Hormonal Causes of Unwanted Hair in Men and Women

Updated on: 28th June, 2023

Do you find yourself constantly battling with unwanted hair? Whether it is facial hair, legs, arms, or any other body part, unwanted hair growth can be a source of frustration and embarrassment for many people.

But what if you get to know that the root cause of this unwanted growth could be traced back to some  hormonal imbalances? Yes, hormonal imbalance can lead to unwanted hair growth in both men and women.

Understanding the hormonal causes for unwanted hair can not only help solve the hair problem but can also shed light on your overall hormone related health. So, let’s explore what hormonal factors are at play and how they impact hair growth in men and women.

Let’s understand the hormonal causes for unwanted hair in men.

Testosterone is the primary androgen hormone produced by the testes in men, and it plays a key role in developing male traits such as muscle mass, body hair, and a deep voice. 

In addition to testosterone, men also produce a smaller amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent form of testosterone.

These hormones stimulate hair follicles to produce thicker and darker hair. An imbalance in the levels of androgens can increase unwanted hair growth, especially in areas like the chest, back, and face.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands, which produce hormones that regulate various bodily functions. In males with CAH, high levels of androgens can lead to excessive hair growth.

Does thyroid cause unwanted hair growth is one of the major concerns of people with thyroid disorder? Hyperthyroidism causes the excess release of thyroid hormones, which can increase the body’s androgens level. Increased androgen levels  lead to changes in the hair growth cycle, causing hair to grow more rapidly and become coarser. This can result in unwanted hair development in areas where hair growth is minimal or absent.

Let’s explore what are the hormonal causes for unwanted hair in women.

Women with a higher-than-normal level of androgen are more likely to have unwanted hair on their faces and other body parts. There are several conditions that increase the androgen level in females, like PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It is associated with elevated levels of androgens and insulin resistance, which can both contribute to unwanted hair growth.

This condition occurs when the body produces too much cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Excessive cortisol can increase androgen levels, leading to unwanted hair growth.

The adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys, control androgen hormone production. Adrenal gland disorders, like adrenal cancer and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, are responsible for the overproduction of testosterone, leading to unwanted hair growth.

Hyperprolactinemia is a medical condition with elevated levels of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. This condition can cause several symptoms, including unwanted hair growth in women.

Just like in men, hyperthyroid or even sometimes hypothyroid disorders can cause unwanted hair growth in women by stimulating androgen production. 

This method removes hair at the root and can last several weeks, but is again not long lasting or permanent.

This method destroys hair follicles, preventing hair from growing back. It is one of the most efficient and safe methods of hair removal which offers almost permanent hair reduction lasting for a long time. Due to the machines used, the cost of the treatment might be high.