Why Do I Have a Beard? The Silent Struggle No One Warned Us About
I found myself sitting in yet another white, cold, sterile office. Streaming tears down my face, as the nurse continued lasering the hair off it. The same stinging pain of the burn I have felt so many times, and it doesn’t seem to get any easier. The thought of having to keep coming back to do this feels hopeless and unbearable.
It has been 6 years of doing laser hair removal treatments and one year of electrolysis, and I’m still going back because nothing has been a permanent solution. It is frustrating, expensive, and also. It feels like nothing is truly working, and I will be doing this for the rest of my life. Enduring all of this pain for what? So I would be attractive under the subjective trends of societies beauty standards? Because having noticeable hair growth in unwanted places is “weird” or “gross” for women to have. I want to get to the root cause of why this is happening, and what I can do to feel more confident and beautiful again. Even though it is extremely common, and that is why all of these methods to get rid of unwanted hair have been thriving. Promising to be hair free so you can be care free. If you are thinking about getting laser hair removal, have unwanted hair growth, want answers, or some kind of solution, this post is for you. You are not alone and you are not less feminine because of it. Through sharing my experience, I hope you find some answers and a solution that works for you.
My journey started back in my teen years. Constantly plucking, waxing, trying different hair cream removers, and razors to be smooth and hair-free. It made me feel more comfortable and confident in my body. The whole mini beard thing honestly started freaking me out so bad. I remember I literally woke up with a full beard next to my boyfriend in college. I ran to the bathroom to pluck it out (which took more than 20 minutes), and then back to bed. Totally overthinking the fact that he probably saw it when I was sleeping, must surely get freaked out, and dump me for it. It has become one of my biggest insecurities. Making it even harder to love myself and believe I am beautiful. I have to weigh the options, be hairless (for a small amount of time of torture), or be so cripplingly self-conscious that I would hide away forever. Either way my journey to “feeling beautiful” and confident has been painful, time-consuming, and expensive. Although, the majority of the pain comes from wanting to be beautiful and feeling like I am not from whatever external reason. With the amount of hair I have on my face, nipples, happy trail, and toes you would think this might be a medical concern. I thought there must be something wrong with me. Plus, I did not see other women with it or talking about it at the time, which made me feel even more insecure and abnormal.
I did some research because I was curious on what would be making my body grow coarse, dark, hair everywhere. PCOS was one of the first things that popped up. Apparently, if you have any kind of thyroid or hormone imbalance this can happen. Specifically, the excess of male hormones called androgens. This is also something that women with PCOS often experience. I assumed this was the root cause of my issue, so I went to get my hormones checked out. Everything was fairly normal except my thyroid levels were a little high, falling slightly on the hypothyroidism radar, but not enough that my doctor was concerned. She said my hormones were fine, and it was not enough for a PCOS diagnosis. I left without any real answers or a solution. I knew there had to be a deeper reason for the excess hair growth and some way I could manage it. I was thinking it could have something to do with my IUD. I have the non-hormonal IUD that is copper and lasts for years, and because of that my body may not be balanced. However, it could also be that my gut microbiome is imbalanced because PCOS is related to gut dysbiosis. I kept diving deeper into the why, and the dots started connecting. Everything is connected, and not everything is related to a medical term either. First, lets talk about the why, and then what we can do to reverse it.
Excess facial hair in women—often referred to as hirsutism—can be caused by several factors. It's a common issue, and understanding the root cause is key to managing or treating it effectively.
🌿 Why Does Excess Facial Hair Grow in Women?
Hormonal Imbalances:
Elevated Androgens: Androgens are male hormones (like testosterone) that women also produce in small amounts. When levels are too high, it can trigger male-pattern hair growth. Spearmint tea naturally lowers androgen levels.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): One of the most common causes. PCOS affects hormone levels, often leading to irregular periods, acne, and hirsutism.
Cushing's Syndrome or Adrenal Disorders: These affect hormone production and can also cause hair growth. Cushing's syndrome, which results from high cortisol levels, and certain forms of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) lead to abnormal androgen production. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH):This is an inherited condition where the adrenal glands don't produce cortisol and androgens correctly. The resulting imbalance in hormone production can lead to excess androgen levels, causing hirsutism. Additionally, androgen-secreting tumors on the adrenal glands can cause very high androgen levels, resulting in hirsutism. This occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, a steroid hormone.
Genetics:
Some women naturally have more body or facial hair due to family traits. This is more common in certain ethnic groups (e.g., Middle Eastern, South Asian, Mediterranean).
