PCOS and Hirsutism: Why the Hair Happens and What Science Says You Can Do About It

If you have PCOS, you're far from alone if you've noticed more facial or body hair than expected. In fact, around 70% of women with PCOS experience hirsutism - the medical term for excess dark, coarse hair growth (1).

And yes, it can feel deeply personal. Facial hair, chest hair, stomach hair, chin stubble - these visible symptoms can affect confidence, body image, and mental wellbeing.

Approximately 65% to 75% of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) experience hirsutism.

But here's the important bit: body hair is not a moral failing, a femininity test, or evidence your hormones are “broken”. It's biology doing biology things. And whether you choose to remove it, reduce it, or proudly ignore it is entirely your call.

Still, if you do want to manage PCOS facial hair growth, science offers several effective options.

What is hirsutism?

Hirsutism is excessive terminal hair growth in women in areas where hair is typically finer or lighter - such as the upper lip, chin, chest, abdomen, or back.

The key word here is terminal. Everyone has vellus hair (the soft “peach fuzz” variety). But in PCOS, hormones can encourage those fluffy little hairs to upgrade themselves into darker, thicker, more stubborn strands.

Think of it as your hair follicles receiving an overenthusiastic promotion memo.

Why does PCOS cause facial hair growth?

The main culprit is elevated androgen hormones - including testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

These hormones stimulate hair follicles, increasing both hair thickness and growth rate. In PCOS, androgen levels are often higher than usual, which is why symptoms like hirsutism, acne, and scalp hair thinning commonly appear together.

Androgens essentially tell follicles: “Excellent work, everyone. Let's grow more hair.” Unfortunately, some follicles take this instruction very seriously.

Practical ways to manage PCOS facial hair

There's no universally “right” approach to hirsutism. Some women remove hair daily. Others occasionally. Others not at all. Your body, your rules. That said, here are the most evidence-based options available.

1. Shaving

Shaving is fast, affordable, painless, and medically safe.

Contrary to one of humanity's most persistent beauty myths, shaving does not make hair grow back thicker. It simply cuts the hair bluntly, making regrowth feel coarser.

The downside? Frequent shaving can irritate sensitive skin and increase the risk of ingrown hairs.

Best for:

• Quick maintenance
• Budget-friendly hair removal
• Sensitive areas requiring minimal trauma

2. Depilatory creams

Depilatories dissolve hair just below the skin's surface using chemicals found in creams, lotions, or gels.

The upside: smoother results than shaving, without visible stubble.

The downside: they don't affect the follicle itself, meaning regrowth still happens. Some formulas can also irritate sensitive skin, so patch testing is essential unless you enjoy surprise rashes.

3. Waxing

Waxing removes hair from the root, so results generally last longer than shaving.

Over time, repeated waxing may weaken some follicles, causing hair to regrow finer and less densely.

However, waxing can also trigger:

• Skin irritation
• Folliculitis
• Ingrown hairs
• The temporary loss of your will to book another appointment! Especially if your skin is sensitive.

4. Electrolysis

Electrolysis destroys individual hair follicles using a tiny electrical current delivered via a fine needle.

It's one of the few genuinely permanent hair removal methods available.

The catch? It can be time-consuming, uncomfortable, and often requires multiple sessions. But for small areas like the chin or upper lip, it can be highly effective.

5. Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in the hair follicle with heat energy, reducing future growth.

For many women with PCOS, this is one of the most effective long-term options for hirsutism management.

However:

• Multiple sessions are usually needed
• Hormonal changes can trigger regrowth
• Costs can add up quickly

If you choose laser treatment, ensure your practitioner is registered with the Healthcare Commission or British Medical Laser Association. Because “discount mystery laser” should never be a sentence anyone says out loud.

Medical treatments for hirsutism

Hair removal tackles the symptom. Medical treatment aims to address the hormonal driver behind it.

Eflornithine cream

Eflornithine cream slows facial hair growth by interfering with follicle activity.

It doesn't remove existing hair, but consistent use over 2–3 months may reduce regrowth significantly.

Potential side effects include:

• Skin irritation
• Acne breakouts
• Dryness

So unfortunately, your follicles may still insist on having opinions.

Anti-androgen medication

Doctors may prescribe medications that block androgen activity, including:

• Co-cyprindiol
• Cyproterone
• Spironolactone
• Finasteride

These treatments can improve:

• Hirsutism
• Acne
• Scalp hair thinning

Results usually take 4–6 months because hair follicles operate on slow biological timelines and apparently refuse to rush for anyone.

