Which hormone is responsible for unwanted hair growth?

Author: Monty Mante  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 8, 2025

With hirsutism, extra hair growth often arises from excess male hormones (androgens), primarily testosterone.

What hormones cause excessive hair growth?

Hirsutism is excess hair growth on the body or face. It's caused by excess hormones called androgens. For women, the hair may grow in places where men often have a lot of hair but women often don't.

Which hormone is responsible for hair growth in females?

The female sex hormone oestrogen makes body hair fine and soft. Androgens are male sex hormones, including testosterone, which are responsible for masculine characteristics such as facial hair and coarse body hair. A woman's ovaries and adrenal glands naturally make a small amount of androgens.

How do you stop hormonal hair growth?

Estrogen-progestin contraceptive pills, rings, and patches lower the levels of androgens produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. They are usually the first choice for the treatment of hirsutism, and between 60 and 100 percent of females with hirsutism will notice improvement when taking these medications.

How to balance hormones for unwanted hair?

Options include:
  1. Oral contraceptives. Birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives, which contain estrogen and progestin, treat hirsutism caused by androgen production. ...
  2. Anti-androgens. These types of drugs block androgens from attaching to their receptors in your body. ...
  3. Topical cream.

What are the causes of excess facial hair in women? - Dr. Rasya Dixit

What vitamin stops facial hair growth?

Dietary supplements that contain vitamins B6 and E are also believed to help get rid of unwanted hair growth in the facial areas. For one, vitamin B6 is thought to help lower testosterone in women and inhibit prolactin hormone production.

Can you reverse hormonal hair loss?

Female pattern baldness is a very common type of hair loss that affects women. Female pattern baldness usually starts after menopause. It's reversible with treatment, which includes medications, red light therapy or styling techniques.

What hormone blocks hair growth?

DHT and androgenic alopecia

Increased DHT activity at your hair follicles is partly responsible for this hair loss, in addition to other factors, including genetic ones. High levels of DHT can shrink your hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle, resulting in hair loss.

What does thick hair say about your health?

A thick head of hair is often a sign of a healthy scalp. So, when your locks become noticeably sparse, it could be a tell-tale sign of hypothyroidism. This glandular condition affects nearly five out of 100 Americans ages 12 and older and can be treated with thyroid medications.

How do you get rid of hormonal hair permanently?

Longer-lasting hair removal

The 2 main treatments are: electrolysis – where an electric current is used to stop your hair growing. laser hair removal.

How to get rid of old lady facial hair?

No surprise there are many methods to get rid of it: you can epilate, tweeze, wax, sugar, thread, burn, shave or bleach; use creams, lasers, IPL, electrolysis or make-up. Surface removal methods like shaving are quick and easy, but stubble grows back fast.

What pills stop hair growth on face?

Eflornithine is used to slow the growth of unwanted hair on the face in women, usually around the lips or under the chin. Eflornithine works by blocking a natural substance that is needed for hair to grow and is located in your hair follicle (the sac where each hair grows).

What hormone are you lacking if your hair is falling out?

Estrogen, androgens (other than DHT), thyroid hormones, insulin, and cortisol can all contribute to hair loss, some only in women and others in men and women.

How to stop hair growth on body permanently?

You can reduce unwanted hair growth with the application of hair removal creams. However, in case of excessive hair growth, you may need to undergo laser treatments, electrolysis, or prescription creams that best suit your condition. Sometimes, you may also need hormonal treatment for any underlying health issues.

What hormone controls hair thickness?

Estrogen. Estrogen is directly associated with hair growth and loss, as the hormone binds to receptors on hair follicles and boosts the growth phase. Many women notice they have thicker, better-looking hair during pregnancy. That's thanks to the high estrogen levels.

Does plucking chin hair make it grow more?

There is an old wives' tale about avoid shaving your face because the hairs will grow back more quickly. According to Dr. Lertzman, tweezing or shaving certain areas of your face does not change how quickly the hairs grow back or how long the hairs remain on the face.

How to get rid of thick hair?

How to Thin Out Hair
  1. Try a straightening treatment. There are so many tricks to thinning your hair. ...
  2. Use the shearing method to manage thick hair. ...
  3. Invest in the right thinning shears. ...
  4. Update your wash-and-care routine. ...
  5. Update your styling routine. ...
  6. Use a blow-dry cream for thinning out hair.

How often should you wash your hair?

Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.

Is it normal to see your scalp through hair?

In most cases, seeing your scalp through your hair is perfectly normal. It's influenced by things like your hair thickness, density, genetics, and of course, aging.

How to balance hormones for hair growth?

Exercising will increase blood flow to the scalp, which can help stimulate hair growth. Regular exercise also plays an important role in keeping your hormones balanced. Eating a balanced diet is also important for healthy hormones.

What are signs of low progesterone?

What are the signs of low progesterone?
  • Irregular menstrual periods.
  • Headaches.
  • Difficulty conceiving.
  • Mood changes, anxiety or depression.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Hot flashes.
  • Bloating or weight gain.

What is the strongest natural anti androgen?

Red reishi, commonly known as LingZhi in Chinese, is a mushroom thought to have many health benefits. In a research study exploring the anti-androgenic effects of 20 species of mushrooms, reishi mushrooms had the strongest action in inhibiting testosterone (3).

Can a 70 year old woman regrow hair?

Over time, hair fibers become thinner and drop out, and unfortunately, they never regenerate. Natural pigment (color) changes occur in hair as you age as well. Pigment cells stop producing as much, and eventually, your once thick, chestnut hair becomes thin, fine and gray.

What does thyroid hair loss look like?

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.

What is the best shampoo for hair loss?

Top shampoos for thinning hair, at a glance
  • Best Overall: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $15.
  • Best for Thickening: Kérastase Densifique Thickening Shampoo, $44.
  • Best for Damaged Hair: Vegamour Hydr-8 Shampoo, $38.
  • Best for Volume: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo, $37.

Previous article
Does the Bible say not to shave your head?
Next article
How do Victoria's Secret models shave?