Chin Hair in women ( Causes, How to Remove )

Hair growth on the human body is a fairly normal scenario. However, excess growth on a girl’s chin might be because of a hormonal imbalance. Causes of chin hair in women. How to remove chin hair in women.

One of the causes of hormonal imbalance is polycystic ovarian syndrome. One of the symptoms of PCOS is hirsutism, where there is excess growth of hair near the chin area. Every 1 in 4 females suffer from PCOS and have hirsutism along with acne, weight gain, infertility, and abnormal menstrual cycle.

Causes of Chin Hair in Women

• Ovarian tumors, that lead to excess secretion of androgen in the body
• Cushing’s disease, which causes the secretion of excess testosterone from the pituitary gland
• Certain medications lead to excess androgens and testosterone
• Aging and postmenopause lead to hormonal imbalance
• Pre-diabetes
• Significant weight gain or weight loss in a short span
• PCOS /PCOD

How to Remove Chin Hair in Women

• Physical Removal

Physical removal of chin hair is a temporary relief for chin hair growth as there is constant regrowth. It can be removed by plucking, using tweezers, as well as by waxing or shaving. The only drawback with these methods is they can irritate the skin or cause rashes and pain.

• Interventional Removal

Medication is prescribed to reduce the secretion of androgens, testosterone, and certain enzymes that lead to hirsutism. Metformin can be given to treat PCOS and eventually reduce chin hair growth. Electrolysis or laser treatment can also permanently remove the chin hair. A healthy lifestyle needs to be adapted, for hormonal balance.

To adapt to a healthy lifestyle one must eat nutritious foods and indulge in regular exercises to remain fit.

Lifestyle Correction to Treat Hormonal Imbalance

• Exercise

Perform cardio workouts at least 3 times a week for a minimum of 30 to 46 minutes. A cardio workout helps to reduce the insulin resistance that PCOS causes. Exercise helps to deal with hormonal changes after menopause. Workouts also help to maintain a normal weight and stay away from diseases. Exercise and meditation help to beat stress and induce sound sleep, thereby balancing the hormones.

• Food

Right food helps to balance the hormones, reduce weight, manage PCOS, and reduce insulin resistance. All these will help to reduce hirsutism.

Foods for Better Hormonal Balance

• Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates do not lead to sudden sugar spikes, thereby controlling insulin resistance. These carbs take time to digest, thus, preventing overeating and managing weight issues. Complex carbohydrates also have anti-cancer properties that can help prevent tumor growth.

• Fiber

Fiber prevents sudden sugar spikes and reduces insulin resistance. They keep you full for long, so you avoid overeating and maintain weight. Fiber helps to reduce inflammation and free radicals in the body, thereby not hindering hormone function. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole cereals, and millet to increase the fiber intake in the diet.

• Good Quality Proteins

Hormones are made of proteins and are also transported with the help of proteins. A protein-deficient diet reduces hormone production and functioning. A good quality protein diet maintains hormone balance and helps in the repair of the body tissues. A high-protein diet has a high satiation that aids in weight loss. The protein in the diet helps to increase the metabolism and thus, helps in shedding extra kilos. Include egg, poultry, fish, pulses, dals, milk, and its products, and soy and its products.

• Good Quality Fats

There is a myth regarding fat, that fat consumption hinders weight loss. Truth is, good quality fat if consumed helps in weight loss. Omega 3-rich fats help in reducing the body’s inflammation and in the production and maintenance of normal hormone function. Omega 3 and MUFA-rich fats increase good fat in the body while maintaining the body’s metabolism. Include foods like olive oil, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, groundnut oil, and rice bran oil.

• Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Vitamins and minerals play a major role as a catalyst in body functions. For any enzyme to function, it needs micronutrients. Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables have anti-carcinogenic properties. Include 4 – 5 portions of colorful and seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.

• Seeds

Seed cycling is a well-known method to manage PCOS. Consume pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds from day 1 till ovulation. After ovulation consume sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. These seeds are rich in lignans, antioxidants, and zinc which help to manage hormones and PCOS.

Foods to avoid

• Refined foods

Refined foods like sugar, flour, excess salt, packaged foods, junk food, and tinned and canned foods increase insulin resistance. It also leads to weight gain and creates an imbalance in the hormone level. Switch to organic foods as soon as possible to maintain normal hormone function.

• Excess sugar

Excess sugar leads to a sugar spike and increases insulin resistance. It also affects the PCOS condition worsening the symptoms. Replace the sugar with natural sweeteners like dates, apricots, and prunes.

Chin Hair in Women; Diet Plan for Hormonal Imbalance

Energy: 1300 kcal      Carbohydrates: 200 gms      Proteins: 60 gms        Fats: 25 gms

Removal of chin hair is possible physically. However, to control the regrowth, it is important to follow a diet that helps in improving hormonal imbalance.

Empty stomach: 10 – 12 soaked prunes (soaked at night)

Before breakfast: 1 cup Watermelon

Breakfast: 1 cup of Coffee or Tea (no sugar) + 1 besan + methi leaves stuffed paratha with 1 cup low-fat curd

Mid-morning: 1 protein laddoo (Sattu powder, dates, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and almonds) or 1 glass Sattu drink

Lunch: 1 cup Chickpea salad + 2 Jowar Roti + 1 cup Amaranth vegetable + 1 cup dal /or 100 gms chicken or fish  + 1 glass buttermilk

Evening: 1 cup Green tea + 1 cup Sukha bhel (Puffed rice, roasted chana, veggies)

Dinner: 1 cup Green Salad + 1 cup Red rice + 1 cup Paneer capsicum vegetable + 1 cup Dal Palak + 1 cup curd

Bedtime: 1 tablespoon roasted flaxseed and pumpkin seed or sunflower seeds and sesame seeds

End note

Chin hair in women might not be a very big issue. Temporary methods to remove chin hair might help cosmetologically. But, the underlying condition can be alarming enough to take some action and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Controlling as well as managing hormonal imbalance will indirectly help to reduce chin hair. Indulge in healthy eating along with appropriate workouts and a stress-free life to maintain the hormonal balance.