I'll set the scene, shall I ?
The morning air is crisp, and the world feels calm as you drive along with your loved one, enjoying the peaceful start to the day. The road stretches ahead, lined with trees whose leaves are just beginning to hint at autumn. The car is filled with the comforting hum of the engine and the soft sounds of your favorite Sunday morning playlist.
The two of you talk about the week ahead, share little stories, and laugh at inside jokes that only the two of you understand. The excitement of a leisurely brunch together lingers in the air, and you both eagerly anticipate the moment when you can sip strong coffee and indulge in delicious food.
The soft light of the morning sun caresses your face, and you catch their gentle gaze. Stopping the car, their hand moves towards you and rests against your cheek, the touch warm and reassuring. You smile up at them, feeling a wave of affection as you ask, "What did you just say?"
"You've got hair growing on your face honey!"
Their stinging vocal tone now overrides the music in the car.
And your eyes widen in horror.
They keep talking, seemingly oblivious to the impact of their words. "I’ve never noticed it before. You’ve actually got quite a bit," they say, their voice tinged with fascination.
WT actual F? you think, your pulse quickening. Maybe, if you just close your eyes, you’ll wake up and this will all disappear.
You squeeze your eyes shut, willing the universe to rewind just a few minutes.
They absentmindedly run their fingers over your face, seemingly oblivious to the impact it’s having on you. Your eyes quickly open again, nope, still awake !
Their theatrics beat anything you've ever seen on a stage.
Then the distressing truth hits you. That while you've been basking in the glow of warmth and love, they've been inspecting your furry face In the glaring light of the mid-morning sun.
And it's not pretty.
Or, I'd argue, even mildly attractive.
Okay, I'll admit - perhaps what you're growing isn't quite a beard. But the fact that you've got facial hair growing where you wouldn't normally grow hair, is a little alarming !
I know that facial hair can be a personal preference, and attractiveness is subjective and will vary between an individual and from culture to culture.
Many people find facial hair attractive, associating it with maturity, masculinity, and confidence.
ON A FUCKING MAN !
And I'm not a man. And nor, I'd hazard a guess, are you !
Not only are we going through one of the more disturbing, sometimes tortuous and ever exhausting life's journey we call menopause, we're supposed to accept a change of gender as well ?
No thanks.
My attempt at humour is intended to amuse, not negate the fact that the path we're on isn't easy. But I intend to fight, kick and scream all the way through it if I get to maintain my sense of self, my femininity and at least some of my sanity along the way.
Are you with me ?
I need to note that Menopause can be just one of several factors that can contribute to facial hair growth. Here are some other common reasons:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a common endocrine disorder that can lead to increased levels of androgens (male hormones), causing symptoms like facial hair growth.
Hormonal Imbalances: Apart from menopause, other hormonal imbalances, such as those related to thyroid function or adrenal glands, can lead to increased facial hair.
Medications: Certain medications, like steroids, hormone treatments, or even some types of birth control, can cause changes in hair growth patterns, including on the face.
Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in determining hair growth patterns. If women in your family have more facial hair, you might be genetically predisposed to it as well.
Cushing's Syndrome: This condition occurs when the body is exposed to high levels of cortisol for an extended period. One of its symptoms can be increased facial hair growth.
Insulin Resistance: Conditions like Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance can be associated with higher levels of androgens, leading to increased facial hair.
Certain Tumors: Though rare, tumors in the ovaries or adrenal glands can produce excess androgens, leading to symptoms like increased facial hair.
Stress: Chronic stress can impact hormone levels, including those that regulate hair growth.
Excessive Weight Gain: Being overweight can affect your body’s hormonal balance, sometimes leading to increased androgens and, as a result, more facial hair.
Understanding the cause of increased facial hair is key to managing it effectively.
I cannot stress enough the importance of getting your hormone levels tested.
First up. Estrogen. Progesterone. Testosterone.
And any other blood test your healthcare provider feels you may benefit from. Your thyroid is another good one to test - see my blog post about thyroid health.
Perimenopause and Menopause brings about body changes, one of which can be the growth of facial hair. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during this time, specifically the decrease in estrogen and the relative increase in androgens (male hormones like testosterone) is what can cause the issues.
Managing those hormonal fluctuations is crucial in addressing any issues you have.
Once you have a starting point with your blood test results, you'll be able to ascertain which hormones you need more of and which ones you need less of, in order to create the balance.
And you get to balance your hormones whichever way you want (read my other blog posts on what options are available to you).
It's not a one size fits all approach, and what's good for me, isn't going to be what works for you. But you have choices. And that is the most important factor to note. You do not have to 'put up' with anything you don't want to.
Gone are the days when you were told by a doctor that this was it, this is your life in a nutshell. Where you had no other option but to just grin and bear it.
It is your life, it is your choice to make. Take pleasure in reading, researching, exploring, experimenting. And succeeding along the way. Whether it's small steps or great big ones, every step forward matters if you want a choice in how you get to experience Menopause.
And if you get to have a giggle while you do it, then why the bloody hell not ?
And of course if you want to grow facial hair, that my friend, is entirely up to you. You get to choose the best version of you that you can possibly be.
I intend to enjoy my journey. I really want you to be able to enjoy yours x
Comments