.webp)
Facial hair caused by PCOS can be managed and reduced. Here’s what you need to know:
- Why it happens: PCOS causes hormonal imbalances, specifically high androgen levels and insulin resistance, which lead to excessive facial hair growth (hirsutism).
- Treatment options:
- Medications: Oral contraceptives, spironolactone (oral/topical), and eflornithine cream can reduce hair growth by targeting hormones.
- At-home methods: Shaving, waxing, threading, or depilatory creams offer temporary relief.
- Professional treatments: Laser hair removal and electrolysis provide longer-lasting results.
- Lifestyle changes: Losing just 5% of body weight, eating a low-glycemic diet, and exercising regularly can lower androgen levels and improve symptoms.
- When to see a doctor: Rapid hair growth, other PCOS symptoms, or emotional distress from hirsutism should prompt medical advice.
Quick Tip: Combining treatments and lifestyle adjustments often yields the best results. For example, pairing medications like spironolactone with a healthier diet can address both the root cause and visible symptoms.
| Treatment | Effectiveness | Cost (Monthly) | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Contraceptives | ~33% improvement | Varies | Reduces testosterone by 40-60% |
| Spironolactone (Oral) | ~40% reduction | $14 | Blocks androgen receptors |
| Topical Spironolactone | Similar to oral | $43 | Localized androgen receptor blocking |
| Eflornithine Cream | 58% improvement | $69 | Slows new hair growth |
PCOS-related facial hair can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s manageable. Start small, stay consistent, and seek professional help when needed.
PCOS Facial Hair and Hair Loss | Causes, Treatments, & Natural Ways to Reduce Hirsutism & Hair Loss
Why PCOS Causes Facial Hair Growth
Facial hair growth in women with PCOS is mainly driven by hormonal imbalances. These imbalances cause hair follicles on the face to convert fine, light vellus hair into thicker, darker terminal hair. Let’s break down how excess androgens and insulin resistance contribute to this issue.
How High Androgen Levels Contribute to Facial Hair
In PCOS, elevated levels of androgens like testosterone play a major role in excessive facial hair growth.
"Hirsutism is defined as the presence of terminal hair with male pattern distribution in women." – Poli Mara Spritzer, Gynecological Endocrinology Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre
This condition, known as hirsutism, typically affects areas like the upper lip, chin, jawline, and cheeks. It’s a common symptom, affecting 80% of women with PCOS, compared to only about 8% of women in the general U.S. population. Interestingly, the severity of hirsutism doesn’t just depend on androgen levels but also on how sensitive an individual’s hair follicles are to these hormones.
How Insulin Resistance Worsens Hair Growth
Insulin resistance is another key factor in PCOS-related facial hair growth. It affects a significant portion of women with PCOS - estimates range from 50% to as high as 95%, depending on the study [15, 17]. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, it compensates by producing more of it, a condition known as hyperinsulinemia.
This excess insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens. It also disrupts normal follicle development and increases steroid production. Research shows that around 70% of women with PCOS experience this type of hormonal imbalance. Additionally, PCOS-related cells are especially responsive to insulin’s androgen-boosting effects, meaning even small increases in insulin can lead to significant rises in androgen levels. This creates a cycle where hyperinsulinemia fuels androgen-driven issues like anovulation and, ultimately, excessive facial hair growth.
Understanding how insulin resistance and androgen excess interact is crucial for managing these symptoms. Treatments that target insulin resistance often help reduce facial hair growth, offering a clearer path to effective symptom management.
Treatment Options for PCOS Facial Hair
Managing PCOS-related facial hair involves a mix of medications, at-home methods, and professional treatments. Here's a breakdown of the options available.
Prescription Medications for Facial Hair
Prescription treatments address the hormonal root of excessive hair growth by reducing or blocking androgens.
- Oral contraceptives: These are often prescribed for women not planning to conceive. They lower bioavailable testosterone levels by 40% to 60% and improve hirsutism scores by about 33%. However, only about half of the users see significant results with oral contraceptives alone.
