Woman With Thick Facial Hair Suffers Hirsutism Caused by PCOS

A woman from California has had thick facial hair since she was 12. She was diagnosed with hirsutism caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Woman With Thick Facial Hair

LaRae Perkins, a customer service agent from Compton, California, has battled facial hair growth her entire life. She said that she began experiencing PCOS symptoms around puberty at the age of 12. However, she had had hair on her face her whole life.

Perkins recalled that she had thick sideburns that connected to the back of her hairline at a younger age. The only thing mentioned at the time was that she had a higher percentage of male hormones known as androgens than most women.

Then, when she started having irregular menstrual cycles, that is how she was diagnosed with PCOS. She described that her body was struggling to start a period. So she had to be put on birth control pills to regulate it.

According to the Daily Mail, Perkins has no plans to shave her facial hair because she doesn't want to cause more issues than just having a beard. She said that her appearance is important and having skin that has pigmentation, dark marks, or even razor bumps would make her sad and feel less beautiful.

Perkins has embraced her hirsutism by learning to love herself despite what others may think.

What Is Hirsutism?

Hirsutism is characterized by thick, black hair on a woman's face, neck, chest, abdomen, buttocks, lower back, or thighs. This condition is connected to androgen hormones. It may occur if these hormone levels rise or if the body develops a greater sensitivity to them.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most prevalent cause, and this ovary-related issue can also lead to symptoms including acne and irregular menstruation. Sometimes, there isn't a clear reason. Rarely, some medications, the use of anabolic steroids, other hormonal disorders such as Cushing's syndrome and acromegaly, or a tumor that affects hormone levels can all contribute to hirsutism.

According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition can cause distress on a psychological level. Some women experience self-consciousness because of their unwanted hair. Some people get depressed. Additionally, even though hirsutism doesn't result in any medical problems, the underlying reason for a hormone imbalance can.

In most cases, hirsutism cannot be prevented. However, if a person is overweight and has polycystic ovarian syndrome, lowering weight may assist in lessening hirsutism.

Who Can Acquire Hirsutism?

Hirsutism primarily affects women and assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals. It can afflict men and those people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Yet, it can be challenging to distinguish hirsutism from the normal thick, black, and long hair growth of the terminal hair.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, if you have a family history of hirsutism-causing illnesses, particularly PCOS and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, you are more likely to get it. Children are rarely impacted by hirsutism. If it does, early puberty is often indicated.

Additionally, it is more prevalent in those of Hispanic, Mediterranean, South Asian, and Middle Eastern descent.

The condition affects 5% to 10% of AFAB people and women who are close to childbearing age.

Depending on the source of hirsutism, you can lower your risk of having it. Losing weight through healthy nutrition and consistent activity may lower your risk of having PCOS. Asking a doctor could help with how you might lower your risk if you're taking any medications that could lead to hirsutism.

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