that the enhanced estrogen production can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles, which is prevalent post-menopause.

General Menopause and Post-Menopause Skin Care Tips and Techniques

• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol excessively: Alcohol and tobacco can significantly affect your skin’s appearance.

• Avoid stress: although menopause comes with lots of emotional changes, ensure that you avoid stress at all costs. A high level of stress can decrease the level of estrogen further and your skin discoloration may even get worse.

• Engage in facial exercises: These are activities which help to exercise your facial muscles.

• Change your diet: Eat more fruits and vegetables. They contain fiber and protein which help to nourish the skin.

On the other hand, avoid processed foods and those with high sugar content. Besides that, ensure that you drink water frequently on a daily basis.

• Limit your skin’s exposure to sunlight: Although your skin needs vitamin D, limit your exposure to sunlight. If you want to bask, do so early in the morning or late in the evening.

Additionally, make sure that you use an SPF day cream whenever you are going out.

• Take supplements: note that menopausal skin is usually dry because of lack of nutrients and oil. So, take supplements which have high amounts of omega 3 and 6. They help to increase the production of collagen and regulate hormonal production. All these have significant effects on the pigmentation of the skin.

• Avoid showering with hot water and harsh cleansers: hot water will strip your skin of natural oils. So, use warm water and a mild cleanser to wash your skin. It’s also important to not shower more than two times a day.

• Use moisturizer and gentle serum: moisturizing the skin helps to keep it hydrated. It also helps to slow down the effects of aging. Besides that, use serums that have beta hydroxyl acids. This is because they help to brighten the skin without aggressiveness. Besides that, they promote the production of collagen.

Conclusion

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition which women in and post-menopause commonly experience. The hormonal changes usually make the skin lose its elasticity. Besides that, the production of melanin is ordinarily low. Although this is a harmless skin condition, the undesirable patches may make women lose their self-confidence. Note that during and after menopause, women naturally undergo a lot of physical changes. So, the presence of a hyper-pigmented skin can wreck their esteem even further.

However, it’s possible to deal with this skin condition and minimize its effects. The best and first treatment option for skin discoloration is prevention. Avoid overexposing your skin to sunlight. If you must go out, wear sunscreen. Besides that, it’s also vital to implement new lifestyle changes. Eat healthy meals, avoid processed foods, and drink lots of water.

Additionally, make sure that you work out and get enough sleep. In case your hyperpigmentation is severe, you can choose to seek medical attention. Your doctor will sample your skin, and after that, recommend the best type of treatment.