Why some women have hairy nipples – and when it could mean something serious
IT'S an awkward and embarrassing problem that many women face - hairy nipples.
And we aren't just talking about wispy, light hair that's not easily seen, some women have dark hair hiding in their bra.
In fact, some women find the hair becomes long and coarse - kind of like chest hair on men.
It is not unusual for nipples to be hairy, after all every part of human skin is covered in hair follicles.
But hormonal changes or imbalances in the body can lead to more prominent hair for some women.
For most it is not a cause for concern and can be easily managed with the usual hair removal methods, but sometimes hairy nipples can be a sign of a more serious problem and may require a trip to the GP.
What causes hairy nipples?
The main cause of hairy nipples is our hormones.
Body hair growth for both men and women is controlled by our hormones and becomes more prominent when we hit puberty.
If a woman experiences an over production of the male sex hormone testosterone - yes, all women produce it - then this can overstimulate hair growth.
It can also cause other side effects like acne, irregular periods and an increase in muscle growth.
On the other end of the scale, if a woman starts having fluctuations in the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, this can also cause a surge in the growth of body hair.
This is most common in women who are pregnant or going through the menopause when oestrogen levels tend to drop, causing hair follicles to be more influenced by testosterone.
These hormone fluctuations are completely natural and normally nothing to worry about.
But there are times when hairy nipples could be a sign of something more serious.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects one in five women in the UK.
For many the only hint of PCOS is irregular periods, while in more severe cases sufferers can be left with embarrassing hair growth on their faces, chest, back and backside.
The condition affects how a woman's ovaries function.
It occurs when the sacs the ovaries sit in are unable to release an egg, which means ovulation doesn't happen.
The condition can also lead to an absence of periods, which can also make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant.
PCOS is often brought on by a hormone imbalance.
As polycystic ovary syndrome means a woman is unable to release an egg to be fertilised, her chances of becoming pregnant naturally are very small.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms along with your hairy nipples you should speak to your GP to help manage your symptoms.
The condition cannot be cured but the symptoms can be managed.
Each treatment is designed to manage each individual's most common symptom.
Cushing's syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is caused by having too much of a hormone called cortisol in the body.
It can be serious if it is not treated.
It is usually caused by taking steroid medication for a long time, but may also be caused by a tumour on the pituitary gland in the brain or a tumour on the adrenal glands in the kidneys.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that controls your metabolism and immune response.
Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include increased fat on your chest and tummy, a red, puffy face, bruising easily, purple stretch marks, weakness in the upper arms and legs, low libido, depression and body hair.
It can also cause high blood pressure if left untreated.
The condition usually gets better with treatment but it can take a long time.
Treatments are usually designed to address the underlying cause of the condition, whether its steroids or a tumour, and also aim to manage individual symptoms.
MORE ON WOMEN'S HEALTH
How can you manage your unwanted nipple hair
For most women their nipple hair is easily maintained with a quick wax or a shave.
Some women may opt for laser hair removal for a more permanent solution.
But if you have nipple hair along with any of the symptoms for PCOS or Cushing's syndrome you should speak to your GP about treatment to manage your hormones.
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