- Spironolactone: This anti-androgen works by preventing androgens from binding to their receptors, leading to a 40% reduction in hirsutism scores. When combined with oral contraceptives, effectiveness jumps to 75%. Oana Health offers spironolactone starting at $14 per month, making it an affordable option for many.
- Topical spironolactone: A localized alternative to oral spironolactone. Oana Health provides this option for $43 per month.
- Eflornithine cream: Unlike other treatments, this slows the growth of new hair rather than addressing existing hair. In a 24-week trial, 58% of users saw improvement compared to 34% in the placebo group. Oana Health offers eflornithine at a 12% concentration for $69 per month.
| Treatment | Effectiveness | Monthly Cost | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Contraceptives | ~33% improvement in scores | Varies | Reduces testosterone by 40–60% |
| Spironolactone (oral) | ~40% reduction in scores | $14 | Blocks androgen receptors |
| Topical Spironolactone | Similar to oral, localized | $43 | Blocks androgen receptors locally |
| Eflornithine Cream | 58% improvement vs. placebo | $69 | Slows new hair growth |
It's important to allow 6–12 months to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments. Meanwhile, cosmetic methods can help manage visible hair.
At-Home Hair Removal Methods
For immediate results, at-home methods can provide temporary relief, though they require regular upkeep.
- Shaving: A quick and easy option. Use a sharp safety razor and sensitive-skin shaving cream to reduce irritation and avoid ingrown hairs. Contrary to myths, shaving doesn’t change hair texture.
- Waxing and threading: Waxing removes hair from the root, lasting 3–6 weeks, while threading is ideal for shaping smaller areas like eyebrows. Hard wax works well for coarse PCOS hair, as it grips hair without sticking to the skin. Pre-wax exfoliation and cleansing improve results and minimize ingrown hairs.
- Depilatory creams: These dissolve hair at the surface, with results lasting a few days to a week. Always do a patch test, as sensitive skin may react to the chemicals.
- Mechanical methods: Tweezing is suitable for small areas, while epilators remove hair from the root, similar to waxing. After hair removal, soothing products like aloe vera and regular exfoliation can help reduce irritation and prevent ingrown hairs.
Professional Hair Removal Procedures
If you're looking for longer-lasting results, professional treatments may be worth considering.
- Laser hair removal: This technique uses concentrated light to target hair follicles, reducing growth. Studies show a 50% to 79% reduction in hair six months after treatment. It’s less painful than waxing or electrolysis and works quickly on larger areas. However, it may be less effective for darker skin tones due to challenges in distinguishing hair from skin melanin.
- Electrolysis: This method involves inserting a fine needle into each hair follicle and using electricity to destroy the root. Unlike laser treatments, electrolysis is FDA-approved as a permanent solution and works for all skin and hair types. It delivers lasting results for up to 93% of patients but is more time-intensive and better suited for smaller areas.
Both laser and electrolysis require multiple sessions for optimal results. While laser treatments are less expensive per session, electrolysis offers permanent outcomes. Before starting, research the technician’s qualifications and read reviews to ensure a safe and effective experience.
Ultimately, the choice between at-home and professional methods depends on your budget, pain tolerance, and how permanent you want the results to be.
sbb-itb-6dba428
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Symptoms
While medications and hair removal treatments can address the immediate effects of PCOS-related facial hair, making lifestyle adjustments can tackle the hormonal imbalances at the root of the issue. Even small changes can make a noticeable difference in managing hirsutism symptoms. These changes work alongside medical treatments to provide a more complete approach to managing PCOS.
Weight Loss and Diet Changes
Weight loss is often a key step in reducing hirsutism. Losing just 5% of your body weight - about 7.5 pounds for someone weighing 150 pounds - can lower androgen levels, which helps slow excessive hair growth. This small reduction can also improve overall hormonal balance.
