For Those Who Have Extra Hair Growth

SweetGirl55 · 03-20-2009, 03:41 AM

How did u know that your extra hair growth on your chin
was from pcos??? Like how did u know that it wasn't from
something else???

joyblack · 03-20-2009, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetGirl55

How did u know that your extra hair growth on your chin
was from pcos??? Like how did u know that it wasn't from
something else???

You don't, is the brief answer.

Beard growth varies dramatically between individuals -- and indeed over a lifetime. Overall, males have vastly more than females; however that simple statement must be qualified by explaining that individual males, especially of certain ethnic groups, may have little or no beard growth, many females may have none at all throughout their life, and some females may have beard growth as heavy as the average male and therefore much heavier than many males.

Beard growth depends on two factors:
1. The sensitization of the skin to respond to testosterone. This takes place in the first three months of fetal life and is experienced by most males and a large proportion of females. This sensitization does not mean that all those who are sensitized will subsequently develop beard growth, it just means that if subsequently they have a certain hormonal balance which leaves them with relatively high testosterone levels they are capable of responding to that testosterone and potentially developing beard growth.

2. Actual continued exposure to testosterone in adult life

This explains why some girls develop moustache and beard growth at puberty just like boys do.

In general terms women who do have male-type hair growth and loss patterns tend to have them to a lesser extent than males do and to develop them rather later than males do on average.

It is also true, of course, that women can have very high testosterone levels without any sign of beard growth or excess body hair -- that happens when the initial sensitization referred to in 1 above didn't take place.

High levels of "free" or "unbound" testosterone are what leads to beard growth in sensitized individuals (male as well as female). Women with PCOS characteristically have high levels of unbound testosterone, so if a woman with PCOS is experiencing beard growth, it's one of the things which might be expected and it's unlikely to be terribly productive looking for another cause.

That's not to say that it couldn't be caused by something else. Adrenal problems are another possible cause. Or having a male fraternal twin. We could make a long list. It could just be idiopathic -- just normal for her, with no obvious cause. However, by far the most likely reason is PCOS.

SweetGirl55 · 03-21-2009, 12:56 AM

Than what are u suppossed to do about it??
If u have no clue why u got it??
And the doctor has no clue etheir??

Quote:

Originally Posted by joyblack

You don't, is the brief answer.

Beard growth varies dramatically between individuals -- and indeed over a lifetime. Overall, males have vastly more than females; however that simple statement must be qualified by explaining that individual males, especially of certain ethnic groups, may have little or no beard growth, many females may have none at all throughout their life, and some females may have beard growth as heavy as the average male and therefore much heavier than many males.

Beard growth depends on two factors:
1. The sensitization of the skin to respond to testosterone. This takes place in the first three months of fetal life and is experienced by most males and a large proportion of females. This sensitization does not mean that all those who are sensitized will subsequently develop beard growth, it just means that if subsequently they have a certain hormonal balance which leaves them with relatively high testosterone levels they are capable of responding to that testosterone and potentially developing beard growth.

2. Actual continued exposure to testosterone in adult life

This explains why some girls develop moustache and beard growth at puberty just like boys do.

In general terms women who do have male-type hair growth and loss patterns tend to have them to a lesser extent than males do and to develop them rather later than males do on average.

It is also true, of course, that women can have very high testosterone levels without any sign of beard growth or excess body hair -- that happens when the initial sensitization referred to in 1 above didn't take place.

High levels of "free" or "unbound" testosterone are what leads to beard growth in sensitized individuals (male as well as female). Women with PCOS characteristically have high levels of unbound testosterone, so if a woman with PCOS is experiencing beard growth, it's one of the things which might be expected and it's unlikely to be terribly productive looking for another cause.

That's not to say that it couldn't be caused by something else. Adrenal problems are another possible cause. Or having a male fraternal twin. We could make a long list. It could just be idiopathic -- just normal for her, with no obvious cause. However, by far the most likely reason is PCOS.

cemomster · 03-21-2009, 01:58 AM

If you have PCOS you more then likely have increased testosterone levels, thus causing the chin hair growth.

Corvidae · 03-21-2009, 02:29 AM

Blood tests for abnormal hormone levels and the presence of other PCOS symptoms will determine if the cause is PCOS, but a woman can get extra hair where it shouldn't be for other reasons.

If there's a cause that can be found, then there are some medications that may help. Regardless of the cause, shaving, plucking, waxing, hair removal creams, electrolysis, laser hair removal are all ways of dealing with unwanted hair. Why someone would choose one over another is down to lifestyle and their personal preference.

It's always best to talk to your doctor for help and advice first. Some doctors are better than others and if you aren't getting the help you feel you need then it may be time to try to find another doctor.