It’s common for pubic hair to change as people age. There are a few possible reasons why some of your pubic hair has stopped growing:
Hormonal Changes
Hormones play a big role in hair growth all over your body. Changes in hormones that happen as you age can cause some of your pubic hair to stop growing. Here are some examples:
- Lower estrogen levels during and after menopause can thin pubic hair and cause it to stop growing in places.
- Lower testosterone levels, which is common in older men, can also thin and reduce pubic hair.
- Medical conditions like thyroid disorders that impact hormone levels may affect pubic hair growth.
Genetics
Your genes basically determine where and how much hair you grow. Some people are just prone to having thinner pubic hair as they get older due to their genetic makeup. So for some individuals it’s simply a natural result of aging.
Hair Loss Disorders
Disorders that cause balding and hair loss on the scalp can also sometimes affect pubic hair. These include:
- Androgenetic alopecia – This genetic disorder causes hair follicles to shrink over time. It’s the most common type of hair loss.
- Alopecia areata – An autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss.
In men, these conditions often first lead to a receding hairline. But over time hair loss can occur in other areas like the pubic region as well.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy medicines used to treat cancer target rapidly dividing cells like cancer cells. But they also affect other rapidly dividing cells like hair follicles. This can lead to hair loss all over the body, including the pubic area.
Pubic hair loss from chemo is often temporary. But sometimes the hair does not fully grow back after treatment ends.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation aimed at the pelvic region, like when treating prostate or cervical cancer, can damage hair follicles leading to thinning and loss of pubic hair.
Surgical Procedures
Any type of surgery or procedure on the genital area carries a risk of causing scarring or nerve damage. This can disrupt hair growth resulting in patches where pubic hair does not grow back.
Some examples include:
- Hysterectomy
- Prostate surgery
- Sex reassignment surgery
- C-section delivery
Friction and Irritation
Frequent friction, rubbing, and irritation from clothing or skin conditions can damage follicles and prevent pubic hair from regrowing properly. Here are some potential causes:
- Tight underwear or workout clothes rubbing the area
- Folliculitis and ingrown hairs
- Rash or infection causing itching and scratching
- Psoriasis plaques
- Lichen sclerosus
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in bald patches. It can occur anywhere on the body, including the pubic area and genitals.
With alopecia areata, pubic hair often falls out suddenly in round patches. It may grow back in some patches while remaining thin or absent in others.
Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that causes itchy white patches on the genitals and surrounding area. It often occurs after menopause in women.
Lichen sclerosus can damage hair follicles leading to permanent pubic hair loss if it’s not treated. Treating it early with corticosteroid creams may help minimize permanent hair loss.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a psychological condition that involves the irresistible urge to pull out one’s own hair. People with trichotillomania may focus on pulling hair from their pubic area or other parts of the body.
This can gradually destroy hair follicles so pubic hair no longer grows back as thickly in affected areas. Therapy and medications can help manage trichotillomania urges.
Conclusion
In summary, pubic hair thinning and loss is quite common as both women and men age. Hormonal changes, genetics, hair and skin disorders, cancer treatments, surgery, friction and infections can all play a role.
Patches where your pubic hair stops growing are usually nothing to worry about. But see your doctor if it arises suddenly or spreads quickly. That may be a sign of an underlying medical issue that needs evaluation.
While you can’t always prevent or reverse pubic hair loss, taking good care of your skin may help. Keep the area clean and dry, wear loose cotton underwear, and avoid picking and scratches. If you have an underlying condition causing it, treating that can also encourage regrowth.
When to See a Doctor
See your doctor or dermatologist if you notice:
- Sudden loss of pubic hair
- Rapidly spreading bald patches
- Burning, pain or itching
- Sores, rashes or skin changes
- Discharge or unusual odors
This can help identify or rule out any medical conditions that need treatment. Thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, infections, and cancer can sometimes first present with unusual pubic hair loss.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your pubic hair loss. Here are some potential options your doctor may recommend:
- Medications – Such as hormone therapy, steroids creams, antibiotics, or hair growth products.
- Light therapy – Gentle laser light or UV light applied to the skin to promote hair regrowth.
- Counseling – For conditions like trichotillomania involving compulsive behaviors.
- Surgery – Hair transplant or procedures to reduce scarring that impairs follicle growth.
Coping Tips
If pubic hair loss is impacting your self-esteem, here are some tips that may help:
- Remind yourself it’s a normal part of aging and doesn’t make you any less attractive.
- Focus on self-care practices that make you feel good overall.
- Talk to your partner openly about any concerns.
- Explore clothing, hairstyles or accessories that boost your confidence.
- Seek counseling for emotional support if needed.
Takeaways
- Pubic hair thinning and loss happens to many people as they get older.
- Hormones, genetics, aging, disorders, friction and treatments can all cause it.
- See a doctor for any sudden loss or sores to identify underlying problems.
- Treatments aim to manage any condition causing it and promote regrowth.
- Focus on self-care and a healthy body image regardless of hair loss.