What Causes Women to Get Hair Growth Around Their Nipples?

Hormonal Changes
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Pregnancy

Written by Leigh Good

29 August, 2019

If you suddenly notice dark hairs around your nipples, a surge in hormones is likely to blame, according to the Hormone Help Center of New York 2. Women experience hormonal surges naturally throughout their lives. An increase in hormones can lead to sudden hair growth on your nipples as well as on your face or back. Your doctor can test your hormone levels and help you determine the cause of an increase in hair around your nipples 2.

Hormonal Changes

A rise in testosterone can lead to increased hair growth on your nipples, according to the Hormone Help Center of New York 2. Testosterone often surges in young women around the time of puberty, which can lead to new hair growth in many places, including around the nipples. Women experience their highest levels of testosterone in their late teenage years into their early 20s. During this time, an increase in hair around the edges of the nipples is normal. For some women, the condition can be embarrassing. You can see a doctor to have your testosterone levels checked and determine whether the amount of nipple hair growth you are experiencing is typical.

A rise in testosterone can lead to increased hair growth on your nipples, according to the Hormone Help Center of New York 2.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that affects many women and teenage girls, according to the Teens Health website 1. If you have PCOS, your ovaries generate large amounts of androgens, which are a class of hormones that includes testosterone. Due to this rise in testosterone, women with PCOS often experience increased hair growth in uncommon places including around the nipples as well as on the face, chest and back. If you think you may have PCOS, see your doctor. By getting an early diagnosis, you can start on a treatment plan that can keep your PCOS symptoms in check.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that affects many women and teenage girls, according to the Teens Health website 1.
If you have PCOS, your ovaries generate large amounts of androgens, which are a class of hormones that includes testosterone.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women often experience an increase in hair growth, according to the Kids Health website 3. While your increased pregnancy hormones can make your hair thicker and longer than ever, they can also cause you to sprout dark hairs in unsightly places, such as on your chin, neck and nipples. After pregnancy, your hormones go back to normal and the extra hair falls out, so keep in mind that this increased nipple hair is just temporary