Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What physiological change is responsible for the appearance of a menopause mustache?

1. Decrease in estrogen levels

2. Adrenocortical activity

3. Increase in melanin production

4. Thinning of the skin

The correct answer is: Adrenocortical activity

The appearance of a menopause mustache is primarily associated with increased adrenocortical activity. During menopause, hormonal changes lead to fluctuations in the levels of androgens produced by the adrenal glands. These hormones can stimulate hair growth in areas that are typically not affected by hair during pre-menopausal years. As estrogen levels decrease, the balance between estrogen and androgens shifts, allowing the effects of androgens to become more pronounced. This increase in androgen activity can result in the development of coarse, darker hair in the upper lip area, which is often referred to as a menopause mustache. While other factors such as a decrease in estrogen levels and thinning of the skin can influence the skin's appearance and texture, the specific physiological change linked to the mustache is the increase in adrenocortical activity and the resulting hormonal imbalance favoring androgens.