Thinning Pubic Hair By Dr. Greg Damery

Q. Since I had my hysterectomy (which was 6 years ago) and had my pubic area shaved, my hair hasn't ever grown back very thick. I am 46 years old. Is this the way it is going to be--straggly? Kay, South Dakota

A: Although you don’t describe the details of your hysterectomy, I suspect that you had your ovaries removed at the same time. What you have discovered is that the ovaries produce hormones which directly affect hair growth. Half of a woman’s testosterone comes from her ovaries. When the ovaries cease to function, either due to menopause or as a result of surgery, a woman’s testosterone level decreases. The drop in testosterone can have several affects on a woman, i.e. slower hair growth, a decrease in one’s sex drive and increased levels of fatigue. In your case, your “straggly” pubic hair is part of the new you. Rather than just accept it, you might consider adding some flair to your pubic area with style ideas from Hair Care Down There.

Greg Damery, MD, FACOG is board certified in OB-GYN and practices in Sarasota, Florida. He also provides aesthetic services to men and women and brings us a professional view of skin & hair care down there. Due to his schedule, he will not be able to answer questions personally. But please send your questions to: info@haircaredownthere.com and Dr. Damery will answer them in this column every month. So stay tuned.)