A related discussion,
hirsutism and hypothyroidism was started.
Thank you all for your responses they have helped a lot
Kit, I want you to know - I had so much fine white facial hair, I had to resort to shaving my face the last 4 years before I finally got treatment for hypO. I also had dark hair above my upper lip - unsightly for a woman! (Shaving hair off doesn't make it thicker or grow faster - that's just an old wive's tale!)
In my case, facial hair was only another weird symptom of untreated (and under-treated) hypOthyroidism. Because after I started taking Armour at the necessary dose for me, ALL the facial hair went away, and am I glad!
Rella48
electrolysis would work in some cases. waxing less effective (at least in my experience). I agree this sounds more like vellous hair than hirsutism and in that case may be more thyroid related -- tough to tell without seeing it -- ask your doc if it is hirsutism or not.
Thank you for your responses. I thought I was the only one, would electrolysis have any effect if I waxed it would I end up with a beard effect I would be afraid to risk it
I am postmenopause with hypothyroidism, and have a lot of hair growth on my face. It is mostly white with a few dark hairs now and then. Not sure if mine is from too much testosterone or from hypothyroidism.
Yes, the type hair you have described (vellous hair) has been listed as a symptom of hypothyroidism. I don't know if it disappears in those folks who have it once optimally treated, but I would think it doubtful. Dr. Mark may have more info on it though.
Hirsutism specifically refers to male-type hair growth in a female - ie, small black facial hairs particularly around chin/lips, chest hair and hair from belly-button down. Lots of white hair on face is possibly hirsutism particularly if it initially looks like stubble.
Hypothyroidism is not a common cause of hirsutism - usually it's due to an excess of male hormone - hypothyroid can cause hair loss, brittle hair, thinning hair -- if it does not improve with correcting hypothyroidism then would look into causes such as male hormone excess.
Also take a vitamin with biotin, lutein, zinc and b-complex. Some vitamin stores will see a hair/nail formulation that makes it more convenient.