What should I do about white pubic hair?

Jun 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
In general, pubic hair whitening may be caused by aging, long-term excessive mental stress, hypothyroidism, vitiligo, albinism, and other factors. Treatment options include general care and medication under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular作息 (routine), ensure adequate sleep, and pay attention to personal hygiene by keeping the genital area clean and dry.

Generally, the graying of pubic hair may be caused by aging, long-term excessive mental stress, hypothyroidism, vitiligo, albinism, and other factors. Treatment options, such as general care and medication therapy, can be undertaken under a doctor's guidance. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Aging

With increasing age, melanocyte function in hair follicles gradually declines, reducing the capacity to synthesize melanin, which leads to decreased pigmentation and graying of pubic hair. This is a normal physiological process that cannot be entirely prevented. However, maintaining a balanced diet and consuming nutrient-rich foods such as black sesame seeds and walnuts may help delay the graying process.

2. Long-Term Excessive Mental Stress

Remaining in a state of mental tension or anxiety over a prolonged period can cause endocrine disorders, interfere with normal melanocyte function in hair follicles, and inhibit melanin synthesis, resulting in graying pubic hair. Learning to regulate emotions, relieve stress through activities like exercise, meditation, and traveling, and maintaining a positive mindset are recommended.

3. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is often caused by autoimmune damage or thyroid gland destruction. Reduced secretion of thyroid hormones affects the body's metabolism and melanocyte function, leading to gray pubic hair. Symptoms such as cold intolerance, fatigue, excessive sleepiness, and weight gain may also occur. Treatment involves taking medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid extract tablets, or methylprednisolone tablets under a doctor's supervision. Regular follow-up assessments of thyroid function are necessary to adjust dosages based on test results.

4. Vitiligo

Vitiligo primarily results from immune system dysfunction, genetic factors, and neuro-psychological influences. The immune system attacks melanocytes, damaging them and preventing melanin synthesis, which causes pubic hair to gray. Skin白斑 (white patches), pain, and other symptoms may also appear. Under medical guidance, topical treatments such as tacrolimus ointment, pimecrolimus cream, and bailing tablets may be used.

5. Albinism

Albinism is often genetically inherited. Gene mutations result in a deficiency of key enzymes necessary for melanin synthesis, impairing the body's ability to produce melanin normally, causing all body hair—including pubic hair—to turn white. This condition may also present with fair skin, photophobia, and vision impairment. Currently, there are no specific medications for treatment. Sun protection measures and wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes are important. Nutritional supplements such as vitamin AD soft capsules, multivitamin tablets, and vitamin E soft capsules may be taken to support overall health.

In daily life, maintaining a regular routine, ensuring sufficient sleep, practicing good personal hygiene, keeping the genital area clean and dry, and engaging in appropriate physical exercise to enhance physical fitness are recommended.

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