What causes the development of a menopause mustache?

The development of a menopause mustache is primarily associated with increased adrenocortical activity. During menopause, hormonal changes occur, particularly involving the decline in estrogen levels. This hormonal shift can lead to an increase in androgens, which are male hormones present in both men and women.

As the adrenal glands become more active due to these hormonal changes, they may produce more androgens, which can result in the growth of facial hair, sometimes referred to as hirsutism. This is especially noticeable in areas where men typically grow hair, such as the upper lip, leading to the so-called menopause mustache. While hormonal imbalance, genetic predisposition, and age-related changes may play a role in the overall process of aging and hair growth, it is the specific increase in androgens due to adrenocortical activity that is most directly linked to the development of this specific condition during menopause.