Understanding Excess Hair Growth in PCOS: Causes and Treatments

Introduction

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. One of the most distressing symptoms for many women with PCOS is excess hair growth, known as hirsutism. This condition can affect self-esteem and quality of life, leading many to seek effective treatment options. This blog post will explore the reasons behind excess hair growth in PCOS, various treatment options available, and the use of IPL hair removal as a potential permanent solution, along with its advantages and disadvantages.

An example of PCOS facial hair

Causes of Excess Hair Growth in PCOS

PCOS is characterized by an imbalance of reproductive hormones, particularly an excess of androgens, often referred to as "male hormones," such as testosterone. Women naturally produce these hormones, but in PCOS, their levels can be elevated, leading to several symptoms, including hirsutism.

Here’s how elevated androgen levels contribute to excess hair growth:

1. Increased Hair Follicle Sensitivity: Hair follicles in areas such as the face, chest, and back become more sensitive to androgens, stimulating hair growth.

2. Extended Anagen Phase: Androgens can prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, resulting in thicker and more noticeable hair.

3. Genetic Predisposition: Genetics play a significant role in the severity of hirsutism. If your family has a history of excessive hair growth, you are more likely to experience it.

Treatment Options for Excess Hair Growth

Managing hirsutism typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and cosmetic procedures.

1. Lifestyle Changes:

   • Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate hormone levels and reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms.

   • Diet and Exercise: A balanced diet and regular physical activity can improve insulin resistance and hormone balance.

2. Medical Treatments:

   • Oral Contraceptives: Birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles and lower androgen levels, reducing hair growth.

   • Anti-Androgens: Medications like spironolactone can block androgen receptors, decreasing the effects of androgens on hair follicles.

   • Insulin-Sensitizing Agents: Drugs like metformin can improve insulin resistance, indirectly affecting androgen levels and hair growth.

3. Cosmetic Procedures:

   • Shaving and Waxing: These methods provide temporary relief from unwanted hair.

   • Electrolysis: A permanent hair removal method that uses electrical currents to destroy hair follicles, but can be time-consuming and uncomfortable.

IPL Hair Removal as a Permanent Solution to Excess Hair from PCOS

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal has gained popularity as an effective treatment for hirsutism in PCOS. IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target the pigment in hair follicles, heating and destroying them to prevent future growth.

Advantages of IPL Hair Removal:

1. Long-Lasting Results: After a series of treatments, IPL can significantly reduce hair growth, offering long-lasting results.

2. Less Painful: Compared to electrolysis and some laser treatments, IPL is generally less painful.

3. Convenience: IPL can treat larger areas of the body quickly, making it more efficient than methods like electrolysis.

4. Skin Rejuvenation: IPL can also improve skin texture and tone, addressing issues like pigmentation and redness.

Disadvantages of IPL Hair Removal:

1. Multiple Sessions Required: Several sessions are necessary to achieve desired results, which can be time-consuming and costly.

2. Variable Effectiveness: IPL is most effective on individuals with light skin and dark hair. It may not be as effective for those with light hair or darker skin tones.

3. Potential Side Effects: Possible side effects include redness, swelling, and in rare cases, burns or pigmentation changes.

4. Maintenance: Although results are long-lasting, occasional maintenance sessions may be needed to keep hair growth at bay.

Conclusion

Excess hair growth is a common and challenging symptom of PCOS, but understanding the underlying causes and available treatments can help manage this condition effectively. While lifestyle changes and medical treatments are essential for managing PCOS as a whole, cosmetic procedures like IPL hair removal can offer significant relief from hirsutism.

IPL hair removal presents a promising solution with its long-lasting results and added skin benefits, although it requires multiple sessions and may not be suitable for everyone. Consulting with a healthcare professional and a qualified technician is crucial to determine the best approach for managing excess hair growth related to PCOS.

By addressing both the root causes and symptoms of PCOS, women can achieve a better quality of life and improved self-confidence, navigating their condition with greater ease and comfort.

If you would like more information on our IPL Hair Removal treatments in Glasgow, please click here - https://www.laser-reverse.co.uk/ipl-hair-removal

We offer free consultations and patch tests, where we will discuss the treatments in details and if you would be a suitable candidate for the treatment.

For further reading please click here - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14523-hirsutism