Medications:
Certain drugs (e.g., anabolic steroids, testosterone creams, some birth control pills, danazol) can cause or worsen facial hair growth.
Insulin Resistance:
Conditions like type 2 diabetes and PCOS often involve insulin resistance, which can increase androgen levels.
Idiopathic Hirsutism:
In some women, there’s no clear underlying cause—even with normal hormone levels.
🧬 How Does Facial Hair Grow?
Facial hair grows from follicles that respond to androgens. Testosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) are all androgens you may have heard of. When these hormones increase or become more active at the follicle level, hair becomes:
Thicker (terminal hair),
Darker,
And more visible.
Hormones are influenced by our gut microbiome. Since our overall health is determined by our gut health it is no surprise that our gut plays a role in androgen balance. Women that have PCOS are more likely to have an imbalance in androgen levels that cause unwanted hair growth and other symptoms.
High androgen levels in females can cause excess facial hair. Symptoms of high androgens in females include:
Acne
Hair loss
Male pattern hair growth (hirsutism)
Ovarian Cysts
Insulin Resistance
High Cholesterol
Infertility
Some ways to naturally reduce androgen levels are Vitamin D, myo-inositol, spearmint tea, strength training, and prebiotics. If you think you may have PCOS or a hormone imbalance, talk to your doctor about a blood test that shows androgen levels. Click on the underlined word, natural hormone balancing blend, to get yours.
🛑 What Can You Do to Prevent or Manage It?
✅ Medical Treatments:
Hormonal Therapy:
Birth Control Pills: Regulate hormones and lower androgen levels.
Anti-androgens (e.g., spironolactone): Block androgen receptors and reduce hair growth.
Topical Creams:
Eflornithine (Vaniqa): Slows down facial hair growth when applied consistently.
Treat the Underlying Cause:
If it's PCOS or another hormonal disorder, treating that can help reduce symptoms.
✅ Hair Removal Options:
Temporary:
Shaving, waxing, plucking, depilatory creams.
Long-Term:
Laser Hair Removal: Targets hair follicles and reduces growth over time.
My experience with laser hair removal:
Lasering has worked for me, for the most part. My hair is not as dark or as thick as it was before, so it was not a total waste of pain and money. However, it has not shown to be a permanent solution for me. The hair still grows back. It is just softer and usually lighter in color. It does hurt. Some areas are worse than others like the jawline or bikini line. This is a fast process compared to electrolysis. I recommend getting the numbing cream. Especially if you get the face, jaw, or bikini line done. They tell you to not go in direct sunlight at least before two weeks, and you can’t use any tanning lotions either because supposedly its could burn your skin and leave a scar. Although, I am not convinced this is true, because I have definitely gotten a laser treatment after sun exposure and after recent tanning lotion. It did not burn me, but follow the rules of lasering just to be safe. I have always went to ideal image. I feel like they are priced pretty well and also offer payment plans.
Electrolysis: Destroys follicles permanently but can be time-consuming and expensive.
My First attempt to permanently get rid of unwanted hair growth was electrolysis. My experience with electrolysis was terrible. I tried this first before doing laser hair removal treatments. This was by far the most time-consuming and painful one I have ever tried. It was insane how much time I would have to take just to feel normal and pretty again. I went back multiple times to get it done. Sometimes I would pay for an hour, other times it was a half hour. The first time I could not take the pain for the whole hour, so I had to end it early. I was 21 at the time in college. I didn’t really have any money, but I was desperate to get rid of the excess hair growth I had all over my face and jaw area. It literally takes forever, and is way more painful than lasering. I had to sit there for over an hour just for her to get rid of like twenty hairs. Personally, I found this to be pretty ineffective and not sustainable. I recommend lasering over electrolysis -100%.
Cyperus Oil for Hair Removal: Cyperus rotundus oil, also known as nutgrass oil, is a natural remedy that has been used for hair removal for centuries. It is believed to work by inhibiting hair growth and reducing the appearance of unwanted hair.
How It Works:
Cyperus oil contains flavonoids, which may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT plays a role in hair growth.
The oil may also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can soothe and protect the skin after hair removal.
Application:
Apply a few drops of cyperus oil to the desired area after shaving, waxing, or epilating.
Massage the oil into the skin until it is fully absorbed.
Repeat daily for optimal results.
Benefits:
Natural and gentle on the skin, May reduce hair growth over time, Can soothe and moisturize the skin, and Suitable for most skin types.
