What those rogue chin hairs really mean – and when it’s a serious problem
WE'VE all been there... that moment when you (or a friend) clock an inch-long coarse hair protruding from your chin.
It feels like the rogue chin imposter has sprung up from nowhere, and overnight at that!
And, it might not stop at your chin. They can appear suddenly on the side of your face, nose, even your nipple.
But fear not, you are not alone. It's totally normal to have the odd black wiry hair that crops up time and again in the same spot.
And while it likely surprises you each time, a quick pluck and the culprit should be gone... for another month, or so.
But, if you start to notice more than the odd one or two rogue chin invaders, it could hint at an underlying medical condition.
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Where do these chin invaders come from?
The amount on face hair you're sporting often depends on your genetics, age and hormones, according to .
Testosterone is commonly know as the male sex hormone, but everyone has it - women just tend to produce lower levels. This hormone has a lot to do with dictating hair growth.
You might notice your hair growth pattern - including that on your face - changes throughout your life due to a number of factors, starting with puberty, then with pregnancy and through menopause.
Often shifting hormone levels will be behind this.
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When could it be a sign of an underlying condition?
1. Hirtsutism
It's important to remember that rogue hairs on your chin, neck, upper lip and face are nothing to be alarmed or embarrassed about.
If you start developing think, dark hair on your face, neck, chest and tummy, as well as your lower back, buttocks or thighs, it might be down to something called hirsutism.
According to , hirsutism is linked to androgen hormones and can be triggered if the level of these hormones increases or if your body becomes more sensitive to them.
Sudden changes in facial hair patterns might mean your body is sending a sign something has changed, Healthline said.
There are a number of health conditions that can cause a shift in your hormone levels or a hormonal imbalance.
Excess hair growth could also be a side effect from medications, such as anabolic steroids - these are manufactured drugs that copy the effects of the male hormone testosterone.
2. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a common cause behind excess body hair, but it can also cause irregular periods, weight gain, acne, thinning hair and hair loss from your head and difficulty getting pregnant.
Women with PCOS tend to have high levels of androgen hormones in their body, which could be prompting some extra hairs to sprout on their face or body.
Their ovaries may also develop fluid-filled sacs.
Not everyone with PCOS will notice symptoms, but the condition is thought to be very common - the NHS estimated that one in 10 women in the UK have it.
3. Adrenal gland problems
Adrenal gland issues, sometimes caused by tumours, that cause too much androgen production can cause a deepening voice, facial hair, and weight gain, according to Healthline.
4. Late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
This a group of inherited conditions affecting the adrenal glands, which can also result in added body and facial hair.
5. Cushing's syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is uncommon, according to the NHS and mostly affects people who have been taking steroid medicine, especially steroid tablets, for a long time.
Bur rarely it can be caused by the body producing too much cortisol.
It can cause a buildup of fat in your chest and tummy and a puffy face, among other things.
6. Medications
Medications like anabolic steroids, testosterone, cyclosporine can increase facial hair as a side effect.
When do I need to speak to a doctor about my chin hair?
You should speak to a GP if you notice:
- sudden unusual hair growth on your face, chin, abdomen, other areas of the body, a deepening voice, or sudden weight gain
- changes in your period - getting heavier, lighter, or stopping
- thinning hair
- acne
- headaches
They'll check what's causing your hair growth and might do a blood test to see if your hormone levels are influencing it.
Whether you choose to get rid of your chin hairs is up to you.
But if your extra follicles are making you uncomfortable, there are a number of options at your fingertips.
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These include:
- laser hair removal
- prescription cream hair remover
- waxing
- shaving - it’s a myth your facial hair will grow back thicker, according to Healthline
- tweezing
- epilation
- depilatory creams
- threading
- electrolysis