NotEinstein
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Every woman has facial hair to some degree. With most women, though, the hair is light-colored and very fine, making it difficult to see. Some women may appear to have more facial hair than others because the hair is a darker color. Other women really do have more facial hair and can grow a noticeable mustache. The facial hair on most women stays light and fine because they lack the hormones to develop the thicker, fuller facial hair of men. If a woman has a hormone imbalance, she too, can grow an impressive mustache or beard. The male and female hormones, testosterone and estrogen, respectively, are both always present and needed for a balanced hormonal state. The difference is that women have more estrogen than men, and men have more testosterone than women. Women who are going through menopause often have higher testosterone levels than younger women. This is why facial hair is more prevalent among older, post-menopausal women.
In some instances, abnormal facial hair growth in women is a symptom of a developing cancer. Women who experience sudden growth should see a doctor for a check-up to determine the presence of ovarian or another type of cancer. When women experience an abnormal growth of facial hair, the condition is known as hirsutism. Besides cancer, hirsutism can be caused by cysts on the ovaries, Cushing’s syndrome, adrenal tumors, or overly sensitive hair follicles. The hair follicles of some women are inexplicably sensitive to slight changes in testosterone levels and trigger hair growth. Also, some medications can cause hirsutism as a side effect.
Most women treat hirsutism by removing the excess hair. Waxing and plucking are the most common ways to remove the hair. However, electrolysis and laser hair removal are gaining in popularity every year. Fewer numbers of women shave excess facial hair or use a hair removal cream. Doctors can prescribe medications to help with excess hair growth. Anti-androgens can help to regulate the hormones by blocking the male hormone production. Some birth control medications can also stifle the growth of facial hair in women.
 Posted 5178 day ago
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