Published on: 6/12/2025
What causes increased facial hair growth in women with PCOS?
Increased facial hair growth in women with PCOS is often due to higher levels of male hormones called androgens, which can cause hair to grow more in areas like the face.
Explanation
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can cause women to have more facial hair because of higher levels of male hormones known as androgens. These hormones can make hair grow more on the face and other parts of the body.
How it Happens:
- Androgens: Women with PCOS often have higher levels of androgens. These hormones are usually present in smaller amounts in women, but with PCOS, they can be higher and lead to more hair growth.
- Hair Growth Patterns: The increased androgens can change the way hair grows, causing it to be thicker and darker. This is why women with PCOS might notice more hair on their face.
Factors that Influence Hair Growth:
- Body Mass Index (BMI): Higher BMI can influence hormone levels and hair growth.
- Age: As women age, the way hair grows can change, and this might affect how much facial hair appears.
Understanding these factors can help in managing symptoms and finding the right treatment options. For more information, refer to the provided medical literature references.
(References)
- Ebling FJ. (1987). The biology of hair. Dermatologic clinics, 3301105.
- Ruutiainen K, Erkkola R, Grönroos MA, & Irjala K. (1988). Influence of body mass index and age on the grade of hair .... Fertility and sterility, 3396696.
- Yildiz BO, Bolour S, Woods K, Moore A, & Azziz R. (2010). Visually scoring hirsutism. Human reproduction update, 19567450.
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