Chin hair can be a sign of these 6 health problems

Countless women face excessive and unwanted facial hair. They may appear on cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or chin. And it may sometimes make you feel conscious, especially if you suffer from excessive hair growth around the chin.

Although we may have made our peace with chin hair thanks to threading, waxing, or tweezing, have you ever taken the time to think about why the hair on your chin grows? If not, it is the time you think.

While the exact cause of excessive chin hair is not always identified, it can be caused by hormonal changes due to several conditions and even certain medications. 

Here are the potential underlying reasons behind chin hair:

1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder in which male hormone androgen may go into overdrive and result in weight gain, irregular periods, acne, fertility problems, and abnormal hair growth. That’s why experiencing hirsutism and unwanted facial hair, especially chin hair is very common with PCOS. With chin hair, if you’re suffering from one or more of these signs, you should speak to your doctor. 

2. Cushing syndrome

Although this happens very rarely, certain endocrine disorders like Cushing syndrome can be a reason for excess chin hair growth. This condition is caused by overexposure to the stress hormone cortisol. Along with chin hair, it causes weight gain, stretch marks, and type 2 diabetes also. 

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3. Your genes

Most females have vellus hair on the face but some may have more terminal chin hair. This can be due to genetics. Your genes play an important role in the growth of facial hair. It is said that if maternal relatives like the grandmother, mother, and aunts or sister had chin hair at a certain age, then you’re also likely to get it around the same time.  

4. Ageing

As you age, your body goes through a lot of changes particularly menopause that is the main reason behind developing chin hair. During menopause, estrogen levels decrease and these hormonal changes can lead to extra hair growth.

5. Pregnancy

Your hormone levels shift throughout your lifetime because of puberty, ageing, menopause, weight gain and other factors including pregnancy. Yes, excess chin hair can sometimes be linked to pregnancy, which triggers a hormonal imbalance in your body, resulting in facial hair growth. 

6. Adrenal tumours or ovarian

There are many symptoms associated with the adrenal gland which are related to the overproduction of the adrenal hormone. Chin hair is one of the symptoms of adrenal gland tumors. In women, increased androgen due to adrenal tumors can lead to hirsutism (development of facial hair). 

Takeaway

All in all, hormonal imbalance is a major cause behind the excess growth of facial or chin hair. Medications like anabolic steroids, testosterone or cyclosporine can also increase facial hair as a side effect. Growing chin hair isn’t a serious symptom of taking medication, but if you notice other symptoms, contact your doctor.