Unwanted facial hair tends to run in families. Many women experience it when going through menopause, while others have a condition called hirsutism. The problem can be very embarrassing for some women, leading many to seek treatment.
Vellus Hair
This is the fine, lightly colored hair that is sometimes referred to as peach fuzz. Many women have vellus hair on their upper lip, cheeks or on other areas of their face. Vellus hair may not bother some women, while others may find it embarrassing.
Whether or not to treat vellus hair depends on the woman's attitudes towards it. While many women tolerate vellus hair, most seek treatment if it turns into coarse, thick hair.
Terminal Hair
Terminal hair is coarse, thick beard-like hair. Women may experience terminal hair during menopause when dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels are higher. During reproductive years DHT is kept relatively low by the presence of estrogen. During menopause, when estrogen levels are lower, DHT levels may increase causing the growth of coarse terminal hair.
A condition known as hirsutism may also be to blame. Women with high levels of androgen may experience this condition defined by unwanted terminal hair growth. The growth of terminal hair may also be influenced by one's family history. Women with a family history of unwanted facial hair on females tend to be at greater risk.
The symptoms of unwanted facial hair growth are fairly obvious. Women who experience facial hair growth should speak with a dermatologist, physician or other trained skincare professional to discuss treatments.
