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PCOS And Body Hair: How Laser Treatment Can Help?

Ovarian enlargement with small cysts on the borders is a symptom of the hormonal condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which affects women. Unwanted hair growth is among the most frequent side effects of this illness. A typical hair sign of PCOS is hirsutism. On a woman’s body parts, PCOS hair growth resembles male-pattern hair growth in general. One of the main reasons women desire to get their facial hair removed is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Unwated hair growth

The signs and symptoms of PCOS:

The ovaries produce excessively high levels of androgens, the male sex hormones that are generally present in women in negligible amounts, in the case of PCOS.

The disorder known as polycystic ovarian syndrome causes an abundance of small cysts to grow on the ovaries.

Sometimes a woman’s body doesn’t produce enough of the hormones required for ovulation.

More issues with a woman’s menstrual cycle may result from this.

PCOS symptoms could include:

Irregular cycles, missed periods, or unusually light cycles

Large ovaries or ovaries with numerous cysts

Excessive body hair, especially on the back, stomach, chin and chest

Gaining weight, especially around the abdomen

Oily skin or acne

How does PCOS start?

It’s unclear what exactly causes PCOS. Insulin resistance is common in PCOS patients. This indicates poor insulin use by the body. The body produces more insulin, which could result in higher amounts of androgen. Obesity not only increases insulin levels but also worsens PCOS symptoms. A family history of PCOS is possible. 

How Is PCOS Related To Hirsutism?

When you have PCOS, the cells that make insulin become overly sensitive as a result of which excessive amounts of insulin are produced, leading to hyperinsulinemia. The ovaries often create too much testosterone, a male hormone, as a result of the extra insulin that is being produced. So, the excess androgen, basically, testosterone and other hormones associated with men leads not just to ovarian cysts but also to hair on their bodies that has a male-pattern.

How Does Hair Growth Caused by PCOS Impact A Woman’s Life?

Various psychological and social problems can affect a woman who has PCOS hirsutism. The ongoing struggles to stop PCOS-related increased hair growth can have a negative impact on both body and mind.

How can a woman with PCOS lessen hirsutism?

Treatment for hirsutism brought on by testosterone production includes birth control tablets or other hormonal contraceptives that contain estrogen and progestin. For women who don’t wish to get pregnant, oral contraceptives are a typical treatment for hirsutism.

Anti-androgens. These medicines prevent androgens from binding to their receptors in your body. If oral contraceptives are insufficiently effective after six months, they may occasionally be recommended.

Tweezers, shaving, and epilators are just a few methods for getting rid of hair, but getting laser hair removal is one of the best ways to do it permanently.

The appearance of excessive hair growth can be temporarily reduced by using quick solutions like shaving, tweezing, and waxing, but since PCOS-related hair is frequently dark and dense, it frequently grows back, looking like stubble. Long-term remedies should therefore focus on more durable options, such as electrolysis or laser.

How Effective Is Laser Hair Removal For PCOS Patients?

One of the most advanced effective methods for removing hair is laser hair removal, which is particularly effective for Indian skin types.

The multifactorial process of laser hair removal comprises a complex photothermal reaction that passes from the epidermis to the dermal matrix with the goal of damaging the hair follicles while sparing the epidermis. In laser hair removal, a number of laser parameters, including power, spot size, irradiation period, and repetition rate, affect the ultimate result.

Controlled laser beams are directed towards the chromophores, or pigment-producing melanin under the skin, during this process. By doing this, the hair follicles are destroyed and no more hair can grow from them.

During the procedure, hand held laser equipment will be applied to your skin by the doctor. Depending on the type of laser, your skin may be protected and the risk of side effects reduced by a cooling device on the instrument’s tip or a cold gel.

When the laser is turned on by the doctor, the laser beam will penetrate your skin and reach your hair follicles. The hair follicles are damaged by the laser’s strong heat, which prevents hair growth.

Particularly on the chin, back and neck, PCOS causes the hair to be extremely dense. So, it’s crucial to use the proper lasers and settings so that the hair can be permanently removed without damaging the skin.

You won’t have to wait till the hair has grown out before you can remove it comfortably, unlike unpleasant electrolysis. In comparison to electrolysis, which generally takes several hours, laser treatments typically last less than 30 minutes.

In the USA, diode lasers for hair removal were authorised for sale in 1997. Due to the longer wavelength, active cooling, and longer pulse widths of this device, people with darker skin can be treated more securely. Patients with darker skin types have been reported to tolerate the diode laser system better than the ruby laser.

Women with facial hair experienced higher levels of psychological morbidity than the overall population, according to a random study (Lipton et al.). This is the first randomised controlled trial using laser hair removal to look at the degree of psychological morbidity and self-reported face hirsutism in PCOS-affected women. When compared to the controls, the intervention group’s psychological condition had significantly improved after 6 months of laser therapy.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal for People with PCOS

Unwanted hair growth is permanently reduced as a result of laser hair removal. Laser hair removal can drastically reduce unwanted face and body hair growth in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by making it more difficult for these hairs to grow again.

Increase your confidence. It’s obvious when you’re at ease in your own skin. The confidence you exude draws people to you.

The process is painless, and a typical session lasts 30-45 minutes.

Provides a long-lasting treatment for excess hair caused by PCOS.

Generally chosen for the growth of hair on the chin, stomach, and face.

Absolutely no side effects exist.

Your face is safe from laser hair removal. You can have slight redness or swelling for an hour or two following the treatment, depending on your skin type.

In the long term, laser hair removal will be significantly less expensive than other hair removal techniques.

Due to their vast surface area, laser devices may treat many follicles at once. Laser hair removal is a fantastic option for the back, arms, and legs in particular, because lasers can target bigger regions at once.

A prevalent problem that negatively impacts the majority of PCOS-afflicted women throughout their adult life may be treated effectively and favourably with laser hair removal.

Such hirsutism carries a heavy psychological and emotional weight that may be made worse by additional PCOS symptoms like obesity, acne, and infertility.

The psychological morbidity, as well as the perceived severity of facial hair and hair removal behaviours, are all significantly improved by treating hirsutism alone.

How to Control PCOS Hair Growth with diet?

Incorporate fiber-rich veggies, lean proteins, and fruits in your diet.

Limit your consumption of dairy products.

Incorporate gut-friendly probiotics and eliminate all processed or refined foods

Add wholesome fats to your diet, such as ghee, fatty fish, extra-virgin olive oil, avocados, almonds, etc.

It is important to recognize PCOS hirsutism as soon as it manifests itself so that the appropriate care and therapy may be given before your situation deteriorates. If you want to permanently remove the unwanted hair from different body locations, one of the most successful treatments is laser hair removal. For more information, speak with a professional dermatologist.

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