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Published on: 8/20/2026
What causes increased facial hair growth in women with PCOS?
Excess facial hair in women with PCOS, known as hirsutism, is primarily caused by elevated androgen levels. Androgens are male hormones (like testosterone) that women naturally produce in small amounts. In PCOS, the ovaries overproduce these hormones, stimulating coarse, dark hair growth on the face, chin, upper lip, and other areas typically associated with male-pattern hair distribution.
Since hirsutism can also signal other hormonal conditions, understanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you evaluate your symptoms, identify possible causes, and guide your next steps—giving you clarity before speaking with a healthcare provider.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
4 answersThe most common questions women ask Ubie
- Most askedIs it possible to increase facial hair growth in individuals with PCOS, and why would this be desired?
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Concerned about your symptoms?
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. If you're experiencing symptoms like excess facial hair or other hormonal changes, take our free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand what might be causing them and explore your next steps.
(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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