The emotional impact of hirsutism

Hirsutism isn't “just cosmetic”. Studies show it can contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and social withdrawal (2).

And when a symptom affects the face - the part of us most visible to the world - that emotional weight can feel enormous. Support matters.

That might include:

• Therapy
• PCOS support groups
• Honest conversations with trusted people
• Building daily self-care habits that help you feel grounded

Even 30 minutes of movement, meditation, reading, stretching, dancing, or doing absolutely nothing productive can genuinely support stress regulation. Which, biologically speaking, your hormones will probably appreciate.

How to reduce facial hair growth naturally with PCOS

Lifestyle changes won't “cure” hirsutism overnight. But improving insulin sensitivity and reducing androgen activity can help support long-term hormone balance.

Eat low-GI foods

Insulin and androgens are closely linked in PCOS.

Higher insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens. More androgens can mean more unwanted hair growth.

Low glycaemic index (GI) foods help stabilise blood sugar and insulin levels (3).

Helpful low-GI staples include:

• Oats
• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Whole grains
• Lentils
• Beans
• Legumes

Basically: fewer blood sugar rollercoasters, fewer hormonal plot twists.

Consider reducing dairy

Some research suggests insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), naturally present in dairy products, may influence hair follicle growth and androgen activity (4).

IGF-1 has also been linked to acne and increased sebum production in PCOS (5).

This doesn't mean dairy is “bad”, but some women notice improvements in symptoms when reducing intake. Thankfully, modern supermarkets now contain alternative milk options, so experimentation is easier than ever.

Try myo-inositol

Myo-inositol is one of the most researched supplements for PCOS.

Research suggests it may support:

• Ovulation
• Menstrual regularity
• Insulin sensitivity
• Acne improvement
• Reduction in hirsutism

One study found excessive hair growth significantly improved after six months of treatment (6).

The commonly recommended dose is 4g daily – powdered Myo-Inositol is simple to use, simply stirred into hot or cold drinks, easy to use and take consistently.

“Myo-Inositol is suitable for women with PCOS, we recommend pairing it with our Multi-Max Women which contains vitamin B6 for hormone regulation and chromium to support blood glucose levels.”

Nature's Best Expert Nutrition Advice

Drink spearmint tea

Surprisingly, spearmint tea has shown potential anti-androgen effects.

In one small study, women with PCOS drank two cups daily for 30 days, with researchers observing improvements in androgen markers linked to hirsutism (7).

Will spearmint tea single-handedly defeat chin hairs? Probably not. But as supportive habit stacking goes, it's a fairly pleasant one.

Final thoughts

Excess facial and body hair is one of the most common symptoms of PCOS - and one of the most emotionally misunderstood.

Whether you choose laser hair removal, medication, lifestyle changes, spearmint tea, or complete follicular freedom, the goal isn't perfection. It's comfort, confidence, and feeling at home in your own skin.

And that looks different for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• PCOS facial and body hair growth is extremely common, affecting around 70% of women with the condition due to elevated androgen hormones (1).
• The most effective ways to manage hirsutism include laser hair removal, electrolysis, anti-androgen medication, and lifestyle strategies that improve insulin sensitivity, such as low-GI eating and myo-inositol supplementation (2)(6).
• Hirsutism can affect emotional wellbeing as much as physical appearance, but there is no “right” way to manage body hair - removal, reduction, or embracing it are all equally valid choices.

If you're not sure if unwanted hair is PCOS or perimenopause? Visit Nutrition Buzz to find out more.

Disclaimer: This article offers informational advice and is not a substitute for professional medical care. While we strive for accuracy and up-to-date information, always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are under medical supervision.

References:

1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (no date) ACOG. Available online: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
2. Ekbäck MP, Lindberg M, Benzein E, Årestedt K. (2014) Social support: an important factor for quality of life in women with hirsutism. Health Qual Life Outcomes 12:183. https://europepmc.org/article/MED/25526751
3. Radulian G. (2009) Metabolic effects of low glycaemic index diets. Nutr J 8:5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19178721/
4. Rajaeieh G, et al. (2014) The Relationship between Intake of Dairy Products and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women Who Referred to Isfahan University of Medical Science Clinics in 2013. Int J Prev Med 5(6):687–694. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/4085920
5. Meinik B. (2012) Dietary intervention in acne. Dermatoendocrinol 4(1):20–23. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.4161/derm.19828
6. Minozzi M. (2008) Treatment of hirsutism with myo-inositol: a prospective clinical study. Reproductive BioMedicine Online 17(4):579-582. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23318673
7. Grant P. (2010) Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. A randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res. (2):186-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19585478/