Medically reviewed by Regional Nurse Trainer Charlotte Lundy

Hair can be found all over the body and is different for each individual. Those experiencing excess hair growth can find this unpleasant, distressing, and difficult to deal with. What are the solutions?

Excessive hair (particularly in women) could indicate a hormonal issue such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Excess hair growth can happen for no clear reason and can be linked to genetic factors.

Continue reading to learn more about laser hair removal for women with PCOS and your alternatives.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is a condition in which a woman’s ovaries do not consistently release eggs, and she has high levels of “male hormones” (androgens).

PCOS affects each woman differently, and it should be your doctor that diagnoses you. If you have PCOS, you will most likely experience one or more of the symptoms listed below:

• Weight gain
• Excessive hair growth (typically on the face, chest or abdomen)
• Oily skin
• Acne
• Irregular or no periods
• Difficulty conceiving
• Thinning hair or hair loss on the head

PCOS has also been associated with a higher risk of other health problems later in life, including type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.

If you experience at least two of the above symptoms, your doctor may diagnose you with PCOS; however. Androgens are prevalent in all women, so don’t worry; it’s the fluctuating levels that can cause issues.

High levels of male hormones (androgens) associated with PCOS can promote excessive hair growth on the face and body. This can be embarrassing and difficult to deal with, and it can lead to anxiety and depression in some women. Waxing and shaving on a frequent basis can irritate the face’s sensitive skin, resulting in ingrown hairs and even discolouration.

If you have undesirable facial hair growth, permanent hair removal procedures may be a good option for you.

Laser Hair Removal For PCOS

If you’re wondering how to eliminate facial hair, laser hair removal can save time for clients who wish to get rid of facial hair for aesthetic reasons permanently. When compared to other techniques of hair removal used on the face, such as waxing, threading, shaving, or using hair removal creams, you can expect a lasting reduction of hair of up to 90% with laser hair removal.

If hair grows back, it will be more delicate, softer, and lighter than before the treatment. Laser hair removal can help you avoid ingrown hairs, shaving irritation, and stubble. Many alternative hair removal procedures cause hair to regrow quickly, usually within a few days. Laser hair removal’s long-term results will save you time and money in the long run.

PCOS Facial Hair Removal
Facial laser hair removal can be used to treat the upper lip, chin, jawline, cheeks, eyebrows, ear lobes, half face, and whole face, ranging from full-face laser hair removal to specific areas such as upper lip laser hair removal. Complete body laser hair removal can remove hair almost anywhere.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal uses short pulses of light energy to damage or kill the root of each hair follicle, preventing regrowth. As you progress through your treatment, the hairs will become softer and finer, and growth will slow.

How Many Sessions Of Laser Hair Removal Do I Need For PCOS?
Patients with PCOS who have unwanted facial hair usually need 6 to 8 sessions to get rid of it completely. This is because hair grows in cycles; a series of treatments is required to reduce hair growth.

 

Key Learnings

• Hair can be found on almost every part of our body, while others have more than others. This can be embarrassing, stressful, and difficult to deal with for both men and women.
• Women who have higher-than-normal levels of androgens, notably testosterone, develop excessive body or facial hair. Certain medical diseases, such as PCOS, might cause a woman’s body to overproduce androgens.
• When compared to other facial hair removal treatments like waxing, threading, shaving, or using hair removal creams, laser hair removal saves time for clients who want to remove facial hair for aesthetic reasons permanently.
• Laser hair removal treatment enables you to benefit from smooth skin, avoiding the in-grown hairs and irritation with shaving.

Find your nearest clinic and arrange a consultation for advice on how laser hair removal can work for you.