Perimenopause Facial Hair: Causes and Solutions for Women

Ah, perimenopause. That time of life when your body starts playing games with you and your hormones. You might be familiar with the hot flashes and night sweats, but what about a healthy new helping of facial hair?

One of the joys of perimenopause can be the sudden appearance of facial hair, so if your peach fuzz has gotten out of control lately, this could be why.

Let's start by saying that hair is of course, one of the things that makes us human. There's nothing wrong with having facial hair, and quite frankly, women have been shamed into eradicating every hair below the eyebrow for far too long.

That said, keeping or removing facial hair is a personal choice. So if you'd like to keep that cheeks fuzz-free, we'll explore how you can do that.

 

Why does perimenopause cause facial hair to grow?

During perimenopause, your levels of oestrogen and progesterone start to fluctuate, which can cause an increase in testosterone. And testosterone, as you may know, is responsible for hair growth, including on the face. So, while it might seem unfair, it's a perfectly normal part of the perimenopause journey.

 woman getting dermaplaning to remove unwanted facial hair

Removing unwanted facial hair

How can you deal with this new addition to your face? Here are some options:

  1. Tweezing: Good old-fashioned tweezers can be your best friend when it comes to facial hair. They're cheap, easy to use, and can quickly remove those pesky hairs. Just make sure to sanitize them before and after each use to avoid any infections.

  2. Waxing: If you're looking for a longer-lasting solution, waxing might be the way to go. It can keep hair at bay for up to six weeks, which can be a huge relief. However, it's important to be careful with waxing your face, as the skin can be more sensitive. Consider going to a professional for this one.

  3. Shaving: Yes, you read that right. Shaving your face is a viable option, and it's not just for men. There are facial razors specifically designed for women that can easily and painlessly remove facial hair. And no, it won't grow back thicker and darker. That's just a myth. Dermaplaning is growing in popularity, and is the process of using a small sharp razor to remove excess peach fuzz on the face, and exfoliate at the same time. Not confident on doing this at home? Find a facialist to perform this treatment for you.  

  4. Laser hair removal: If you're really fed up with facial hair and want a more permanent solution, laser hair removal might be for you. It can be expensive, but it's effective and can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.

  5. Embrace it: Finally, there's always the option of embracing your facial hair. After all, it's a natural part of the aging process, and there's nothing wrong with a few stray hairs here and there. Who knows, maybe facial hair will become the next big thing.

Whatever option you choose, just remember that you're not alone in this. Plenty of women go through the same thing during perimenopause, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. It's just another part of the journey.

 

Can you minimise facial hair growth?

While there's no guaranteed way to avoid it, there are some things you can do to help keep testosterone levels in check.

  1. Exercise: Regular exercise can help regulate hormone levels, including testosterone. If you're looking for support with perimenopause-specific exercise routines, some great specialised trainers include Kate Oakley and Lavina Mehta MBE.

  2. Diet: Eating a healthy, balanced diet can also help keep hormones in check. Focus on foods that are high in phytoestrogens, like soy, flaxseed, and lentils.

  3. Hormone balancing: If you're looking for a natural remedy to help regulate your hormones, The Menopause Capsule is designed to do just that. Taken daily, it's formulated to support hormone balance, mood, weight management and many more common perimenopause concerns.                    
  4. Stress management: Stress can wreak havoc on your hormones, so finding ways to manage stress can be beneficial. Try meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few deep breaths when you're feeling overwhelmed.

  5. Hormone replacement therapy: Finally, if you're really struggling with perimenopause symptoms, including facial hair, hormone replacement therapy might be an option. It involves taking oestrogen, progesterone and sometimes testosterone to help regulate hormone levels and alleviate symptoms. Speak to your GP to help work out if this option is right for you.

Support during Perimenopause

Perimenopause can bring about a lot of changes in your body and your life, and it's normal to feel frustrated or discouraged at times. However, it's important to remember that these changes are a natural part of the aging process, and there's nothing wrong with embracing them.

So, if you're dealing with perimenopause facial hair or any other symptoms, remember that you're not alone, and there are ways to deal with it. And most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself and love your body for all the amazing things it has done and will continue to do for you.

If you'd like more support from other women going through the same thing, we'd love you to join our online community, The Glory Years.

Naydaya founder, Fiona Toomey, standing outside Liberty London, holding a pink sign that says 'can you name a menopause symptom'

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