Facial / Body Hair and PCOS: What You Need to Know!

If you have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), then you know that it can come with a variety of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is excess facial and body hair growth, otherwise referred to as ‘hirsutism’. Some embrace this symptom and accept it as a form of liberation. Whereas for others, it may not be the most pleasant. It is important to understand why your body is doing this and ways in which you can manage this symptom. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about body hair, its connection to PCOS and ways you can manager the symptom.

What Causes Body Hair Growth?

The main cause of body hair growth in people with PCOS is an imbalance of hormones, namely increased levels of androgens such as testosterone. If you want to know more about how these hormones affect PCOS, check out our previous blog - https://www.polycyster.com/post/a-guide-to-how-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-is-diagnosed. These hormones are responsible for stimulating the production of hair follicles on the face, chest, stomach, back, arms, legs, etc. Unfortunately, this means that those with PCOS tend to experience more facial and body hair than usual.

How Can I Treat It?

While there are no “cures” for PCOS itself or its associated symptoms like facial and body hair growth, there are many ways to manage it but it is important to understand the positive and negative qualities before making your decision on your chosen method. It may also be worth speaking to a dermatologist to make an informed choice based on your specific skin type and personal needs.

Common Hair Removal Methods

Laser

Laser hair removal has become more popular than ever - a laser-based procedure involves targeting hair follicles with laser light energy to reduce unwanted hair from various body parts. The process is quick and safe without the need for harsh chemicals or other invasive procedures, making it an attractive option for those looking to rid themselves of excess body hair. Plus, although laser removes unwanted hairs with precision, it won’t hurt – well not too much! So laser your way to smooth skin minus the major “ouch” factor.

Pros - semi-permanent solution that requires fewer treatments with regular maintenance sessions than some other methods of hair removal, such as waxing or shaving. Additionally, laser hair removal can reach very small, hard to access areas on the body like nipples, lips and between eyebrows (without causing too much pain).

Cons - can dent the pocket when you factor in all the treatment sessions required for it to be effective. Some people find the process quite uncomfortable. Additionally, laser hair removal can cause temporary skin issues such as hyperpigmentation or itching if not done correctly. It has also been reported that some laser methods are not as effective on highly pigmented skin tones, depending on the system used.

How long the results last - between two to six years after completing a full course of sessions.

Waxing

Waxing is a hair removal method popular for its long-lasting results. During waxing, wax is applied to the desired area, and strips of cloth are used to pull the wax up with the hair attached. In one quick wax session you can remove enough hair to make your body feel softer than ever! Plus, with regular wax sessions, you'll enjoy smooth skin for weeks afterwards - no more pesky daily upkeep with other hair removal methods. Waxing might be a bit painful initially, but it could be worth it for such long-lasting results!

Pros - one of the biggest advantages of waxing is that the process of waxing hair is relatively straightforward and can be done in a matter of minutes. In addition, waxing can be used to remove unwanted hair from any part of the body, which makes it ideal for those with conditions like PCOS.

Cons - on the other hand, waxing can be painful, especially for those with sensitive skin. It can also cause skin irritation and redness after the treatment. In some cases, it can even cause ingrown hairs. It can also be time-consuming, as larger areas may need to be waxed multiple times.

How long the results last - between two to six weeks.

Depilatory Creams

It uses a chemical solution to dissolve the hair so that it can be easily wiped away. It works by breaking down the bond of the hair and removing it from the root. Depilatories can be used on any part of the body (always remember to read the label), and they’re especially useful for people with conditions which cause excessive hair growth, such as PCOS. There are many different types of depilatories available, ranging from creams and lotions to gels and even wax strips. Depending on the type of depilatory you use, the effects can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Pros - on the plus side, depilatory hair removal is fast, easy, and relatively painless. It's also inexpensive, making it a great option for people on a budget. Plus, it's safe to use on large areas of your body and can even be used on sensitive areas like the face and bikini line.

Cons - on the flip side, depilatory hair removal doesn't last as long as certain other hair removal methods, so you'll need to do it more often. It can also be more irritating to the skin.

How long the results last - between a few days to two three.

Shaving

Shaving is the process of removing hair through the use of a razor. It's one of the most commonly used methods of hair removal, and it's especially popular for removing facial and body hair. It's a great option for those who want to stay hair-free in between more permanent methods like waxing and electrolysis. It's important to make sure you have sharp, clean blades and a good shaving cream or gel to protect your skin. It's also important to take extra care when shaving delicate areas like the face and bikini line. With the right tools and techniques, shaving can be a safe and effective way to keep your skin smooth and hair-free.

Pros - on the plus side, shaving is a quick and easy process, and it can be done right at home. It's also a good option if you don't want to spend too much money on hair removal services.

Cons - on the downside, shaving doesn't provide long-term results. Hair grows back quickly, and you may find yourself having to shave more often than you'd like. Additionally, if done incorrectly there's a risk of getting cuts and causing irritation or having ingrown hairs grow.

