Convenient access to Excess Facial Hair Treatments With GP24.

Our prescription service costs €25

This service is available to patients anywhere in Republic of Ireland.

Yes - this service is based on the same patient-doctor confidentiality that you would expect in a face-to-face consultation.

If you’re not entirely sure about your condition and have not had a previous prescription, it is recommended that you first chat with our doctor using either our Video Consultation or Phone consultation services first.

Excess facial hair in women, also known as hirsutism, refers to the growth of coarse, dark hair in areas where men typically grow hair, such as the upper lip, chin, chest, stomach, thighs, or back. It’s a common condition that affects around 1 in 10 women and can have a significant impact on self-confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Unlike the fine, lighter “peach fuzz” many women naturally have, this type of hair is more visible and can feel harder to manage with regular hair removal methods. Prescription treatments for facial hair can help reduce growth and make skin feel smoother and clearer over time.

Excess facial hair in women (known as hirsutism) is often linked to hormones called androgens. If your body produces higher levels of these hormones—or becomes more sensitive to them—you may notice thicker, darker hair in areas such as the upper lip, chin, or jawline.

The most common cause of female facial hair growth is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition that can also lead to acne, irregular periods, and difficulty with weight management.

Other possible causes include:

• Certain prescription medications

• Use of anabolic steroids

• Family history or genetic predisposition

• Ethnic background (some women are naturally more prone to facial hair growth)

• Hormonal conditions such as Cushing’s Syndrome or Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

• Rarely, hormone-producing tumours of the ovaries or adrenal glands

If you’re worried about sudden or worsening facial hair growth, it’s important to rule out any underlying medical conditions before starting treatment.

You may be eligible to request excess facial hair treatment through GP24.ie if you:

• Are female

• Are over 18 years of age

• Have been previously diagnosed with excess facial hair (hirsutism)

We can prescribe a specially formulated, non-hormonal cream designed to slow down the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. When used consistently, it can make new hair grow back finer, lighter, and less noticeable, helping to improve the appearance of the skin over time.

Treatment suitability depends on your individual medical history and needs, so our team will review your health details before issuing a prescription to ensure it’s safe and effective for you.

Prescription creams are a proven option for managing unwanted facial hair in women. This non-hormonal treatment is applied directly to the skin, usually twice a day, and works by slowing down hair regrowth. Over time, many women find they need to rely less on methods like waxing, plucking, or threading.

It’s important to note that this cream is designed specifically for use on the face and is not suitable for treating excess hair elsewhere on the body.

Before prescribing, a doctor will check your medical history to ensure there’s no underlying condition—such as PCOS or other hormonal issues—causing the hair growth. If you’d like to discuss your symptoms first, you can book a consultation with one of our Irish-registered GPs for personalised advice.

This is not a traditional hair removal cream. Instead, it’s a non-hormonal prescription treatment that works at the root of the problem by slowing down the rate of new hair growth. With regular use, many women notice that hair grows back more slowly, becomes finer, and is much less visible.

The results aren’t permanent—continued use is needed to maintain the benefits. You may still choose to use other hair removal methods, such as threading, waxing, or plucking, alongside the treatment for the best results.

For best results, the cream should be applied twice daily to the affected areas of your face. Here are some simple guidelines to follow:

• Apply only to the areas with unwanted hair, using a thin, even layer. Gently rub it in until the cream is no longer visible.

• Keep the cream away from your eyes, lips, and nostrils.

• If you’ve just removed hair (for example, by plucking or waxing), wait at least 5 minutes before applying.

• Leave around 8 hours between applications.

• If you plan to use moisturiser or makeup, wait at least 5 minutes after applying the cream.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after use but avoid washing your face for a few hours so the treatment has time to work.

Consistent use is key, following these steps daily will give the treatment the best chance to be effective.

Results don’t happen overnight. Most women begin to notice a difference in facial hair growth after about 8 weeks of consistent use, though for some it can take a little longer. To give the treatment the best chance of working, it should be used regularly for up to 4 months.

If you haven’t seen any improvement after this time, it’s likely that the treatment isn’t effective for you and should be stopped.

It’s also important to remember that every woman responds differently—some may see a noticeable reduction in hair growth, while others may benefit less.

As with any prescription medication, side effects are possible, though not everyone will experience them. Because this is a topical cream, the most common reactions happen on the skin. These may include:

• Mild acne or breakouts

• Redness or irritation

• Dryness or flaking

If you notice irritation when you first begin treatment, you can try applying the cream once daily instead of twice for a week or two to see if your skin adjusts.

If the side effects become uncomfortable—or if you experience any unexpected symptoms—it’s important to stop using the cream and speak with a doctor for advice.

For complete details, always read the patient information leaflet before starting treatment.

Stop taking the medication and seek medical advice immediately. You can also contact us for follow-up support or guidance from one of our GPs.

Complete an Online Questionnaire: Fill out a secure, confidential medical assessment form detailing your symptoms and health history

Medical Review: An Irish-registered doctor will review your information to determine if treatment is appropriate for you

Prescription Issuance: If suitable, a prescription will be sent directly to your chosen Irish pharmacy via secure Healthmail

Yes. To ensure your safety, you’ll need to complete a confidential health questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a Doctor before any prescription is issued.

Your medical information is reviewed only by Irish Medical Council Registered Doctors and is handled in line with GDPR and Irish data protection laws.

Your prescription will be sent electronically via the Healthmail system to the Irish pharmacy of your choice - you can nominate any pharmacy in Ireland to receive your prescription

Once your medical questionnaire is submitted, prescriptions are typically issued within 24 hours.

(Please note this may vary on weekends)