Facial hair limits woman’s social life

Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 43-year-old woman with an embarrassing and socially crippling condition.

I have hair growth where other women don’t – on my chin, neck, stomach and buttocks. I have to shave my chin and neck every morning, and, by 6 p.m., I have stubble.

I won’t let anyone see me first thing in the morning, so I always sleep alone. If I want to go out at night, I have to go home and shave again first, so there is no going out with my friends after work.

It has affected every aspect of my life. I don’t let anyone get close to me, physically or emotionally, except for my children. I have kept this a secret from everyone for years.

I have tried many over-the-counter treatments, but it just seems to get worse. I am a divorced mother of three, and I have regular menstrual cycles, so I don’t know if it could be hormonal.

I haven’t been to a doctor about it because I am too ashamed and embarrassed.

Is there anything, other than expensive laser treatments, to remove this hair growth? I am desperate for help.

Dear Reader: Your description raises the issue of a hormone imbalance, particularly of the male hormone testosterone, which women manufacture in small quantities in most cases. You need to have your hormone levels checked.

I urge you to follow up with your primary-care physician or your gynecologist. Although you may end up in the care of an endocrinologist, this seems like a reasonable first step in getting to the root of this embarrassing problem.

Please do not ignore my advice. See a doctor now.