Hair and your hormones

Hair is surprisingly sensitive to hormones, iron and stress. Body hair of every kind is normal, but some changes are clues worth following up.

Extra hair growth

Hirsutism is thick, dark hair on the face, neck, chest, tummy, lower back, buttocks or thighs. The NHS says it is usually linked to higher androgens, or skin being more sensitive to them. The most common cause is PMOS (formerly PCOS), which can also cause acne and irregular periods. Sometimes no cause is found. Lighter, finer hair is probably not hirsutism, and most women get more of it as they get older.

Your GP may do a blood test to check your hormone levels. The NHS lists these options:

• Home hair removal: shaving, waxing, plucking, hair removal creams or bleaching.
• A prescription cream (eflornithine) to slow facial hair growth.
• The pill, if you have not been through the menopause, to help control hormone levels.
• Weight loss if you are above a healthy weight, which can help hormone levels.
• Laser or electrolysis, which can reduce hair for longer but are not usually permanent or available on the NHS.

Hair loss or thinning

Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal, says the NHS. Temporary hair loss can be caused by illness, stress, weight loss, or low iron. Heavy periods can lower iron, so it is worth thinking about your flow if your hair is shedding more than usual. Pattern hair loss, which often runs in families, is permanent, but minoxidil can help some women. The NHS says women should not use finasteride. A GP can help work out the cause before you spend money on a commercial hair clinic.