PCOS Facial Hair: Why It Happens & How to Manage It
PCOS facial hair (hirsutism) is driven by elevated androgens, which turn fine vellus hairs into coarse terminal hairs on the face, chin, chest, and back. Managing insulin and androgens through diet and exercise helps over time; laser hair removal and anti-androgen medication offer faster, lasting results.
Managing PCOS facial hair
Most women combine removal methods with hormone management for lasting improvement.
- Laser hair removal or electrolysis for long-term reduction.
- Anti-androgen medication (spironolactone, finasteride) to slow new growth.
- Blood-sugar management through diet and exercise to lower androgens.
- Shaving, waxing, and threading for immediate removal while treating the cause.
Know what your body needs, every day
PhaseBloom turns your cycle into a day-by-day plan for how to eat, move, rest, and care for your skin, so you stop guessing and start working with your hormones.
Know what your body needs, every day
PhaseBloom turns your cycle into a day-by-day plan for how to eat, move, rest, and care for your skin, so you stop guessing and start working with your hormones.
Frequently asked questions
Will PCOS facial hair go away?
Existing terminal hairs often need removal (laser or electrolysis) to disappear permanently. Lowering androgens slows new growth, so combining removal with hormone management gives the best results.
Why do I have chin hair with PCOS?
High androgens stimulate hair follicles on the chin, jaw, and upper lip to grow coarse, dark hair. Insulin resistance amplifies androgen production, which is why blood-sugar management helps.