# Hair and your hormones

> Extra hair, losing hair, and what is worth checking.

Category: Body literacy · 4 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/body-literacy/hair-and-hormones

## Quick answer

- Excess thick, dark hair is often linked to androgens and PMOS/PCOS.
- Stress, illness and low iron can cause temporary hair loss.
- Sudden hair growth with a deepening voice needs an urgent check.

Hair is surprisingly sensitive to [hormones](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/hormones-explained), [iron](https://splash.care/learn/nutrition/iron) and [stress](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/stress-travel-illness). Body hair of every kind is normal, but some changes are clues worth following up.

## Extra hair growth

[Hirsutism](https://splash.care/learn/glossary#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](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/androgens), or skin being more sensitive to them. The most common cause is [PMOS (formerly PCOS)](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/pmos), which can also cause [acne](https://splash.care/learn/body-literacy/acne-skin) and [irregular periods](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/irregular-cycles). 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](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/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.

**Myth:** Having hair on your face or body means something is wrong.

**Fact:** Body hair of all kinds is normal. The NHS says it is thick, dark hair in places like the chin, chest or tummy, especially with irregular periods, that is worth a check.

> **Splash says:** if you are noticing hair changes, log your periods too. Irregular cycles alongside new hair growth is a pattern your GP will want to know about.

### When to see a doctor

See a GP if you have thick, dark hair in the areas above, especially with irregular periods, or if hair loss worries you. Ask for an urgent GP appointment if new thick, dark hair starts suddenly on your face and body, your voice is getting lower, or your muscles are getting bigger.

## Sources

1. [NHS: Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/hirsutism/)
2. [NHS: Hair loss](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/hair-loss/)
3. [NHS: Iron deficiency anaemia](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/)
4. [NHS: Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly PCOS)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polyendocrine-metabolic-ovarian-syndrome-pmos/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).