> I have discontinued using facial cosmetics
> recently and really notice facial hair more.

That figures. But thick foundation probably looks worse than the hair :-(

> Why do some of us get these dark, stiff
> and stray hairs coming out our chins and
> neck and upper lip?

Because those areas are areas which are very sensitive to stimulation by testosterone and we've had stimulation by testosterone before we were ever born and some of us have high levels of "free" testsoterone circulating in our bodies, so we stimulate the areas that are sensitive to hormonal stimulation in exactly the same way as men's bodies do.

> I mean I am under thirty so it is not old age.

It's more likely for more women as they get older and levels of female hormones drop relative to male ones (the vast majority of women aged 80+ have at least some moustache growth), but it can happen at any age.

> I thought it may be hormonal (thyroid) but
> I have had that checked and I am good.

The vital factor is *free testosterone". You can have normal testosterone production levels but low levels of the SHBG that binds it and stops it doing anything.

> I also have "men's hair". I shave my legs
> at 7 am and have stubble before noon.

It's true that men are hairier all over, but most American women have hairy legs. Many of them just as hairy as men. You'd probably be surprised, too, if you realized just how many American women have moustace growth that's in the male range.

> I don't wear shorts or skirts because I
> have stubble before the day is half over
> and the texture and dark color of the hair
> is ugly.

How do you shave at present?

> Is it true that if I load up on feminine
> herbs it can revert lengthen the period
> between shaving? Any suggestions?

Vaniqa (prescription medication) will lengthen the period between shavings.

Yes, herbs can often have an effect, but be very careful. If you have no other signs of masculinity other than excess hair, I'd be very caustious about using herbs. I wouldn't want to increse the risk of breast or uterine cancer even though personally I think my own estrogen levels could be boosted a long way before the risk would be seriously increased. It's a risk I wouldn't take.

> The answers and questions that you and
> MacKenzie posted are so informative and
> helpful. Any suggestions will be greatly
> appreciated.

Glad you found some of it helpful.

I think myself that the answer really is to face the situation -- and you've certainly done that in your post.

Some of us simply have male-type hair growth. For me, the answer has been simple and effective. I shave in exactly the way that a man would shave similar growth. No nonsense with "women's" razors, but a top-quality Norelco men's shaver for my face -- and it's only for the face that these have been designed.