How to Manage Unwanted Facial Hair During Perimenopause and Menopause

Unwanted Facial Hair During Perimenopause and Menopause: Understanding and Managing It

I have a confession to make. Some mornings, as I look into the mirror, I'm surprised to find a long hair on my chin or upper lip. Surprise quickly turns to frustration. As a woman in perimenopause, I'm dealing with this new and unwelcome guest: facial hair.

Trust me, you are not alone. Many of us face this distressing issue. So, let's navigate this together, shall we?

Understanding the Issue

Before we delve into the 'whys' and 'hows', it's important to understand what perimenopause and menopause are. Perimenopause is the transitional phase that occurs before menopause, while menopause represents the natural progression of a woman's life where menstruation slows down and eventually stops.

But why does this result in more facial hair? The culprit is the shifting balance of hormones. During these stages, our bodies experience a relative increase in testosterone (yes, women have this hormone too) due to the decline of estrogen. This hormonal shift can stimulate the growth of coarse, dark hairs on areas like the chin, upper lip, and jawline, where women typically didn't see hair before.

What Not To Do

Now that we understand why this is happening, let's talk about what we shouldn't do.

Contrary to popular belief, shaving does not cause hair to grow back thicker or darker. The myth stems from the fact that shaving cuts the hair bluntly, giving it a stubbly appearance as it grows back. This blunt tip might make the regrowth feel coarser and appear more noticeable, but it does not change the actual hair texture or color.

Plucking facial hair without proper technique can lead to several problems. It's important to avoid aggressive plucking or yanking the hair out forcefully, as it can cause skin damage and irritation. Improper plucking may also result in ingrown hairs, where the hair curls back into the skin instead of growing out naturally. Ingrown hairs can be painful and lead to inflammation and potential infection. If you choose to pluck, make sure to do it gently and in the direction of hair growth to minimise the risk of these complications.

Using hair removal creams, also known as depilatory creams, can provide a convenient and relatively painless way to remove facial hair. However, it's crucial to follow the instructions carefully and perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the cream to your face. This will help you ensure that you don't have any adverse reactions or skin sensitivities to the product. Leaving the cream on for too long or using it on sensitive areas can cause skin irritation, redness, or even chemical burns. Always choose a reputable brand and opt for formulations specifically designed for facial use.

It's important to approach hair removal with caution and care to minimise the risk of skin damage or other adverse effects. If you're unsure about the best method for you or have concerns about potential side effects, it's advisable to consult with a dermatologist or an esthetician who specialises in hair removal. They can provide personalised recommendations based on your skin type, hair growth patterns, and specific needs.

Remember, each person's skin is unique, and what works for one individual may not work the same way for another. Patience and experimentation may be necessary to find the most suitable hair removal method that balances effectiveness, safety, and personal comfort.

Managing Facial Hair Growth

Firstly, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial. Certain vitamins and minerals can influence hair health. For instance, a deficiency in iron can disrupt the hair growth cycle, while Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, promoting healthy skin and hair.

Over-the-counter hair removal products, like creams, can provide short-term solutions. However, it's best to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any skin irritation.

If you're considering long-term solutions, professional salon treatments can help. Electrolysis and laser hair removal are popular options. Electrolysis involves inserting a tiny needle into each hair follicle to deliver an electric current, destroying the hair root, while laser treatment targets the pigment in the hair to destroy the follicle. These treatments require several sessions for the best results and should be performed by certified professionals to ensure safety.

You might also consider discussing hormonal treatments with your healthcare provider, who can provide guidance based on your specific health situation. While HRT can help alleviate various menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and mood swings, its impact on facial hair growth varies among individuals. Some studies suggest that certain forms of HRT, such as estrogen therapy, may help reduce facial hair growth in some women, but more research is needed to establish a clear connection. It's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to understand the potential benefits and risks of HRT for your specific situation.

Embracing and Normalising Facial Hair

It's important to remember that growing facial hair during perimenopause and menopause is completely normal. Societal norms have unfortunately stigmatised female facial hair, but remember, every woman's journey through these stages is unique. Embrace and love yourself as you are, including your new facial hair.

So, ladies, let's navigate this journey with grace, wisdom, and most importantly, with compassion towards ourselves. If you have more questions or concerns, or simply need someone who understands what you're going through, I am here for you.

Schedule a discovery call with me. Let's learn more about how we can tackle this together.

Stay strong, stay beautiful!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why am I suddenly getting facial hair during perimenopause/menopause?

This is primarily due to hormonal changes. As estrogen levels drop, the relative proportion of testosterone increases, stimulating the growth of facial hair.

Q. Does plucking or shaving make the hair grow back thicker?

No, this is a myth. However, shaving can make the hair appear thicker due to the blunt tip left behind.

Q. Are there any risks or side effects with salon treatments for hair removal?

There can be. It's essential to have these treatments done by certified professionals who can manage the risks and potential side effects.

Q. Can changes in my diet help manage unwanted facial hair?

While diet changes won't directly reduce facial hair, certain nutrients are vital for overall hair health and hormone balance.