help with gender identification

[Firsk]

My brother is engaged to be married, and when I saw a picture of his fiance, I noticed that she has a faint blackishness to her lower face, and I mean the area associated with a man's beard. Can you think of anything but facial hair that could cause that? Thank you.

[Angebelle]

Women can have an imbalance of certian hormones, like testosterone, that can cause growth of hair similar to men.  Another cause could be a really bad photograph.  Good luck to your brother and fiance!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This blackish discoloration can be due to melasma also. Melasma is caused by hormonal changes, which stimulate a temporary increase in your body's production of melanin. People with darker complexions are more prone to this condition than people with lighter skin.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[maatson]

Seem the lady is trying to cover up the small blemish with her hair! Nothing more, I guess.