Hirsutism and Menopause: Why Facial Hair Increases and What Helps

Short answer: Coarse facial hair, such as chin or upper-lip hairs, becomes more common as women get older, particularly after menopause, and it is usually harmless.^[1] If you had PMOS (formerly PCOS) before menopause, the hair growth can continue afterward.^[2] New hair growth that is severe or getting worse quickly after menopause, especially with a deeper voice or scalp hair loss, should be checked by a doctor. It can rarely signal an ovarian condition or an androgen-producing tumor.^{[1], [2]}

Menopause usually happens between ages 45 and 55. During this time the body makes less estrogen and progesterone.^[3] Some women notice new dark hairs on the chin or upper lip at around the same time.^[1]

This article explains why facial hair can increase around menopause, how to tell what is normal from what needs checking, and which treatments work for women after menopause.

Is facial hair after menopause normal?

Yes, in most cases. The NHS notes that coarse hair on the face and body is common as women get older, particularly after menopause. Lighter, finer hair is usually not hirsutism.^[1] A few dark chin hairs appearing in your 50s is a very common experience and not, on its own, a sign of disease. See what you can do about dark hairs on your chin.

Why does facial hair increase after menopause?

Coarse facial and body hair grows from follicles that respond to androgens, hormones such as testosterone. Inside these follicles, an enzyme called 5α-reductase converts testosterone into a more potent form.^[4] At menopause, estrogen and progesterone fall.^[3] A common explanation is that this changes the balance between estrogen and androgens, letting androgen-sensitive follicles respond more. We could not find strong studies that confirm this mechanism, so treat it as a likely explanation rather than settled fact.

Typical menopause does not involve a rise in testosterone. MedlinePlus gives a normal range of 2.9 to 40.1 ng/dL for women over 50, slightly lower than for younger women (8.4 to 48.1 ng/dL).^[7] So most women with a few new chin hairs after menopause have normal hormone tests.

What causes hirsutism after menopause?

Normal aging

As described above, mild coarse facial hair is common after menopause and needs no treatment unless it bothers you.^[1]

PMOS (formerly PCOS) that continues after menopause

PMOS, previously called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), was renamed in 2026 to reflect its effects on several hormone systems and metabolism.^[5] The 2023 international PCOS guideline says the diagnosis can be considered lifelong. It also says both clinical androgen excess, such as hirsutism, and raised androgen levels in the blood persist after menopause in women with PCOS.^[2] If you had irregular periods and hirsutism when you were younger, menopause may not end the hair growth.

Ovarian hyperthecosis

In ovarian hyperthecosis, clusters of hormone-producing cells in the ovaries make extra androgens. The international PCOS guideline lists it, together with androgen-secreting tumors, as a condition to investigate when a postmenopausal woman develops new or worsening severe androgen excess.^[2]

Androgen-secreting tumors

Tumors of the ovary or adrenal gland that make androgens are rare, but the risk is the reason sudden or fast-worsening hair growth after menopause should be checked.^[2] Signs include rapidly increasing hair growth, a deepening voice, an enlarged clitoris and increasing muscle bulk.^{[1], [4]} Read more in what is virilization?

Medicines, including testosterone

Some postmenopausal women are prescribed testosterone for low sexual desire. At doses that keep levels in the normal female range, a global consensus statement found mild increases in acne and body or facial hair growth in some women.^[6] Women can also absorb testosterone from a partner’s testosterone gel through skin contact.^[10] See drugs that can cause hirsutism.

Other hormonal conditions

Cushing’s syndrome and an underactive thyroid are uncommon causes of excess hair.^{[4], [11]}

Warning signs: When facial hair after menopause needs checking

See a doctor promptly, and ask for an urgent appointment if needed, if you notice:^{[1], [2], [4]}

• New thick, dark hair that suddenly starts growing on your face and body
• Hair growth that is severe or getting noticeably worse over weeks to months
• A deepening voice
• An enlarged clitoris
• Increasing muscle bulk
• New male-pattern hair loss on your scalp, such as at the temples

Most hirsutism guidelines, including the Endocrine Society’s, were written for premenopausal women.^[4] After menopause, the international PCOS guideline is the main guide. It recommends investigating new or worsening severe androgen excess for tumors and ovarian hyperthecosis.^[2]

How is postmenopausal hirsutism diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask how quickly the hair appeared, whether you have other symptoms and which medicines you take, and will examine you.^{[2], [4]} Tests may include:

• Testosterone blood test. Ideally measured with an accurate method such as mass spectrometry.^{[2], [4]} Normal ranges vary by lab and age.^[7]
• DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), an androgen made mainly by the adrenal glands, to look at adrenal androgen production^[4]
• Imaging, such as a transvaginal ultrasound of the ovaries or a CT scan of the adrenal glands, if a tumor is suspected^[4]

Learn more in diagnosing hirsutism: Blood tests, ultrasound and other labs.

