I'm only 21 and I've had facial hair ever since I was 17.?

Question

When I first asked the doctor she told me that it came with age, but I was only 17 at the time.. I've tried several ways to get rid of it and nothing seems to be working. And it makes me really self conscious as well, I don't like for anyone to stare at my face or for my boyfriend to rub my face.. Is there anyone that can help me please!

Answer 1

If there's not too much of it, do you really need to do anything? Most guys are OK about women with, for example, a slight moustache.

If you do decide you have to do something, then there isn't a simple answer.

Facial (and also body) hair on women comes about in the same way as on men because of

1) your body being sensitized, before you were even born, to testosterone -- doesn't happen to all girls, but does to many

2) your body producing high levels of testosterone

The growth rate and coarseness of the hair depends on just how much testosterone is circulating in your bloodstream.

Steer clear of bleaching -- when someone sees you against the light you'll look as if you have a glowing moustache and/or beard.

As far as removing it is concerned it's worth remembering that

* Waxing, plucking, threading, epilating all pull the hair out by the roots and where the growth is hormonally-driven can actually stimulate a dormant follicle into producing more hair quicker. They also distort the root if done repeatedly, leading to hair growing at strange angles. And you've got to let the hair grow to quite a length before you can repeat the exercise. It can also damage the skin and discolor it. Long-term use of waxing also causes bad wrinkles.

* Chemical depilatories strong enough to remove the hair are very likely to burn the skin, cause swelling and cause long-term discoloration of the skin.

* Laser is also liable to cause burning and discoloration and in any case only works effectively on a dark hair/light skin combinantion.

* Electrolysis is very liable to cause scarring and discoloration of the skin.

Which, like it or not, leaves shaving which does not damage the skin. Best done with a men's-style electric razor, the best of which, for women, are probably those from the men's range of Norelco razors (Philishave outside the US). Most women who try a men's Norelco wonder why nobody ever told them about it before.

Answer 2

I really feel your pain. I have the same problem and practically freak out if my bf wants to touch my face. I *tried* to talk to my doctor about it and she just kinda blew it off. I think I need to be tested for something. It must be some kind of hormone inbalance. Anyway besides talking to the dr. for some medication there are a few things you can do. I had laser hair removal that worked pretty well. It's kind of expensive and a little painful, but worth it! I haven't finished getting it done but each time you do it, you have less hair growing back. If you can't afford that go and have it waxed. It's embarassing to me, but having a bunch of hair on my face is more embarassing!

Answer 3

Medications For Increased Hair
Although hirsutism shows on the skin, it is started by hormones in the blood. It is therefore as much an internal as external condition. Treatment directed at the hormonal cause can be quite effective. Several of these treatments have been in use for many years but are not widely known. Most of the prescription medications are FDA approved for other indications but not for hirsutism. They can be prescribed for hirsutism however.

The following is meant as general information. What treatment is suitable for an individual must be worked out with a physician.

Proper treatment depends on hormone levels. It generally involves two components:
1) Lowering the level of free testosterone. Oral contraceptives (OCs) are often used for this since some will lower free testosterone by about half. However by themselves, OCs help only slightly. They slow hair growth rates but not down to normal. Some specific oral contraceptives seem to be better than others for hirsutism and related problems. OCs work best when combined with the next form of medical treatment:

2) Blocking the effect of testosterone on the hair follicle. Several medications have this effect. Here are some of the most often used:

Spironolactone The medication most commonly used to block testosterone is spironolactone (Aldactone®) but it must be used in the proper dose. Originally introduced for treatment of high blood pressure, spironolactone is probably now more often used for hirsutism. Doses for hirsutism are higher than those for high blood pressure. Spironolactone can cause menstrual periods to come closer together but combined use with an OC will usually keep the cycle regulated. Because it is a diuretic (water pill) spironolactone can cause slight dehydration. Signs of this include mild fatigue and dizziness but this can be almost always be prevented by adequate water intake.

Finasteride (Proscar® and Propecia®) Finasteride is sold in different doses under the brand names Proscar ® and Propecia® for prostate enlargement and male pattern baldness respectively. This medication blocks the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase which converts testosterone to its more active form, DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is the hormone responsible for the gradual enlargement of the prostate which occurs in most men beyond the age of fifty. A form of this same enzyme is active in the hair follicle and plays a role in both increased hair and loss of hair from the scalp. We know this because people with a rare inherited condition of deficiency of this enzyme have scant body hair. Unfortunately, the males with this rare condition also have abnormal genital development.

Answer 4

Go to the doctor, it seems you have unbalanced hormones. Your Estrogen may be low. He or she should be able to help with birth control pills or hormonal drugs.

Answer 5

tried laser treatment

Answer 6

i'm 12 and i have it!!! don't know of any cure...=[