New Delhi: Many women quietly battle an unexpected concern: thick, dark, beard-like hair sprouting on the face, particularly along the jawline, chin, and upper lip.
Known medically as hirsutism, this condition often sparks embarrassment and prompts repeated waxing or shaving — methods experts warn can worsen the problem over time.
According to Dr Jangid, a hair transplant surgeon at SkinQure, hirsutism is primarily driven by hormones. “Both men and women have male and female hormones in their bodies. If the male hormones in females become a little higher, then the chances of hair growing in certain areas like the chest and beard increase,” he explains.
The leading culprit? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or PCOD, where elevated androgens (male hormones) trigger excessive hair growth. This often surfaces in teen years (around 16–18) and is frequently genetic, affecting 20–30% of women.
Accompanying signs include irregular periods, unexplained weight gain, scalp hair thinning, and acne.
Other factors include poor lifestyle habits — disrupted sleep and an unhealthy diet — and certain medications, all of which contribute to hormonal imbalance.
Experts stress: don’t rely on social media hacks. Instead, consult a doctor to identify the root cause through hormone tests. Treatment typically starts with lifestyle changes and medications to balance hormones, showing results within 3–6 months. Once stabilised, laser hair reduction proves highly effective, removing 70–80% of thick facial hair after 6–8 sessions.
Hirsutism is more than cosmetic — it’s often a window into more profound health issues. Early medical intervention not only restores confidence but also addresses underlying conditions for lasting relief.