Many women who seek electrolysis permanent hair removal treatment for facial hair growth tend to focus on the practical questions: the treatment length, session number, and the results. That focus is entirely reasonable. But for some clients, there’s a question that should come before those, and it does not always get asked at the right time.
In some cases, it is important to determine whether facial hair growth in women has an underlying hormonal driver prior to starting your treatment for facial hair removal. After all, seeking a medical consultation can help ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, in addition to electrolysis permanent hair removal.
Why Facial Hair in Women Sometimes Has Underlying Hormonal Causes
Unwanted facial hair in women most commonly appears along the chin, jawline, and upper lip. These are androgen-sensitive areas, meaning the follicles in these regions respond to “male” hormones which fluctuate throughout the woman’s lifetime, as well as due to certain medical conditions such as PCOS. When androgen levels are elevated, these follicles can transition from producing fine vellus hair to producing coarser, more visible terminal hair.
According to the Better Health Channel, a Victorian government health resource, hirsutism affects about one in ten women. In most cases, the underlying cause is a hormonal condition rather than simple genetics. That distinction matters clinically because hormonal conditions can continue activating new follicles over time, even while existing ones are being successfully treated.
Signs That a Medical Assessment Might Be Worth Pursuing
Not every woman with unwanted facial hair needs blood tests before starting treatment. For many, the unwanted hair growth has a genetic or familial basis and doesn’t indicate anything that requires medical investigation. However, the following are some signs that a GP visit before or alongside starting treatment is worth considering:
- Facial hair growth that appeared or significantly increased in adulthood rather than gradually over time
- Hair growth that has spread or intensified over a relatively short period
- Other symptoms alongside the hair growth, such as irregular periods, acne, or changes in skin texture
- A personal or family history of conditions such as PCOS or thyroid dysfunction
- Hair growth that seems to continue actively, even during a treatment course
None of these signs confirms a hormonal condition on its own. They simply indicate that a conversation with a GP could be a sensible step before assuming the hair growth has no underlying cause.
What a Medical Assessment Involves
A medical assessment to investigate the causes for excess facial hair typically involves a brief medical history, a physical examination, and often, a blood test to check androgen levels and related hormones. It’s a straightforward process and doesn’t require a specialist referral in the first instance, though a GP may refer to an endocrinologist if results suggest a more complex hormonal picture.
Often, health care practitioners can suggest electrolysis permanent hair removal alongside medical treatment. Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method approved by the FDA. As part of this treatment, an ultrafine probe is inserted into the base of the hair follicle, where a small electrical charge triggers a chemical reaction that destroys the stem cells responsible for hair growth, ensuring that the treated follicle will never produce hair again. Electrolysis works independently of hormonal status, across all skin tones and hair colours.
Please note: Multiple electrolysis sessions are required because hair grows at different times within its natural growth cycle, and since not all hairs are present or visible at any one time, a series of electrolysis permanent hair removal treatments ensures all follicles are addressed as they progress through their individual cycles. Mild tingling or stinging during sessions is normal, and some temporary redness or swelling may occur afterwards, typically resolving within a few hours with appropriate aftercare.
. In addition, the electrologist will ask relevant questions during the initial consultation and can flag whether a GP visit might add useful context.
Conclusion
Permanent facial hair removal is most effective when treatment is guided by a clear understanding of what is causing the hair growth. For many women, the cause is straightforward, but if there is any uncertainty, a medical assessment before starting electrolysis can help identify any underlying factors and support a more informed treatment plan.