Increased Hair Growth During Menopause: Understanding Causes & Solutions

Menopause can impact hair in different ways. While some women may experience hair thinning or loss, others might notice increased hair growth in unexpected areas, a condition known as hirsutism. 

Hirsutism involves excessive coarse hair growth, or “peach fuzz,” on various body parts like the chest, face, and back. Studies suggest that about 5% to 10% of women may experience hirsutism.⁽¹⁾ The prevalence of hirsutism increases during menopause, with 50% of women over 50 experiencing excessive hair growth after menopause.⁽²⁾

Understanding these hair changes and exploring available treatment options can help women navigate this transition with confidence and peace of mind.

Why does increased hair growth happen during menopause?

Hair grows in four stages: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding). Hormonal changes during menopause may disrupt this cycle and cause increased hair growth.⁽²⁾ 

Androgens like testosterone play an important role in increasing hair fiber diameter, hair follicle size, and the duration of the anagen phase — factors that contribute to hirsutism.⁽²⁾ 

Estrogen and progesterone are essential for keeping androgen levels in check. Estrogen helps convert excess androgens into estrogen, while progesterone prevents the conversion of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) into testosterone.⁽³⁾ 

As estrogen and progesterone levels decline during menopause, androgens can go unchecked, leading to increased hair growth. Relatively high androgen levels can also affect hair quality by shrinking hair follicles and turning soft, fine hair (vellus hair) into thicker, coarser hair (terminal hair).

Symptoms of Increased Hair Growth During Menopause

Hirsutism typically causes an increase in coarse hair on the following body parts:⁽¹⁾

• The sides of the face 

• Upper lip

• Chin

• Upper back

• Shoulders

• Sternum

• Upper abdomen

The type of hair may also change from fine, light-colored strands to darker, thicker ones.

Treatment Options for Increased Hair Growth During Menopause

Here are some strategies to manage increased hair growth during menopause:

• Epilation Techniques: Options such as shaving, waxing, or plucking can help remove hair temporarily from the skin surface. However, these epilation methods may have some side effects, including inflammation, irritation, and discoloration of the skin.

• Depilatory Creams: The ingredients in these creams can dissolve hair, offering temporary results. Depilatory creams may also cause irritation to the skin, so patch testing is recommended to avoid such complications.

• Laser Hair Removal: Lasers have become a popular method for long-term hair reduction, though they do not offer complete hair removal. They work by using selective photothermolysis, where laser energy specifically targets and destroys melanin in the hair. Since lasers only affect hair follicles in the growth phase (anagen), multiple treatments are required to achieve a significant reduction, typically around 80%.⁽²⁾

• Electrolysis: This method involves applying electric energy through a fine needle inserted into each hair follicle, targeting the follicle's ability to produce hair. Over multiple treatments, electrolysis can achieve 15% to 50% permanent hair loss. However, it can be slow and less practical for large areas of the body.⁽²⁾

• Medications: Certain medications, such as androgen receptor blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, can help manage androgen levels and reduce related symptoms.

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Some studies suggest that HRT may help manage increased hair growth, especially on the face.⁽⁴⁾ 

Choosing the Right Treatment for Increased Hair Growth During Menopause

The most suitable treatment for increased hair growth during menopause depends on various factors. A physician can help make this decision by first identifying the underlying cause, such as excess fat levels or other conditions that may cause increased hair growth. They may also evaluate hormone levels to see if that information might inform the treatment method. It’s practical to consider skin sensitivity when evaluating which route to take.

Noticing unwanted hair growth in menopause? Discover if HRT is right for you.

If you’ve entered the menopause transition and are struggling with hair growth on your face, chest, or abdomen, take our brief menopause quiz to see if you’re an eligible candidate for HRT. Get started with Winona to take the first step toward feeling better.