Coarse, dark hair on the face and body in a male pattern is called hirsutism. In most women it is either genetic or driven by mildly raised androgens, and polycystic ovary syndrome is the commonest cause of the latter — typically with irregular periods, acne and weight that is hard to shift.
The hair itself can be treated regardless of cause. Vaniqa (eflornithine) cream slows regrowth on the face and under the chin so that removal is needed less often and regrowth is finer. Our pharmacists supply it privately to women 18 and over — see the facial hair service and what Vaniqa does and doesn’t do.
The cause deserves a GP check if hair growth is new and rapid, if periods are irregular or absent, or if there are other changes like a deeper voice or acne flaring. PCOS can also affect fertility and long-term metabolic health, so it is worth knowing.
Weight loss improves PCOS-driven hirsutism for many women; our weight loss clinic can help with that alongside Vaniqa. And for acne that often travels with it, see our acne service.
15-minute pharmacist consultation, supplied under a Patient Group Direction. Book a time at any of our six branches or walk in.
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