I am so glad I found this site, It is really great to know I am not alone. I just need to write this to get it all out! Maybe it will help me finally get a solution to my problem. I am 25 years old, female, and first started noticing random black hairs growing on the sides of my face when i was about 14. (I started my periods when I was 12). I have always plucked the hairs, but over the years, the hair has not only increased on the sides of my face/neck area, but I have dark random hairs on my chest and my stomach (all of which, besides my face, I began to shave). The hair on my arms, underarms, legs and eyebrows is pretty normal and light. If you looked at me, you would probably never know that I have a "hair" problem (unless you get too close on a day I haven't been able to inspect/tweeze). I keep it as well managed as I can! I have a wonderful boyfriend of 3 years who is aware of my hair "issue" that I have and is completely supportive. It still doesn't change the fact that its embarassing.... I have spoken with my mother, who does not have excessive hair growth, nor does she know of anyone in our family that has had this issue, nor is my dad or anyone on his side excessively hairy. Not really sure where this came from then. My periods have always been normal, and I am not overweight. I find myself constantly picking at my face trying to get any strat hairs that I may have missed. I went to a consultation at a laser hair removal place in college, and found the information exciting, but could not, at the time, afford the treatments. After reading some posts on here, I'm thinking maybe my best bet is to start with an endrocronologist? (sp?) I am not sure what treatments would be best for me after that, electrolysis or laser? The hairs are random, stray black hairs. I am so sick of worrying about it and would just love to get this problem solved permanently, and I am willing to pay whatever it takes! I just feel so much better after finally putting it out there...It can make me feel so awful, so its nice to share in a forum where other people can relate...Thanks for reading!

Can you describe in more detail how much hair growth you have and on what specific areas? From what you describe it sounds like sparse single hairs here and there. Can you estimate the number of hairs on each area? Also, can you tell us if they're coarse (like bikini hair) or fine?

If the growth is in fact just sparse as you describe, you probably do not have a hormonal issue. Some hair, especially finer hair, is normal on all those areas.

Laser should only be used on signicant areas with coarse hair. For more sparse and for fine hair, you definitely would need electrolysis.

Thanks for your response. I would guestimate 10-20 hairs per/area, at least. It takes constant upkeep/grooming... The hair is thick, black and course in texture, feels very different from the hair on my arms, for example.

Electrolysis is probably not only the best option technically, but probably cheaper as well given how little hair you have. I'd look around for an electrologist in your area (search the site here and ask for recommendations if you need to) and have a consultation and see how much time and money it would cost versus laser.

It might not be a bad idea to just mention your hair to your primary care doctor next time you have a check-up or something and ask whether or not it may be hormonally related, unlikely but not a bad idea just in case.