Managing blood sugar is another critical factor in addressing PCOS. Elevated insulin levels can lead to increased androgen production, which worsens facial hair growth. Amanda Stathos, M.S., R.D., L.D.N., a clinical dietitian at Johns Hopkins' Sibley Memorial Hospital, highlights the importance of diet in managing inflammation associated with PCOS:
"Research shows that people with PCOS show evidence of all-over inflammation, which is associated with heart disease and other illness. The Mediterranean diet eliminates saturated fats, processed meats and refined sugar, which makes it a powerful tool to address inflammation."
Focus on meals that include protein, healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbohydrates to keep blood sugar levels stable. At the same time, avoid refined carbs, sugary snacks and drinks, fried foods, processed meats, and foods high in saturated fats.
Some specific foods and supplements can help lower androgen levels. For example, drinking two cups of spearmint tea daily has been shown in studies to reduce testosterone levels and minimize hair growth over time. Adding ground flaxseeds to your diet may also help reduce testosterone. Eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines twice a week and consuming about 1 ounce of walnuts daily can support hormone balance as well. Additionally, checking your vitamin D levels and considering inositol supplements may further aid hormonal regulation.
Exercise for Hormone Balance
In addition to dietary changes, regular exercise plays a vital role in balancing hormones. Physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and lower androgen levels naturally. Women with PCOS should aim for 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise each week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises on two non-consecutive days.
Exercise not only helps regulate hormones but also supports weight management as part of a holistic approach to PCOS.
Start simple: try brisk walking or cycling for 30 minutes a day. Add strength training two to three times a week, focusing on major muscle groups like your legs, back, and core. Research shows that exercise can improve free androgen levels by boosting SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) concentrations, reduce hyperinsulinemia, and positively impact ovarian function.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may offer extra benefits for improving insulin function and hormone balance compared to other forms of exercise. However, any consistent physical activity is helpful. Combining aerobic exercise with dietary changes tends to improve multiple hormonal markers.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine to see results. As Amanda Stathos points out:
"If you are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, it doesn't mean that you are destined to have poor health. There is a lot you can do to take charge, minimize symptoms and keep yourself healthy."
When to See a Doctor
While managing symptoms at home can provide short-term relief, professional medical care is essential for addressing long-term hormonal health. Certain signs should prompt you to seek medical advice, as timely intervention can make a big difference in your overall well-being and treatment success.
Warning Signs That Need Medical Attention
One major red flag is rapid, coarse hair growth. If you notice this happening over just a few months, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider right away. Such sudden changes often point to underlying hormonal issues that require medical evaluation.
Other signs to watch for include symptoms of virilization. These may include a deepening voice, male-pattern balding, severe acne, reduced breast size, increased muscle mass, or clitoral enlargement. These changes suggest significant hormonal imbalances that need specialized care.
Additionally, if you experience other symptoms of PCOS, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. PCOS affects 5% to 10% of women of childbearing age, and 70% to 80% of those with PCOS experience hirsutism.
The Cleveland Clinic underscores the importance of early action:
"It's a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as you notice signs of hirsutism, especially if it causes stress, anxiety or depression. Medications and treatments are available to limit your unwanted hair growth."
If unwanted facial hair is impacting your mental health - causing stress, anxiety, or depression - seeking professional support can help you manage both the physical and emotional effects.
Recognizing these warning signs is a critical first step. From there, medical professionals can guide you toward effective solutions.
How Oana Health Can Help
For women dealing with PCOS-related facial hair and hormonal imbalances, Oana Health offers a convenient telehealth platform. Their services connect you with licensed medical professionals who specialize in the complex relationship between hormones and unwanted hair growth.
The process begins with a thorough review of your health history and symptoms. Oana Health's team evaluates whether your hirsutism is linked to PCOS or another hormonal condition, using evidence-based methods to assess signs like irregular periods, acne, and hair growth patterns.
Through their platform, you can access personalized treatments, including:
- Eflornithine 12% ($69/month) – slows hair growth at the follicle level
- Spironolactone ($14/month) – blocks androgens responsible for excess hair growth
- Topical Spironolactone ($43/month) – provides similar benefits with potentially fewer systemic effects
Oana Health also addresses broader concerns like insulin resistance, offering Oral Metformin ER ($22/month) and combination therapies such as Metformin & Spironolactone ($32/month) for hormonal balance.
