PCOS affects 1 out of every 10 women with ovaries, many of whom go undiagnosed. Classic signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) include trouble losing weight, irregular or no periods, and unusual amounts of hair on the face, breasts, and belly. Elevated testosterone levels can lead to this increase in hair growth, affecting one’s appearance, comfort, and self-confidence.
An endocrinologist (hormone specialist) can assist with the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS, a specialist should evaluate those suffering from symptoms. For those diagnosed, laser hair removal is ideal for women suffering from excessive hair growth as a result of PCOS, and here’s why!
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also referred to as PCOS, is a condition that impacts roughly 10-15% of women. This syndrome causes multiple small cysts around the edges of the ovaries to develop. PCOS also creates an excess of androgen, a male hormone that causes unwanted hair growth on the face, back, chest, lower legs, and abdomen. Those with PCOS may encounter thicker, darker, or excessive body hair due to the extra hormones in their bodies.
Women with PCOS are not without options when it comes to unwanted body hair. In fact, laser hair removal is the ideal treatment for women faced with PCOS. The treatment can aid in removing or reducing unwanted body hair. This solution can eliminate the constant need for shaving, waxing, or plucking.
Laser Hair Removal For PCOS
Laser hair removal is an effective treatment option for women who have experienced an increase in hair growth due to PCOS. A reduction in excess facial and body hair from this treatment can not only be achieved quickly, but it can also offer life-changing benefits for those who are self-conscious as a direct result of this condition. Typically, women suffering from PCOS will need more sessions of laser hair removal to achieve their desired results. On average, 10-12 sessions may be required on the body, and 12+ sessions may be required on the face.
What To Expect From Results
Laser hair removal works for PCOS, and many women with the condition have been able to experience incredible results. To maintain a reduction in hair growth, regular maintenance treatments may be required every 12-15 weeks, indefinitely. This can be especially true for facial hair growth. While laser will not provide 100% permanent hair removal, hair will be considerably finer, lighter, and will be significantly slower to regrow.
Why So Many Sessions Are Needed With PCOS
Laser treatment cannot influence internal hormone irregularities within the body. As laser hair removal works on the surface of the skin, there are limitations as to what it can achieve. With PCOS, hair growth is persistent and resilient. Once a satisfactory reduction in hair growth has been achieved (after a full course of laser sessions), results will need to be maintained. As everyone’s hormone profile is different, the frequency and number of these treatments will depend on the person. Larger body areas may require less frequent maintenance treatments, but you should expect that facial hair will need to be maintained on an 8-12 week cycle.
Are You a Candidate For Laser Hair Removal?
The best candidate for laser hair removal is typically someone with a fair-skin complexion and dark body hair. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments can be used on almost every skin color. During both laser and intense pulse light treatments, the light targets the hair follicle, which then gets destroyed when it absorbs the light energy.
Laser Aesthetic Center is here to help all women feel confident and beautiful. Don’t let PCOS dictate how you feel about yourself. We are here to help you find a solution and to answer any questions you may have. Call us today to schedule a PCOS laser hair removal consultation appointment so we can help you feel your very best regardless of PCOS!
FAQs
Does Laser Hair Removal work with PCOS? Laser Hair removal for PCOS has been proven to reduce the amount of hair growth and to help thin the hair. It typically requires 6 to 8 treatments to minimize symptoms of excess hair growth, and this can vary from person to person.
Should women with PCOS get laser hair removal? ›
Women with PCOS are not without options when it comes to unwanted body hair. In fact, laser hair removal is the ideal treatment for women faced with PCOS. The treatment can aid in removing or reducing unwanted body hair. This solution can eliminate the constant need for shaving, waxing, or plucking.
Which laser is best for PCOS hair? ›
Alexandrite Laser is most effective on light-colored skin. If your skin is pigmented, Nd:YAG is the only safe option.
What hair removal is best for PCOS? ›
6 of the best hair removal treatments for people with PCOS
- Laser hair removal. Although not the most affordable PCOS hair removal treatment, laser hair removal can be incredibly effective. ...
- Shaving. ...
- Hair removal creams. ...
- Waxing. ...
- Electrolysis. ...
