Hormonal Imbalances and Unwanted Hair Growth

Why Do Hormones Affect Hair Growth?

Hormones influence many processes within the body, including how hair grows. Hair follicles contain receptors that respond to various hormones circulating in the bloodstream, and changes in hormone levels can affect the thickness, colour, speed and location of hair development.

For many women, hormonal changes can cause fine, light-coloured hairs to gradually become darker, coarser and more noticeable — which is why unwanted facial hair growth often appears during times of hormonal change.

What Are Androgens?

Androgens are hormones that play an important role in hair growth. Although they are often referred to as “male hormones”, women naturally produce androgens too. When androgen levels increase, or when hair follicles become more sensitive to these hormones, excessive hair growth can occur.

At the same time, increased androgen activity can sometimes contribute to thinning hair on the scalp — this combination is one of the most common reasons women seek advice about hormonal hair growth.

Common Hormonal Causes of Excess Hair Growth

Several hormonal conditions can contribute to excessive hair growth in women. Identifying the underlying cause can help guide treatment decisions.

PMOS and Hormonal Hair Growth

One of the most common hormonal causes of excessive facial hair growth is Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PMOS can affect hormone levels throughout the body and is frequently associated with increased androgen activity. For many women, unwanted facial hair is one of the most distressing symptoms of the condition.

Managing the hormonal aspects of PMOS may help reduce future hair growth and improve overall symptom control.

Menopause and Facial Hair

Many women notice changes in hair growth during perimenopause and menopause. As oestrogen levels decline, the balance between female hormones and androgens changes — which can sometimes result in increased chin hair, upper lip hair growth, coarser facial hair and changes in body hair patterns.

While these changes are common, they can still affect confidence and self-esteem. Many women seek treatment during this stage of life to help manage unwanted facial hair more effectively.

When Hormonal Changes May Need Investigation

Not all unwanted hair growth requires medical investigation. However, a healthcare professional may recommend further assessment to help identify whether there is an underlying hormonal cause — and understanding the reason behind the hair growth can help ensure the most appropriate treatment is chosen.

Can Hormonal Hair Growth Be Reduced?

In many cases, yes. While treatment cannot always eliminate unwanted hair completely, it can often help reduce the rate of growth and make symptoms easier to manage. Many women find that combining treatment with their preferred hair removal method provides the best results.

Treatment Options Available

Several treatment options may help manage hormonal hair growth. Approaches are often combined — hair removal methods manage existing hair while other treatments address the rate of new growth or the underlying cause.

How Vaniqa Cream Works Alongside Other Treatments

For women whose main concern is excessive facial hair growth, prescription treatment may be an option. One treatment we may discuss during a consultation is Vaniqa Cream. Vaniqa contains eflornithine, which works by slowing the growth of facial hair — rather than removing existing hair, it helps reduce the rate at which new hair develops.

Many women continue using their usual hair removal methods while using treatment. Over time, slowing hair growth may make facial hair easier to manage and reduce the frequency of hair removal. Results develop gradually, and continued use is generally required to maintain the benefits. During a consultation, our pharmacy team can assess whether Vaniqa may be suitable for your symptoms.

What to Do Next

If you are experiencing unwanted facial hair growth and think hormones may be playing a role, you are not alone. Hormonal hair growth is common, and effective treatment options are available.

Our pharmacy team can assess your symptoms, discuss possible causes, and advise whether treatments such as Vaniqa Cream may be appropriate for you. With the right support and treatment plan, many women are able to gain better control over unwanted hair growth and feel more confident in their appearance.

If you would like to explore your options, you can complete our consultation questionnaire and a member of our pharmacy team will review your information and advise on the most appropriate next steps.