Laser Hair Removal for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (2024)

FAQs

Is laser hair removal worth it with PCOS? ›

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal for PCOS

Unlike the pinpoint accuracy of electrolysis, laser devices have a large surface area so they can go to work on a bunch of follicles at the same time. Because lasers target larger areas at a time, laser hair removal is an especially great choice for backs, arms, and legs.

Reduces hair growth, permanently – We recommend a minimum of 8 sessions. If you have the recommended number of treatments for your hair and skin type, you'll see up to 90% hair reduction.

The hormone fluctuations associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome cause hair follicles to become “active”. This side effect of PCOS is what causes unwanted hair to grow. Your best option to permanently remove this hair growth is laser hair removal.

Electrolysis is the only type of hair removal approved by the FDA as a permanent way of removing hair. 1 For the thousands of women with PCOS electrolysis is a great option to permanently get rid of thick hair that often grows on their face, chest, and back.

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).

It involves visceral fat accumulation in the lower abdomen and typically feels hard to touch. A PCOS belly is also characterized by a high waist-to-hip ratio of >0.87 (apple body shape). Still, some people may not have any noticeable stomach changes. In that case, watch out for other symptoms of PCOS.

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.

Studies show that laser is the most effective treatment.

Additionally the guidelines state that a greater number of laser treatment sessions may be required in women with PCOS, compared to other women, to achieve hair reduction.

Surgery Overview

Electrocautery or a laser is used to destroy parts of the ovaries. This surgery is not commonly used. But it can be an option if you still don't ovulate after you lose weight and try fertility medicines. Ovarian drilling is usually done through a small incision (laparoscopy), with general anesthesia.

Is PCOS hair loss reversible? Thankfully, PCOS hair loss can be reversed if the underlying cause is treated (in the case of PCOS, hormonal imbalance). There are a number of things that can be done to reverse it. ✔ Adopt a healthy, balanced diet, with lots of nutrient-rich food.

What stops PCOS hair growth? ›

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).

70% of women with PCOS experience unwanted hair growth and this is caused due to an excess of androgens. However, this can be quickly reversed by taking Inofolic® Alpha twice a day as has been proven to reduce unwanted hair in PCOS women by 30% after 6 months.

While medication and laser hair removal can help manage the symptoms of PCOS-related facial hair, they may not provide a permanent solution. If you stop taking medication or receiving laser hair removal treatments, the hair may grow back.

In general, health insurance companies will not reimburse for electrolysis treatments under any circ*mstances, as excessive hair growth is considered a cosmetic problem.

Laser removal is often considered a better option for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) because it is faster and less painful than electrolysis. However, electrolysis may be a better option for those with blonde hair, as laser hair removal is not as effective on this type of hair.

It typically requires 6 to 8 treatments to minimize symptoms of excess hair growth, and this can vary from person to person. Treatments are performed by our highly experienced and trained laser technicians, and they are happy to address any questions or concerns that patients have.

“The lasers we use penetrate less than one millimeter into the skin, so there's no way they could reach your ovaries. But even if they did—which they never, ever could—they wouldn't do anything, anyway. They work on pigment and have no bearing on fertility.” Therefore, there's nothing to worry about.

The IPL intense pulsed light technology makes hair removal fast, comfortable and highly effective. The treatment is ideal for polycystic ovaries syndrome hair growth, as it prevents the rapid regrowth associated with the condition.

Does laser hair removal help with hormonal imbalance? ›

The point is that people with hormone imbalance should not get laser hair removal treatment until they reach full balance. In this case, the hair removed by treatment comes back in a few months. Hormone balance should only be determined under the supervision of a hormone specialist (endocrinology).

PCOS and Waxing

Not only does waxing provide long-lasting results, but when hair does eventually grow back, it comes in finer and softer in comparison to the blunt hairs that grow back after shaving. Because waxing removes hair from the root, it also allows hair to thin out and grow back less over time.