- Medication.
'A PCOS belly can result in a protruding or "apple-shaped" appearance. It often feels firm and solid to the touch due to increased visceral fat surrounding the internal organs,' explains Milanova.
What makes PCOS hair worse? ›
The ovaries, and frequently the adrenals of women with PCOS overproduce androgens. The excess male hormones circulate in the blood and act on hair follicles in the skin to stimulate the growth of long, coarse and commonly dark hairs. They also cause hairs in the scalp to stop growing, resulting in balding.
How to stop facial hair growth due to PCOS naturally? ›
Unwanted Hair - 6 Foods to Treat Facial Hair in PCOS
- Soy milk: Soy milk is high in protein and omega 3 fatty acid which you should drink daily to reduce your facial hair. ...
- Soy beans: ...
- Spearmint: ...
- Oatmeal & Cereals: ...
- Fish: ...
- Berries & Veggies:
If you have PCOS, you may need more frequent “maintenance treatments” after your initial treatment series. But again, this varies from patient to patient. Typically after a completed laser hair removal series, the hair that does come back is finer, lighter, and tends to grow significantly slower than before treatment.
What is the best laser machine for PCOS? ›
What is the Best Laser Hair Removal Machine for PCOS? The Soprano Platinum and Soprano Titanium machines are ice cold when they come into contact with your skin. This ensures your skin is kept comfortable while the laser works to target your hair follicles.
How long does laser last for PCOS? ›
Clients can see up to 90% permanent reduction in hair growth after a course of treatments but the percentage of hair reduction depends on hair type and colour. Due to the hair growth cycle you may need a top up of 3 sessions within a few years, however many patients never need treatment again.
To reduce excessive hair growth or improve acne, your health care provider might recommend: Birth control pills. These pills decrease androgen production that can cause excessive hair growth and acne. Spironolactone (Aldactone).
Will insurance cover hair removal for PCOS? ›
In general, health insurance companies will not reimburse for electrolysis treatments under any circ*mstances, as excessive hair growth is considered a cosmetic problem.
How to get rid of PCOS belly hair? ›
Electrolysis and laser are both called "permanent hair reduction" techniques. However, for females with PCOS, hair will grow back after either treatment, unless medication to suppress hair growth is also taken (a birth control pill or antiandrogen).
How to flatten a PCOS belly? ›
How to Lose Weight with PCOS: 9 Helpful Tips
- Reduce carb intake.
- Eat more fiber.
- Eat more protein.
- Eat more healthy fats.
- Eat more fermented foods.
- Eat less processed and sugary foods.
- Exercise.
- Sleep.
People with PCOS often have higher levels of hormone androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone. These elevated androgen levels can contribute to weight gain by increasing appetite, especially for high-calorie foods, and promoting abdominal fat deposition.
Does PCOS cause lower belly pooch? ›
As mentioned earlier, a PCOS belly shape differs from other weight gain types. It's usually large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genes and other factors. It involves visceral fat accumulation in the lower abdomen and typically feels hard to touch.
Is electrolysis or laser hair removal better for PCOS? ›
Choosing the Right Treatment for PCOS & Hormonal Hair Growth
In contrast, electrolysis works on all skin and hair types. Area of Treatment: For larger areas, laser treatment might be preferred due to its speed. Electrolysis can be more precise and is often chosen for smaller areas or specific hairs.
Can I do laser hair removal if I have hormonal imbalance? ›
For this reason, the most preferred and trusted results are got from alexandrite lasers. It must be applied under the supervision of a doctor. The point is that people with hormone imbalance should not get laser hair removal treatment until they reach full balance.
Who is not a good candidate for laser hair removal? ›
Blond, fine hairs cannot be targeted by the lasers and therefore, cannot be removed with this method. Waxing is a better choice for light colored hair. Individuals with darker skin tones or who tan easily, may have a harder time getting results from laser hair removal.
Who is not suitable for laser hair removal? ›
Who shouldn't have laser hair removal?
- Are pregnant.
- Are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments.
- Have genital herpes (HSV-2) or are prone to cold sores.
- Have keloid scars (raised scars).
- Have or have had skin cancer.
