Hair growth (also referred to as hirsutism) is one of the hallmarks of polycystic ovary syndrome and can manifest itself through irregular menstrual cycles and thick facial and body hair growth.
Permanent hair removal can be achieved using electrolysis and laser treatments; however, to achieve lasting results it will also be important to decrease androgen production in your body.
1. You’re not shaving
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), an hormonal condition with symptoms that may include uncontrollable body and facial hair growth known as “hirsutism”, should always be taken seriously by women, however excessive, uncontrolled growth of facial or body hair known as “hirsutism” should be diagnosed by medical professionals for diagnosis. While its treatment may be available, its symptoms can often be difficult to recognize on one’s own until properly diagnosed by healthcare providers.
Women living with hirsutism may use both mechanical and chemical treatments to physically remove or lighten hair, though repeat treatments will likely be necessary due to hormonal conditions and fluctuations that cause hair re-growth quickly; this is particularly prevalent during pregnancy, menopause, puberty and adolescence. Electrolysis offers permanent solutions; for those seeking permanent solutions it may be the better solution.
An electrologist uses a needle to insert into each individual hair follicle, and then applies a small current of electricity through that needle to kill that follicle, providing permanent results. Although not the most comfortable treatment, they strive to minimize any discomfort during treatment.
Electrolysis works best when hair can be seen clearly for targeting by an electrologist with electric current; shaving and waxing will obscure them and decrease effectiveness of treatment. Shaving can also leave behind stubble that interferes with effectiveness of electrolysis treatment.
Alternative hair removal techniques like waxing or shaving between electrolysis sessions will only serve to delay your progress toward becoming permanently hair-free. In fact, if waxing or shaving are in your plans in between treatments, consider finding an electrologist who specializes in permanent PCOS hair removal as this procedure takes longer and is more expensive.
Many women with PCOS tend to avoid seeking medical help, thinking their symptoms are simply signs of age. But it would be wiser for them to consult an endocrinologist, should their chin or face be full of hair or irregular periods and weight issues occur, before dismissing medical help as “normal.”
2. You’re not waxing
Normal levels of hair growth should not be sudden and excessive, with darker and uneven distribution, especially if it comes out suddenly and faster than usual. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), caused by hormonal imbalance that introduces too many androgens into your system, may trigger dormant hair follicles to start producing hair again, leading to unwanted growth. Electrolysis offers one permanent solution by permanently dissolving all your follicles for good.
Treatment is generally painless; however, its intensity will depend on both your tolerance and area being addressed. Before beginning the procedure, an electrologist will perform a sample treatment on a small area for testing purposes; you’ll feel an initial heat sensation from electricity on the probe; for more comfort during treatment Elise suggests applying soothing cream or taking something similar to what one might take for headache relief in advance to ease any discomfort experienced during your appointment.
Shaving and waxing may not be suitable for women with PCOS due to the irritation caused by repeatedly plucking out hairs from follicles. This is especially true in breast areas due to tight-fitting bras or clothing; thus causing ingrown hairs. When dealing with PCOS, electrolysis is the ideal way to permanently eliminate ingrown hairs from follicles.
Electrolysis may be one of the only permanent hair removal treatments that works on all skin tones, while being safe for all types of hair and safe to use on stubble and ingrowns. If you are tired of fighting off stubble and ingrowns, booking an initial consultation to learn more could change your life!
Hair growth can be embarrassing, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re ready to leave behind tweezing, shaving and waxing for good, schedule an appointment with an electrologist today; they will assist in creating an appropriate treatment plan and help you reach your goal of smooth and hairless skin forever!
3. You’re not tweezing
Women experiencing hormonal facial hair growth typically see it begin at the corners of their upper lips and move downward toward their chin, with waxing or tweezing often aggravating it and leading to hair breaking off or growing larger than normal. Electrologists can remove these unwanted chin hairs permanently when women stop tweezing them; in doing so, some may also experience relief from acne on their chins.
4. You’re not shaving on your chin
If you’re experiencing excessive chin hair growth due to PCOS, visiting an electrologist is your best solution. In an electrolysis session, they use tiny wires inserted by an electrologist into each hair follicle to “shock” it so it no longer produces new growth. Although initially painful, if you keep up your appointments (weekly or bi-weekly at first) and follow all post-treatment care instructions exactly you will eventually start seeing results.
After each treatment, you might also notice that your hair grows back thinner and lighter in texture and color compared to before; however, this may take some time (shaving may help speed things along in this regard) as each individual hair is treated individually.
Dermatologists or licensed estheticians may perform this procedure, using depilatory creams, waxing or laser treatments to reduce unwanted facial hair. Unfortunately, these options can be more costly and ineffective than hiring an electrologist for the task.
An alternative solution is taking medication that inhibits androgen hormone release, such as Spironolactone which has been approved by the FDA to treat hirsutism. While studies have demonstrated its ability to decrease androgen levels among women living with this condition, it should not be seen as a cure.
There are other medications available to manage symptoms of hirsutism. Your first step should be talking with a healthcare provider; they might conduct a physical exam and order blood tests to establish or confirm a diagnosis of PCOS or check for other ovarian or gland issues.
If you are unable to arrange an appointment with your healthcare provider, try searching online or asking if anyone in your PCOS support group knows about any local service providers who could assist.
Home electrolysis can also be learned about online. Although doing it yourself may seem attractive, doing this yourself could result in allergic reactions or accidentally injureing parts of your body that shouldn’t have been touched.
