Why does facial hair grow on guys and not most girls?
Published at
Have a medical-related question you’ve always wanted answered? The doctors at Madison Health are here to help! Email your ‘Ask the Doctor’ questions to news@eastidahonews.com and they might end up in our weekly column.
Question: Why does facial hair grow on guys and not most girls?
Answer: All girls have facial hair, but it’s very soft and faint compared to that of boys. Gaining facial hair, for boys and girls both, is one of the last changes that come with puberty. Most boys start noticing hair on their faces at age 15 or 16. The reason that facial hair is so much more dominant in males than females is due to chemicals called androgens, one of which is testosterone, a male sex hormone.
Males have much more testosterone than females; hence, they grow much more facial hair. Biological females who identify as transgender sometimes undergo masculinizing hormone therapy, in which large amounts of testosterone are introduced into their bodies. Over time, they, too, develop heavier facial hair.
Ironically, the same androgens which cause males to produce thick facial hair can trigger, later in life, the exact opposite effect, particularly on top of male heads. Hence, the widespread affliction known as male pattern baldness.
This column does not establish a provider/patient relationship and is for general informational purposes only. This column is not a substitute for consulting with a physician or other health care provider.

Ask the Doctor is brought to you by Mountain View Hospital and Idaho Falls Community Hospital. Mountain View Hospital is proud to offer the community compassionate surgical, labor and delivery, NICU, diagnostic and rehabilitative services. And when the seconds count, count on Idaho Falls Community Hospital for emergency care. With around-the-clock trauma services, state-of-the-art technology, and a highly-skilled team, Idaho Falls Community Hospital is always ready to provide patients with the best possible treatment.

