Perimenopause and Facial Hair: Why? Just Why?

We all know perimenopause can throw your body for a loop—hot flashes, night sweats, dizziness, and anxiety are just some of the symptoms you might experience. But it's not just about the internal changes; the physical effects of perimenopause can create unexpected surprises, and my least favorite is the sudden appearance of coarse, dark hair on your chin or upper lip.

Hormones and Hair Changes

So here's why facial hair appears overnight. As you know, during perimenopause, estrogen levels fluctuate and eventually decline. This hormonal shift affects much more than your menstrual cycle—it alters the balance of hormones in your body, significantly affecting your hair.

Estrogen protects hair health by prolonging the hair cycle's growth phase (anagen phase). As estrogen declines, this phase shortens, leading to slower hair growth, increased shedding, and thinner, weaker strands. Many women notice their hair becomes less voluminous, and some even experience bald patches.

When estrogen levels drop, hair follicles shrink, producing finer, more brittle hair. This can make hair appear limp or dull over time.

High Testosterone and Facial Hair Growth

As estrogen levels drop, testosterone remains steady, becoming more dominant. This hormonal imbalance can stimulate the growth of terminal hairs—thicker, coarser, and darker hairs—on areas like the chin, upper lip, and jawline. The softer, finer "peach fuzz" associated with estrogen may thin out or stop growing, leaving areas like the face and arms with less hair coverage.

Testosterone influences certain areas more than others, leading to noticeable facial hair, while hair in other places, like the underarms or legs, may grow more slowly.

Facial hair growth during perimenopause is normal and one of the most common symptoms of estrogen decline. But that certainly doesn't make it any less annoying! And if you're like me, those pesky hairs literally appear overnight. I'm blessed with strange, pure white ones that appear overnight and are a good ¼" long immediately. But never fear, I also get the coarse black ones too.

So we're all getting them, but what can we do?

Temporary Methods

• Tweezers are your best friend and are ideal for isolated, rogue hairs. They remove hair from the root, delaying regrowth. Use a good pair of tweezers and pull toward growth to minimize irritation.

• Waxing or threading is better for removing multiple hairs at once. Best for larger areas like the upper lip

Permanent Methods

• Electrolysis is a permanent solution for unwanted hair. It uses electric currents to destroy hair follicles. It is suitable for small areas like the chin or upper lip.

• Laser Hair Removal is another permanent option that uses light to target hair follicles. It is a good option for larger areas that you want to target. It works best on dark hair and is not as effective on blonde or gray hair (lasers require a high contrast between the hair shaft's color and skin color). You'll need multiple sessions for permanent results.

I love laser hair removal; honestly, I've had my whole body done. I've always had very dark, coarse body hair and laser removal was instrumental in giving me confidence. I highly recommend it! By the way, some great at-home lasers are available now for a fraction of the price I've paid over the years at a salon! I'm considering getting one for my face.

Be Kind to Yourself! As you navigate the changes of perimenopause, it's essential to practice self-compassion. These shifts are a natural part of the process and, while annoying, are harmless. Take some time to explore new routines or treatments, and remember to surround yourself with positive influences that celebrate aging gracefully. If you have any questions about hair removal, please comment below or email me