Unwanted Hair Growth in Menopause: Causes & Treatments
During menopause, hormonal changes can trigger unwanted hair growth in highly visible facial areas, such as the upper lip, chin, and neck. In addition, it’s common for women to experience changes in hair texture, volume, and growth rate during this phase. Unwanted hair growth during menopause is linked to the relative increase of androgen hormones relative to oestrogen and can be frustrating to deal with., .
The good news is, there are plenty of hair removal treatments for menopause, and that’s precisely what we will explain in this guide.
Why Hair Growth Increases During Menopause
Hair growth during menopause happens mainly because of hormonal changes, when the levels of progesterone and oestrogen decline, and their balancing effect on androgens is reduced.
According to consumer research, nearly 48% of respondents reported increased facial hair during perimenopause/menopause.
Androgens are hormones present in all women, but during menopause they can become more dominant due to decreasing levels of oestrogen. This change can stimulate hair follicles to produce dark, coarse hair in areas sensitive to androgens, such as the chin, upper lip, jawline, neck, chest, and abdomen.
As a result, previously fine, light hairs can slowly darken, become coarser, and more visible over time. This process is called androgen-driven hair growth, and it is often seen during perimenopause and postmenopause.
Common Areas Affected by Menopause-Related Hair Growth
Typically, unwanted hair growth doesn’t happen suddenly. It tends to target specific spots where androgen receptors are more active. Common areas of unwanted hair growth include:
- Chin and jawline
- Upper lip
- Neck
- Areola area
- Lower abdomen
Moreover, hair growth patterns vary and everyone is different, and may not see changes in the same places or to the same extent.
Other Factors That Can Influence Hair Growth
Other factors can also influence menopause-related hair growth, such as:
- Genetics is a significant factor that shapes how your hair follicles respond to hormonal changes. If you look at your family history, it often gives you hints about what might be coming your way.
- Medical conditions, such as insulin resistance or polycystic ovary syndrome, can increase androgen sensitivity, even after menopause. Some medications also affect hair growth patterns. It is essential to seek medical advice if you notice a sudden appearance of unwanted hair growth.
Temporary vs. Permanent Hair Removal Options
Many women cope with unwanted hair growth due to menopause by using short-term solutions, such as shaving, waxing, or threading. These methods provide quick results; however, they do not address the root cause and usually require constant maintenance.
Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method approved by the FDA and works by permanently eliminating the stem cells responsible for hair growth. In addition, each hair needs to be treated during its active growth phase; therefore, multiple sessions are usually needed to get visible results.
Laser hair reduction may reduce hair density for some people, but it fails to provide permanent results and is less effective for treating light-coloured hair, as well as hair growing on darker shades of skin.
Temporary vs. Permanent Hair Removal Options
| Aspect | Temporary Hair Removal Methods | Long-Term Hair Growth Reduction | Permanent Hair Removal
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Methods | Shaving, waxing, threading, and depilatory creams | Medical-grade laser or IPL devices | Electrolysis |
| How It Works | Removes hair at or above the skin surface | Uses light energy to damage follicles and reduce regrowth | Destroys the stem cells responsible for hair growth within each follicle |
| Longevity of Results | Short-term: regrowth occurs within days or weeks | Longer-term growth reduction, not permanent | Permanent results in treated follicles |
| Maintenance Required | Frequent and ongoing | Ongoing maintenance sessions are usually required | Multiple treatment sessions, then minimal long-term maintenance |
| Effect on Root Cause | Does not address hormonally driven hair growth | Partially reduces hair growth but fails to deliver permanent results | Directly targets hair-producing stem cells |
| Suitability for Menopausal Hair Growth | Not compatible with sensitive facial areas | It is less effective on hormonally stimulated or light-coloured hair. | Suitable for hormonally driven hair growth |
| Limitations | Skin irritation, ingrown hairs, frequent upkeep | It is not effective for all hair colours or skin types; regrowth can occur. | Requires time, precision, and multiple sessions |
Summary
Menopause-related hair growth is hormonally driven, which means it can continue over time without appropriate management. If you are concerned about the appearance of unwanted hair growth, it is essential to consult your healthcare practitioner. While methods such as shaving, waxing, and laser hair removal can produce temporary relief, electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method approved by the FDA.
During menopause, hormonal changes can trigger unwanted hair growth in highly visible facial areas, such as the upper lip, chin, and neck. In addition, it’s common for women to experience changes in hair texture, volume, and growth rate during this phase. Unwanted hair growth during menopause is linked to the relative increase of androgen hormones…