Laser Hair Removal and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

 

Approximately 10% of pre-menopausal woman in New Zealand are thought to be affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. For these women, the symptoms can range from mild to severe and, for some, can cause significant physical and emotional trauma. Some of the common symptoms include irregular periods, weight gain, acne and oily skin, infertility, hair loss, abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, and excess hair growth on the face and body.

This was the case for one of our The Cosmetic Clinic clients who’s battle with PCOS began almost twenty years ago and who’s symptoms included the growth of excessive facial hair. She was having to shave 2-3 times per week. The unwanted hair grew coarse and heavy throughout the moustache and beard areas of her face and sporadically across her cheeks and down the sides of her face. The effects of her body’s hormone levels were not only physical, but emotional as well. Many sufferers of PCOS suffer from low self-confidence and self-esteem due to some of the more visible signs of the condition, excessive facial hair being one of the more noticeable symptoms.

When she first came to The Cosmetic Clinic, we assessed the severity of the hair growth, examined her skin and hair type to ensure the treatments were suitable and would be effective. Laser Hair Removal is an effective long-term solution for treating unwanted hair but must be done by a professional to ensure proper care is taken to protect your skin and tissue. All of our laser technicians are expertly trained and hold a Laser Safety Certificate. The lasers we use at The Cosmetic Clinic are medical grade lasers, so our clients know they will be treated by a highly trained, expert technician with the very best technology available in the market.

After 10 Full Face Laser Hair Removal treatments, our client has a significant reduction in facial hair. She is now receiving maintenance treatments on a regular basis to ensure the reduction in hair growth continues. Because of the nature of PCOS, we cannot guarantee that unwanted facial hair growth will stop completely, but we can help to keep the growth at bay with regular maintenance treatments.

While PCOS cannot be cured, and there is not yet a full understanding of the cause, it can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes that support a healthier mind and body. Some medications may include insulin-correcting drugs, the oral contraceptive pill to regulate periods, infertility drugs to stimulate the production of eggs, and medications that reduce male hormones and their effects on the body. Doctors recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise as well, and weight loss does seem to lessen some of the symptoms.

If you are concerned about unwanted facial hair and think you may suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, seek medical advice first and foremost. Then, after advice from your medical specialist, come and visit us for a complimentary consultation to see if you are a suitable candidate for Laser Hair Removal.

The following images show our patient from when she first came to us for Laser Hair Removal treatments to after her 10th treatment with us. This client is now on a maintenance programme to ensure unwanted hair growth is kept to a minimum.

Maintenance is particularly necessary for clients who are affected by PCOS as hormonal changes can cause regrowth. If you have a long-term hormone-related condition, your laser technician will be able to build a programme of treatments to help manage your regrowth.

If you are concerned about unwanted hair, please come and see us at your closest The Cosmetic Clinic for a free consultation where we can assess if your skin and hair type are compatible with Laser Hair Removal. Find your closest clinic here.