What those rogue chin hairs really mean – and when it's a serious problem | The Sun

ALL of us have peach fuzz covering our face and neck and it's pretty normal for some darker hairs to sprout up amongst them.

But if you're noticing more than your usual smattering of chin and neck hairs, this could hint at a medical condition that you might want to look into further.

The amount on face hair you're sporting often depends on your genetics, age and hormones, according to Healthline.

Testosterone is commonly know as the male sex hormone, but everyone has it – women just tend to produce lower levels. This hormone has a lot to do with dictating hair growth.

You might notice your hair growth pattern – including that on your face – changes throughout your life due to a number of factors, starting with puberty, then with pregnancy and through menopause.

Often shifting hormone levels will be behind this.

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Remember that some hairs on your chin, neck, upper lip and face are very normal and nothing to be alarmed or embarrassed about.

But if you're developing think, dark hair on your face, neck, chest and tummy, as well as your lower back, buttocks or thighs, or might be down to something called hirsutism.

According to NHS guidance, hirsutism is linked to androgen hormones and can be triggered if the level of these hormones increases or if your body becomes more sensitive to them.

Sudden changes in facial hair patterns might mean your body is sending a sign something has changed, Healthline said.

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There are a number of health conditions that can cause a shift in your hormone levels or a hormonal imbalance.

Excess hair growth could also be a side effect from medications, such as anabolic steroids – these are manufactured drugs that copy the effects of the male hormone testosterone.

Here a five things that could resulting in a few more chin hairs that you're used to:

1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common cause behind excess body hair, but it can also cause irregular periods, weight gain, acne, thinning hair and hair loss from your head and difficulty getting pregnant.

Women with PCOS tend to have high levels of androgen hormones in their body, which could be prompting some extra hairs to sprout on their face or body.

Their ovaries may also develop fluid-filled sacs.

Not everyone with PCOS will notice symptoms, but the condition is thought to be very common – the NHS estimated that one in 10 women in the UK have it.

2. Adrenal gland problems

Adrenal gland issues, sometimes caused by tumours, that cause too much androgen production can cause a deepening voice, facial hair, and weight gain, according to Healthline.

3. Late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)

This a group of inherited conditions affecting the adrenal glands, which can also result in added body and facial hair.

4. Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is uncommon, according to the NHS and mostly affects people who have been taking steroid medicine, especially steroid tablets, for a long time.

Bur rarely it can be caused by the body producing too much cortisol.

It can cause a buildup of fat in your chest and tummy and a puffy face, among other things.

5. Medications

Medications like anabolic steroids, testosterone, cyclosporine can increase facial hair as a side effect.

When do I need to speak to a doctor about my chin hair?

You should speak to a GP if you notice:

• sudden unusual hair growth on your face, chin, abdomen, other areas of the body, a deepening voice, or sudden weight gain
• changes in your period – getting heavier, lighter, or stopping
• thinning hair
• acne
• headaches

They'll check what's causing your hair growth and might do a blood test to see if your hormone levels are influencing it.

Whether you choose to get rid of your chin hairs is up to you.

But if your extra follicles are making you uncomfortable, there are a number of options at your fingertips.

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These include:

• laser hair removal
• prescription cream hair remover
• waxing
• shaving – it’s a myth your facial hair will grow back thicker, according to Healthline
• tweezing
• epilation
• depilatory creams
• threading
• electrolysis

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