"I spend half an hour plucking my hairs out every single morning and even some times during the day . I don't know how I'd survive otherwise."
" I've tried everything and have to shave twice a day to avoid a 5 'o'clock shadow"
" I have to wear scarves just to cover my face so no one can see the chin and neck hairs and all the scarring I've caused.
"I can't tell my husband. No one understands what I'm going through and I don't feel I have a way out."
Sound familiar? These are the concerns I hear at consultations from women who are just managing to get by. In fact, it's likely that you know about every hair removal method under the sun, and probably tried them all. Maybe you've even tried laser but can't understand why it didn't work or maybe it made it worse?
Hormonal hair growth, especially on the face, is not limited to just Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome but also Cushing’s Syndrome, adrenal problems, thyroid disorders and more. Hormonal growth can also be caused by pregnancy and menopause.
This type of hair is tough to the touch, I quote the term "like tree trunks". The hairs are deep and sometimes surprisingly large. It's understandable that many woman would start the vicious cycle of plucking, shaving, using chemical depilatories etc. Unfortunatly, regular use of any of these methods can cause significant ingrown hairs and hyperpigmentation, worsening skin texture and feel. Thick hair can also spring up on many areas of the body, especially the abdomen, across the chest and the backs of the thighs. Hirsutism is a more accurate term to describe this male patterned growth and can range vastly in density and coarsness of hair.
While your MD may have prescribed medication to help you control your other
symptoms (ie. Weight gain, pre-diabetes, infertility..), none of them can reverse the hair that has already grown. New topical creams such as Vaniqua can reduce the size of the hair but doesn’t work for everyone, and the effect wears off once you stop using it. Laser/IPL are very heavily marketed and can offer
temporary relief, but again isn’t suitable for all, will only reduce hair in a given area and in some cases it can trigger more hair growth!!
The only way to deal with a large problem like hormonal hair growth is to cut it down
into bite sized pieces. Facial skin is very delicate and removing too much deep chunky hair can overwhelm your skin. Instead of trying to ‘just get rid of it’ all in
one go (which can’t happen without taking your skin with it!) I suggest removing original growth over a few sessions, to keep skin calm. Electrolysis kill rate is very high when done properly, and noticable reduction will be evident in the first 8 weeks, with regrowth appointments dealing with difficult follicles after the original clearance. It's not an instantaneous process (nothing is!) and very honestly, it can be tough going at first when you're feeling very vulnerable. I give many suggestions at consultations on how to bridge oneself between their current method of hair removal and electrolysis. Starting this permanent proccess takes courage but if you start and get it cleared, you'll see for yourself that hormonal facial hair really can be removed permanently.
You'll be left with a sense of achievement, renewed confidence and better self esteem.
The best to all of you on your hair removal journey
Hormonal hair growth, especially on the face, is not limited to just Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome but also Cushing’s Syndrome, adrenal problems, thyroid disorders and more. Hormonal growth can also be caused by pregnancy and menopause.
This type of hair is tough to the touch, I quote the term "like tree trunks". The hairs are deep and sometimes surprisingly large. It's understandable that many woman would start the vicious cycle of plucking, shaving, using chemical depilatories etc. Unfortunatly, regular use of any of these methods can cause significant ingrown hairs and hyperpigmentation, worsening skin texture and feel. Thick hair can also spring up on many areas of the body, especially the abdomen, across the chest and the backs of the thighs. Hirsutism is a more accurate term to describe this male patterned growth and can range vastly in density and coarsness of hair.
While your MD may have prescribed medication to help you control your other
symptoms (ie. Weight gain, pre-diabetes, infertility..), none of them can reverse the hair that has already grown. New topical creams such as Vaniqua can reduce the size of the hair but doesn’t work for everyone, and the effect wears off once you stop using it. Laser/IPL are very heavily marketed and can offer
temporary relief, but again isn’t suitable for all, will only reduce hair in a given area and in some cases it can trigger more hair growth!!
The only way to deal with a large problem like hormonal hair growth is to cut it down
into bite sized pieces. Facial skin is very delicate and removing too much deep chunky hair can overwhelm your skin. Instead of trying to ‘just get rid of it’ all in
one go (which can’t happen without taking your skin with it!) I suggest removing original growth over a few sessions, to keep skin calm. Electrolysis kill rate is very high when done properly, and noticable reduction will be evident in the first 8 weeks, with regrowth appointments dealing with difficult follicles after the original clearance. It's not an instantaneous process (nothing is!) and very honestly, it can be tough going at first when you're feeling very vulnerable. I give many suggestions at consultations on how to bridge oneself between their current method of hair removal and electrolysis. Starting this permanent proccess takes courage but if you start and get it cleared, you'll see for yourself that hormonal facial hair really can be removed permanently.
You'll be left with a sense of achievement, renewed confidence and better self esteem.
The best to all of you on your hair removal journey
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