Isolated dark and coarse hairs often appear on the chin, but they can grow practically anywhere – on the arms, around the navel, on the chest or on the neck. While in most cases it is just a harmless play of hormones and genetics, sometimes they can signal a hidden health problem. What is behind them and when is the time to pay attention?
It is completely normal to develop dark hair on your chin or other body parts. The basis of our hair is the so-called vellus (fine) hairs, which are thin, bright and help regulate body temperature. However, hormonal changes and genetics sometimes cause some of these fine hairs to turn coarser and darker. The follicles of vellus hairs increase especially during puberty, while their growth is triggered by an increased amount of male sex hormones – androgens.
Both pregnancy and menopause as triggers
These changes may be more pronounced during major hormonal fluctuations, such as pregnancy or pre-menopause. During pregnancy, hair growth is often caused by high levels of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin.
Increased facial hair also often appears after menopause, when the body produces less estrogen and progesterone, which gives room for higher androgen activity. Although androgens are produced by both sexes, an excess of these hormones in women can cause several changes. Symptoms of androgen excess include: acne, missing menstruation, changes in the body (reduction of breasts and increase in muscle mass), thickening of the voice or increased production of sebum.
When can hairs signal a disease?
The overall balance of sex hormones is partly determined by our genes. However, their high levels can also be caused by various syndromes and diseases that require medical attention. A few dark hairs are normal, but if you start to grow excessively in places typical for men (face, chest, back, lower abdomen), it can be hirsutism.
What diseases can be behind excessive hair growth?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disorder is the most common cause. It can lead to ovarian cysts, insulin resistance, irregular periods, weight gain and thinning hair.
Cushing’s syndrome: A hormonal disorder caused by high levels of cortisol. Symptoms include bruising, weight changes, a fat hump on the back of the neck, loss of muscle mass and purple stretch marks.
Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH): A genetic disorder affecting the adrenal glands. Girls usually notice excessive hair growth and irregular periods during puberty.
Androgen-producing tumors: Although they are very rare, they can cause the development of stereotypically male physical features, a thickening of the voice or an enlargement of the clitoris.
Hair removal is a personal choice, not a medical necessity. However, if you want to get rid of them safely, you have several options to choose from: removal with tweezers, shaving, depilation with wax or creams, local prescription preparations, or more permanent solutions such as laser hair removal or electrolysis.
When to seek professional help?
A few coarse hairs are usually not a reason to panic. However, you should see a doctor (most often an endocrinologist or gynecologist) if excessive hair growth is accompanied by the following warning signs: Significant acne, deepening of the voice, enlarged clitoris, hair loss and thinning (baldness), unexplained increase in muscle mass, sudden and rapid hair growth or reduction in breast size.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