Treatment options for facial hair after menopause

If a specific cause such as a tumor or hyperthecosis is found, it is treated directly. For hair growth from aging or PMOS, the focus is on the hair itself. Treatment is a personal choice, and you don’t have to remove hair that doesn’t bother you.

Tweezing, shaving and other temporary methods

Tweezing a few chin hairs, shaving, waxing and threading are all reasonable choices. DermNet classes them as temporary methods.^[9] Practical tips: Use good light and a magnifying mirror, use a fresh blade, and moisturize afterward if your skin is dry. See tweezing facial hair: The pros and cons.

Eflornithine cream

Evidence: Moderate Eflornithine is a prescription cream that slows the growth of facial hair.^[1] The Endocrine Society suggests adding it for women who want a faster response to laser treatment.^[4] It reduces regrowth but does not remove hair, so it works best with another method.

Laser hair removal

Evidence: Moderate The Endocrine Society suggests laser or light-based hair removal for brown or black hair, based on low-quality evidence.^[4] The AAD says it works best on dark hair and light skin, and most people need 2 to 6 sessions.^[8] Laser targets pigment, so it is a poor fit for gray, white or very light hairs, which become more common with age. That is why the Endocrine Society suggests electrolysis for white or blonde hair instead.^[4] The NHS notes that laser is not usually permanent.^[1]

Electrolysis

Evidence: Limited Electrolysis uses an electric current to destroy individual hair follicles and is classed as a permanent hair removal method.^{[1], [9]} It works on hair of any color, which makes it useful for gray or white hairs. The supporting evidence is low quality.^[4] See the guide to permanent hair removal.

Hormonal medicines

Before menopause, the combined pill is the usual first medicine for hirsutism.^[4] The NHS lists contraceptive pills as an option only before menopause.^[1] Whether an anti-androgen is suitable after menopause depends on the cause and your health, so discuss it with your doctor. See hirsutism medication.

Go deeper: Sudden facial hair growth: when it is urgent · Normal testosterone levels in women

Frequently asked questions

Why am I suddenly growing chin hair after menopause?

A few coarse chin hairs are common after menopause and usually harmless.^[1] If the hair is spreading quickly or you notice a deeper voice or scalp hair loss, see a doctor.^{[1], [2]}

Does facial hair go away after menopause?

Usually not on its own. Coarse facial hair tends to become more common with age.^[1] If you had PMOS, the androgen excess can continue after menopause.^[2]

Can HRT cause facial hair?

Testosterone therapy can cause mild increases in facial and body hair in some women.^[6] We did not find good studies on facial hair and estrogen-only or combined HRT. Ask your doctor if you notice changes after starting any hormone treatment.

Can laser remove gray facial hair?

Usually not well, because laser needs pigment to target. Electrolysis is the recommended option for white or blonde hair.^{[4], [8]}

Is hair loss on my legs and arms normal during menopause?

We cover this in is hair loss on arms and legs normal during menopause?

Key takeaways

• Coarse facial hair is common after menopause and is usually harmless.
• PMOS (formerly PCOS) can continue to cause excess hair after menopause.
• Severe, sudden or fast-worsening hair growth, a deepening voice or an enlarged clitoris after menopause need prompt investigation for ovarian hyperthecosis or a rare tumor.
• Laser works best on dark hair. Electrolysis is the better option for gray or white hairs.
• Treatment is a personal choice, and no one has to remove hair that doesn’t bother them.

Sources

1. NHS. Excessive hair growth (hirsutism). Accessed October 2026. Link
2. Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JJE, et al. Recommendations From the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;108(10):2447-2469. PubMed 37580314
3. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Menopause. Accessed October 2026. Link
4. Martin KA, Anderson RR, Chang RJ, et al. Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(4):1233-1257. PubMed 29522147
5. Teede HJ, et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. 2026;407(10545):2329-2339. Published online May 12, 2026. PubMed 42119588
6. Davis SR, Baber R, Panay N, et al. Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019;104(10):4660-4666. DOI 10.1210/jc.2019-01603
7. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Testosterone. Accessed October 2026. Link
8. American Academy of Dermatology. Laser hair removal: FAQs. Accessed October 2026. Link
9. DermNet. Hair removal techniques. Accessed October 2026. Link
10. MedlinePlus Drug Information. Testosterone Topical. Accessed October 2026. Link
11. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Cushing’s Syndrome. Accessed October 2026. Link

This article is for education and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about diagnosis and treatment.