All treatments are prescribed by licensed providers, manufactured in FDA-regulated facilities, and shipped directly to your door with free delivery. Their platform also supports related health concerns with options like Oral Minoxidil ($25/month) for hair loss and Bupropion XL ($25/month) for mental health support, recognizing the wide-ranging impact of PCOS.
Getting started is straightforward: complete an online consultation, have your health history reviewed by a licensed provider, and receive personalized treatment recommendations tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Managing PCOS Facial Hair: Key Takeaways
Managing PCOS-related facial hair involves addressing both the visible symptoms and the underlying hormonal causes. Here's a practical approach to tackle hirsutism effectively.
Hormonal imbalance is a major factor, responsible for 70–80% of hirsutism cases. Combining hair removal techniques with medical treatments can lead to lasting improvements.
Lifestyle adjustments can also help reduce facial hair. Strategies include:
- Losing just 5% of your body weight.
- Following a low glycemic index diet to regulate insulin and androgen levels.
- Drinking spearmint tea, which has been linked to reduced androgen production.
- Cutting back on dairy, which may influence hormone levels.
On the medical side, treatments like anti-androgens (e.g., spironolactone and eflornithine cream) and metformin to address insulin resistance can directly target hormonal causes. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
For hair removal, combining temporary methods such as shaving, waxing, or threading with longer-lasting options like laser therapy, IPL, or electrolysis can yield optimal results.
Access to professional support can make this journey easier. Platforms like Oana Health offer specialized PCOS treatments delivered right to your door. For example, they provide Eflornithine 12% for $69/month and Spironolactone for $14/month. This approach combines expert care with the convenience of home delivery, ensuring consistent treatment.
Clinical studies back these strategies. Research shows that tailored treatments can lead to noticeable results in as little as 8 weeks, with 81% of women seeing significant improvement within a year.
"After 5 weeks, I noticed a dramatic reduction in facial hair - proof that patience pays off!" – Allison L., Hairless Hype
Beyond physical treatments, emotional well-being should not be overlooked. With hirsutism affecting 5–10% of women of childbearing age, you're far from alone. Joining a PCOS support group or seeking therapy can provide emotional relief and help manage the mental health challenges that may come with this condition.
Consistency is key. By integrating medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and hair removal methods, you can take control of unwanted facial hair while addressing the hormonal imbalances tied to PCOS.
FAQs
What are the best long-term solutions for reducing facial hair caused by PCOS?
Managing facial hair related to PCOS often involves a mix of medical treatments and cosmetic solutions. Medications like spironolactone can help minimize the impact of androgens, while eflornithine cream works to slow down hair growth. For longer-lasting results, procedures such as laser hair removal or electrolysis can effectively reduce unwanted hair over time.
Pairing these treatments with lifestyle adjustments - like eating a balanced diet and staying active - can support hormonal balance and enhance results. Be sure to discuss your options with a healthcare provider to find the best plan for your situation.
Can diet and exercise help reduce facial hair caused by PCOS?
Making adjustments to your diet and exercise routine can play a big role in managing PCOS symptoms, including unwanted facial hair. Regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, which is crucial since insulin resistance can lead to higher androgen levels - one of the main contributors to excess facial hair.
Pairing exercise with a balanced diet is even more effective. Focus on whole foods, plenty of fiber, healthy fats, and lean proteins, while cutting back on processed foods and added sugars. This combination can help regulate hormone levels and lower androgen production, offering better control over PCOS symptoms.
When should women with PCOS-related facial hair see a doctor or seek treatment?
If you’re dealing with excessive or persistent facial hair due to PCOS, or if it’s affecting your emotional well-being, reaching out to a healthcare provider is a smart step. This is especially important if over-the-counter options like shaving or hair removal creams aren’t working for you.
A doctor can pinpoint the hormonal imbalance behind the issue and suggest treatments like medications, hormonal therapy, or other approaches to help manage it. Tackling the problem early can make a big difference in how you feel both physically and emotionally.