How long the results last - between a few days to two weeks.

Threading

Threading is an ancient method of hair removal that has been used for centuries, especially in parts of Asia and the Middle East. It is a method of tweezing individual hairs, using a cotton thread that is twisted around the hairs. It is often used to shape eyebrows into a desired shape, as it is very precise and detailed. It can also be used to remove hair from other areas of the face, such as the top lip, chin, and sides of the face.

Pros - it removes facial and body hair quickly and efficiently, with minimal irritation. Plus, it's relatively inexpensive compared to other hair removal methods. One of the biggest pros of threading is that it's a lot more precise than waxing or tweezing. Because the thread is used to grab individual hairs, you can shape your brows or remove hair from other areas with pinpoint accuracy. Threading also removes the entire hair, from the root, so the results last a lot longer.

Cons - it can be painful, especially for sensitive skin. It can also cause irritation and redness, especially if done too often. Additionally, threading isn't suitable for all body parts. You can't use threading for large areas like the legs or back, and it's not ideal for those with curly or extremely coarse hair.

How long the results last - between three to six weeks.

Plucking/Tweezing

Tweezing is a popular way to remove unwanted facial and body hair from the comfort of your own home. To begin tweezing, you'll need a pair of tweezers, a good light source, and a mirror. You'll start by pulling the skin taut and then carefully plucking the hair with the tweezers. It's important to be gentle and take your time to ensure you only remove the unwanted hairs and don't cause any irritation.

Pros - it is relatively inexpensive and can be done at home. It's also is great for precision - you can target individual hairs and shape your brows like a pro, just remember to take intervals so you do not end up over plucking (unless your eyebrow goals are late 90s / early 00s.) Tweezing is particularly ideal for smaller, delicate areas such as eyebrows and the upper lip. Ultimately, tweezing is a good option for those who don't have much body or facial hair, or need to remove specific hairs.

Cons - it can be time-consuming, especially for larger areas of the body. It can also be painful since each hair has to be pulled out individually. And since the hair isn't removed from the root, it tends to grow back faster than other types of hair removal. So if you're looking for a longer-lasting solution, tweezing may not be the best choice.

How long the results last - between three to six weeks.

Electrolysis

It's a permanent hair removal technique that uses a small electric current to destroy the hair follicle. The process involves inserting a tiny needle into each hair follicle, and then running a low-level electrical current through it to destroy the hair follicle. This prevents the hair from growing back, and it can also help reduce any irritation and ingrown hairs.

Pros - it is one of the most permanent solutions for hair removal available. By targeting individual follicles with an electrical current, it can permanently eliminate body and facial hair.

Cons - it can be painful, especially in sensitive areas. In addition, it can be quite expensive and usually takes multiple sessions to achieve the desired effect, so it's not an option for those looking for immediate results. And finally, it may not be suitable for those with medical conditions that may be affected by the electrical current used.

How long the results last - permanent, once a full course of sessions is complete.

Diet

Multiple studies have shown that maintaining a balanced diet rich in complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean proteins can help to reduce testosterone levels in those with PCOS. This, in turn, can help to reduce excess hair growth. Additionally, eating more fiber has been shown to reduce androgen levels, further decreasing hair growth. Finally, cutting down on processed foods and unhealthy fats can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can also help to regulate hormones.

Exercise

Did you know that slow weighted exercise could help reduce hair growth? It might sound counterintuitive, but exercise can actually help reduce symptoms of PCOS. It can also help with weight management and reduce androgens, which can cause excess hair growth. Slow weighted exercises such as weightlifting, push-ups and squats can be especially beneficial. It's important to pair exercise with a healthy diet to get the full effect. By combining the right exercises with a healthy, balanced diet, you can help slow PCOS-related facial and body hair growth and manage your condition.

Herbal Tea

Spearmint tea is becoming increasingly popular among women who are looking for a natural way to treat PCOS. Research has shown that drinking two cups of spearmint tea a day can help to regulate hormones and reduce symptoms of the condition over time. It has also been found to reduce levels of testosterone in the body, which is one of the main causes of excess hair growth and other PCOS symptoms. In addition to drinking spearmint tea, it's also important to maintain a healthy diet. So if you're looking for an easy and natural way to manage some PCOS symptoms, consider giving spearmint tea a try. Not only can it help to regulate hormones, but it also tastes great and is caffeine-free!

Final Take

While there isn’t a “cure-all” solution for treating excess facial and body hair due to PCOS just yet, understanding how it works and knowing what methods exist can help you find a solution that works best for your lifestyle needs. With patience and consistency comes progress so do not give up, there are tons of treatments out there that could work for you!

It is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many others in the same position and there are resources available to help you manage your symptoms. Talk to a registered dietician about an alternative diet and consider joining a support group, such as Polycyster where you can learn, engage with and receive/provide support to others with PCOS. Polycyster is the ultimate community for the cysters #CFTC!

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