Permanent Hair Removal Information for Hormonal Changes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Common Questions About Electrolysis For Hormonal Changes and PCOS

All of a sudden I started sprouting these coarse hairs on my chin. I am only 40 years old - what's wrong with me?

At your consultation, we will go through a thorough health history. This will help us figure out a possible reason why this hair came on suddenly. Among the questions will be:

• Do you have thyroid problems?
• Are you diabetic?
• Have you had menstrual or ovarian problems?
• What medications do you take?
• Do you have a family history of unwanted hair?
• Some studies show women have symptoms of menopause 10 years before they reach menopause - could this be the cause?

As electrologists, we cannot diagnose, but we can ask you questions that will help you have further discussions with your physician. Regardless of the cause, we can permanently remove the unwanted hair.

I have always had a lot of facial hair. I thought I was the only one, but now I am beginning to wonder - are there others like me?

There are many of us with unwanted hair. In fact, most likely, your electrologist has spent many hours receiving electrolysis treatments. His/her compassion comes from walking in your shoes. I believe there are more of us with unwanted hair than without!

Every doctor I have seen tells me to "just lose some weight" and my periods will become normal. As hard as I try, I just can't seem to lose weight. Plus I have all this hair all over my face and breasts and belly, so I have trouble changing at the gym. What is wrong?

An endocrinologist (hormone specialist) may be the person to help you. When women are overweight, have trouble losing weight, have irregular or no periods, and hair in the male pattern area (which you have described), they should be evaluated by a specialist. These are classic signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Again, electrologists cannot diagnose, but we can recognize what is not normal. If you do have PCOS, we can permanently remove the unwanted facial and body hair.

What is the treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Treatment depends on the symptoms.

If weight is an issue, the most successful eating pattern is following a diabetic healthy eating plan. When choosing carbs, make sure they are complex carbs that don't raise your blood sugar.

If you develop unwanted hair, electrolysis will get rid of the unwanted hair permanently.

To address the medical issues, sometimes medications are prescribed by your physician.

I went to see the endocrinologist and she said all my tests came back normal. How can that be with all this hair on my face?

Dr. Jeffrey Redmond, a NY endocrinologist, has told the Electrology profession that some people's bodies are more sensitive to circulating hormones. So just because your blood levels have come back "normal," it does not mean that they are normal for YOU! As hard as it may seem, go back and have another conversation with your endocrinologist. We must each be an active advocate for our own health.

What medications cause hair growth?

Many medications can cause hair growth or hair loss. Talk with your pharmacist about each medication you are on and also how your medications interact.

Where can I get more information about electrolysis?

To speak to an electrologist or to schedule a free consultation, contact us. Answers to general questions about electrolysis are available on the Electrolysis FAQ page.

The information above is provided courtesy of
American Electrology Association.