In society, there is still a popular assumption that someone with dense body hair has a strong sex drive. However, hormonal variables generally influence hair growth on the arms, legs, chest, and other parts of the body.
So, is it true that body hair density has a direct relationship to sexual desire? The answer is in the next article.
Is a Lot of Hair an Indication of Strong Sexual Desire? Myth or fact?
The assumption that having a lot of hair signifies a strong sex drive is a misconception. This myth is most likely based on the idea that testosterone stimulates thick body hair growth. While testosterone helps to develop sex drive, thick hair does not always signify a robust libido. In actuality, the relationship isn't so straightforward.
Genetic and ethnic variables determine the density of body hair. People of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean origin, for example, have genetically predisposed thicker body hair than those of East Asian descent. This discrepancy does not represent a difference in desire, but rather a natural physiologic variance.
This means that someone with thick hair does not necessarily have a high sex drive, and someone with little body hair does not always have a low libido.
Other Factors That Influence Thick Hair Growth
Aside from ethnicity or race, a number of factors can influence thick hair growth, including:
Genetics
The thickness of body hair is primarily determined by genetics. If your parents had thick hair, you are more likely to inherit it, regardless of hormone levels or libido.
Hormonal Imbalance
Aside from testosterone, other hormones that promote hair development include dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrogen, and thyroid hormones. Changes in these hormone levels, whether caused by natural processes or medical conditions, can have an impact on how thick hair grows.
Certain Medical Conditions
Several health issues might result in thicker-than-normal body hair development. One example is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women.
PCOS is a hormonal syndrome in which the ovaries create an excess of androgens. Excess androgen hormones can cause excessive hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, and back, which is known as hirsutism.
There is another condition that produces excessive hair growth, known as hypertrichosis. Hypertrichosis is a disorder in which hair grows excessively all over or on specific areas of the body.
Unlike hirsutism, which is typically caused by an overabundance of androgen hormones, hypertrichosis is frequently caused by uncommon genetic abnormalities or side effects from specific drugs. Hypertrichosis can be present at birth or develop later in adulthood.
Medication Effects
Certain drugs, such as anabolic steroids, anti-seizure medications, and hair growth supplements, might promote body hair development. As a result, these drugs should only be used under the guidance of a physician.
Age and Puberty
During puberty, hormonal changes cause hair growth in specific places of the body. However, as people age, their body hair may shrink or change color due to hormonal changes and hair follicle alterations.
The thickness or thinness of body hair has no effect on desire. If you are concerned about hair growth, particularly excessive hair growth, you should visit a doctor for proper therapy.
You can also access the health consulting service through the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
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WebMD (2021). How Sex Drive Changes Through the Years. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/ss/slideshow-sex-drive-changes-age
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