Understanding Soft Body Hair Growth
I've noticed that I've developed quite a bit of soft hair on various parts of my body—initially just a fine fuzz, but now it seems like I could actually comb it a bit. This hair covers my forearms, chest, back, and even a small area on my face, and I’ve observed that it tends to stand upright when I feel cold. It doesn’t particularly bother me; I'm not overly concerned about it, but I am curious if this is a normal occurrence or potentially indicative of an underlying issue. This change has been present for more than six months. At 16 years old, I’m a female measuring 165 cm tall and weighing around 54 to 55 kg, although my weight tends to fluctuate between 54 and 57 kg. I don’t smoke or use recreational drugs; I only take 60 mg of fluoxetine each morning. Additionally, I've lived in Australia my entire life, so I find it unlikely that I have acquired any viral infections that I lack immunity against. While I don’t have any diagnosed medical conditions—other than autism spectrum disorder, which I don’t think is connected to this issue—I do experience notable muscle weakness that fluctuates daily. Some days, it can be challenging for me to stand or walk without feeling nauseated or dizzy, while on other days, I’m able to walk up to 1 km without encountering these symptoms.
Answers (1)
8/20/2025, 3:50:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s completely understandable to be curious about changes in your body, especially concerning hair growth and other symptoms you're experiencing. Here are the main points regarding your soft hair and associated concerns:
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Soft Body Hair Growth: This can be a normal part of puberty and is often influenced by hormonal changes. As your body matures, it's common for new hair to grow in various places. Fine, soft hair, called "vellus hair," can become more prominent but is usually not a cause for concern.
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Muscle Weakness and Fluctuating Symptoms: The muscle weakness you described, along with feelings of nausea and dizziness, may need more consideration, as this could be unrelated to the hair growth and indicative of other underlying issues.
Explanation:
During puberty, it's typical for young women to experience changes in hair growth due to hormonal fluctuations. Soft hair on arms, chest, and face can increase as you go through these changes. The fact that you noted it standing up when you're cold is simply a normal physiological response as your body reacts to temperature changes.
On the other hand, your muscle weakness and dizzy spells are concerning. These symptoms should be monitored closely as they can affect your daily activities.
Next Steps:
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Observe: Keep an eye on the pattern of your hair growth and any changes. If it becomes thicker or more noticeable and bothers you, note this as a detail that may be relevant later.
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Symptom Tracking: For your muscle weakness and dizziness, document when these symptoms occur. Track any associated factors such as diet, hydration, sleep, and physical activity.
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Hydrate and Nourish: Ensure that you’re staying well-hydrated and eating balanced meals. This can help with general health and may reduce some feelings of weakness or dizziness.
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Consider Stress and Mental Health: Given that you take fluoxetine, stress and mental health can play a role in your physical symptoms. Engage in self-care practices: try to incorporate relaxation techniques or physical activity that you enjoy.
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Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist: If your muscle weakness continues to be problematic, or if you notice any changes in the hair growth that worry you, it would be beneficial to speak with a healthcare provider for a detailed assessment.
Remember that while changes in hair growth can be typical during development, it's important to take note of other physical symptoms like weakness and dizziness, as they might require further investigation.
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