Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age, but its impact on Black women is often misunderstood or overlooked.
As the online PCOS community continues to grow, more Black women are sharing their experiences, especially around one particularly distressing symptom: unwanted facial hair growth.
PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries work. One of its most visible symptoms is hirsutism, excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back due to elevated androgen levels (often referred to as “male hormones”).
For many Black women, facial hair growth under the chin, along the jawline, or above the lip can trigger emotional distress, anxiety, and frustration with a health care system that too often dismisses their concerns.
Experts say the key issue lies in underdiagnosis. “PCOS can present differently across ethnic groups,” explains Dr. Joy Calloway, an OB-GYN focused on hormonal health in women of color. “In Black women, symptoms like facial hair, irregular periods, and acne may be attributed to stress or lifestyle rather than properly investigated.” This misdiagnosis, or lack of diagnosis, can delay treatment and contribute to a cycle of unmanaged symptoms.
Managing PCOS-related facial hair requires a layered approach. Hormonal birth control is often prescribed to help regulate androgens and minimize hair growth. Anti-androgen medications, like spironolactone, can also be effective, but they’re not always offered to Black women at the same rate as their white counterparts. In addition, dermatological solutions such as laser hair removal and electrolysis can offer longer-term results, though accessibility and affordability remain barriers.
Beyond medical interventions, lifestyle changes like balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and managing insulin resistance (a common PCOS complication) can support hormonal balance. Still, experts emphasize that no one-size-fits-all cure exists, and treatment should be individualized and culturally competent.
Most importantly, the shame and silence around facial hair in Black women with PCOS must be dismantled. The rise of online support groups and influencers openly discussing their journeys is helping others feel seen. With the right care, advocacy, and visibility, Black women living with PCOS can reclaim control over their bodies, and their narratives.