✅ Lifestyle Changes:
Weight Management: Losing excess weight (if applicable) can lower androgen levels, especially with PCOS.
Low-Glycemic Diet: Helps with insulin resistance and may improve hormone balance.
Switch to Hormone-Friendly Products: Many of us are unaware that the our everyday cleaning products and personal care products actually have extremely harsh chemicals in them that are messing with our hormones and inevitably our overall health. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the body's hormones, either by mimicking them, blocking them, or altering their production, breakdown, or transport. Found in many everyday household and personal care products; like plastics, cosmetics, and pesticides, that can cause negative health effects such as reproductive issues, obesity, diabetes, certain cancers, and developmental problems, especially in children. Examples include BPA, phthalates, PFAS chemicals, and some pesticides like DDT. Exposure can occur through air, diet, skin contact, and water. Be mindful of the products you use because they could be contributing to the disruption of your hormones that are causing this unwanted hair growth.
Naturally Safe and Effective Alternative Products that support your health and hormones
🚨 When to See a Doctor
Rapid or recent onset of hair growth
Accompanied by other symptoms like deepening voice, acne, irregular periods, or scalp hair loss
If it’s affecting your confidence or mental well-being
A gynecologist, endocrinologist, or dermatologist can help evaluate and treat the underlying cause.
There are supplements and natural lifestyle changes that may help support hormone balance and reduce excess facial hair growth, especially when caused by mild hormonal imbalances like PCOS, insulin resistance, or stress.
🌿 Supplements That May Help Balance Hormones & Reduce Facial Hair
Effect: Shown to lower testosterone levels in women.
How to use: 1–2 cups of spearmint tea daily or in capsule form (standardized extract).
Studies: Small clinical trials suggest a modest reduction in hirsutism over several months.
2. Zinc
Effect: Anti-androgenic—helps block the conversion of testosterone into its more active form (DHT).
Dose: 15–30 mg daily (don’t exceed without medical supervision).
Bonus: Helps with acne too.
3. Inositol (Myo-inositol + D-chiro-inositol)
Effect: Improves insulin sensitivity and regulates ovulation in PCOS.
Dose: Common ratio is 40:1 myo- to d-chiro-inositol; total daily dose ~2000–4000 mg.
Benefit: Can lower androgens, balance cycles, and reduce hair growth over time.
4. DIM (Diindolylmethane)
Effect: Supports estrogen metabolism, particularly useful if there’s an estrogen/testosterone imbalance.
Source: Found naturally in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, etc.) but also taken as a supplement.
Caution: Not suitable for everyone—talk to your doctor first if on hormonal meds.
5. Saw Palmetto
Effect: Natural DHT-blocker (like finasteride), reduces androgen effects on hair follicles.
Dose: 160–320 mg daily.
Common Use: Used in both men and women for hair and hormone support.
6. Vitamin D
Effect: Plays a regulatory role in hormone production; often deficient in women with PCOS.
Dose: 1000–4000 IU daily depending on blood levels.
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Effect: Anti-inflammatory, may improve insulin sensitivity and hormone function.
Sources: Fish oil supplements, flaxseed oil, chia seeds.
🌱 Natural (Non-Supplement) Ways to Support Hormonal Balance
✅ 1. Dietary Changes
Low-Glycemic Diet: Stabilizes blood sugar and insulin (helps reduce testosterone).
Focus on whole grains, leafy greens, legumes, berries.
Avoid sugar, dairy (in some cases), and processed carbs.
Eat more fiber: Helps eliminate excess hormones via the gut.
✅ 2. Exercise
Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps reduce excess androgens.
Best types: strength training + moderate cardio.
✅ 3. Stress Reduction
Chronic stress increases cortisol → disrupts other hormones.
Try:
Meditation
Yoga
Walking in nature
Journaling or therapy
✅ 4. Sleep
Aim for 7–9 hours/night.
Poor sleep can worsen insulin resistance and hormone imbalance.
✅ 5. Seed Cycling
A naturopathic approach using flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds in sync with your menstrual cycle.
Goal: Gently support estrogen in the first half of your cycle and progesterone in the second.
⚠️ Important Notes
Supplements take weeks to months to show results—be consistent.
Always consult a doctor or functional medicine provider before starting new supplements, especially if you're taking medications or have a diagnosed condition.
These strategies help manage symptoms, but if you have an underlying hormonal disorder (like PCOS or thyroid dysfunction), it’s essential to treat the root cause.
