Reasons why having hairy nipples could be a health problem

The human body is covered in hair and without it we feel cold more. It also provides cushioning from abrasions and in some locations and prevents dirt.

There is the nipple hair which is assured normal and a by-product of our pesky hormones and could lead to serious health issues. In a woman, hairy nipples could simply be down to an over-production of the male sex hormone testosterone, which we all have.

However, hairy nipples could also be a sign of more serious health issues which include:

According to the Sun, excess nipple hair could be a symptom of Cushing's syndrome, which is caused by having too much of hormone cortisol in the body.

Others causes include increased fat on your chest and tummy, red puffy face, bruising easily, purple stretch marks, weakness in the upper arms and legs, low libido, depression and body hair.

If not treated, Cushing's syndrome can become serious, and it may take a while for medication to have an effect.

It can also be caused as a result of steroid medication or because of a tumour on the pituitary gland in the brain or a tumour on the adrenal glands in the kidneys.

Affecting one in five women, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) occurs when ovulation does not take place.

In severe cases, victims of PCOS may experience a heavy hair growth on their faces, chest, back and bottom.

Once you feel self-conscious about your nipple hair, then there are several ways of removing it, such as plucking. While more expensive, electrolysis or laser hair removal are two more long-term solutions.