hair removal (merged)

aurora_borealis_2

Me and all three daughters have PCOS to varying degrees.

My youngest daughter at age 14 is most severely affected and has facial hair amongst her many other symptoms.

My question ... she is to be prescribed vaniqua, a new topical application.
I have asked that she has laser hair removal but I'm told that it is not available in my NHS area. Not even for a child!

Has anyone been able to access laser treatment on the NHS?

aurora_borealis_2

shameless bumpage.

1sttimer_2

My 21 DD was diagnosed with this last year but hasn't had anything prescribed for her. It's just down to her shaving/bleaching so far. She also has Vitaligo (sp) which is progressing a little more as the time passes.

It's so unfortunate that their looks are affected in this way. My DD is fortunate in that she has a strong personality and is so far coping with it.

Sorry I cannot help you but my heart goes out to you all aurora borealis. (((hugs)))

h4zel

I have struggled with this (PCOS) for years.. far too embarrassed to ask the doctor for help with the hair problem because historically he has been somewhat less than friendly!

I have more than desirable facial hair and the cream only works when I leave it long enough for there to be enough hair to disolve.. that in itself is embarassing.. I have even spent hours in front of the mirror pulling out each one individually which is WONDERFUL (although painful!) when it's all done for about a week.. then it's back to normal again

Can anyone help me out with any options.. I want rid of it but I am very embarressed by it so freely talking to another human about it would be horrid!

Does anyone have any advice about the other symptoms? I have very irregular periods.. sometimes only once every few months.. in fact last year I think I only had one! :T which is great in a lot of ways but does concern me about any health implications

Would love to hear from other people with this problem.. I thought I was a freak..

wigginsmum

I've got PCOS but the opposite problem - can't grow much hair at all. Head hair is baby-fine, not much on pits and legs, nethers won't grow back since my op ... I look like a plucked chicken!

My PCOS gave me appallingly painful periods, and I tried everything in order to cope each month. In the end I opted for a hysterectomy and haven't looked back since.

mrcow

h4zel wrote:

Would love to hear from other people with this problem.. I thought I was a freak..

Hi h4zel (& others on this thread)

Your post made me want to cry. I've had PCOS for years (although I was only diagnosed in 1999).

I would often only have three or four periods a year, I put on weight, have had ongoing problems with hair growth (although luckily nothing like to the extent of others on this tread, but the worst thing was the pain. I never realised what it actually was for ages, I just knew that sometimes I'd get searing abdomnal pains that would pass. This I came to discover was larger cysts bursting on my ovaries and leaking (which can be very painful).

I had a scan when I was first diagnosed and my larger cysts were up to 4.3cm in diameter.

My first reaction was to try and lose the excess weight that I had put on. It was really hard, but I thought at least it was something that I could help control. I think that this has really helped, although it is hard to keep on top of. Steering clear of bread/pasta helps when you have PCOS!

I struggled with it for a long time, but my greatest worry was that I'd been classed as essentially infertile. I tried Clomid to increase ovulation (but this just encouraged more cysts!) and eventually was booked in for a laparoscopy to have my ovaries "drilled".

What can I say? I've been pregnant four times since and I have two beautiful children with another due at the end of the year. It's a temporary fix, but is known to often "kick" the ovaries back into normal action. It's not a cure, just a temporary "fix". My PCOS will more than likely return at some stage with all the downsides it brings.

Another option apparently is Metformin (the drug used for diabetes) as it helps with the insulin resistance and weight loss, but I don't know if it has an impact on hair growth.

I guess all I'm trying to say is that there are options. You need to see a consultant who knows intimately about this field. Don't give in and don't let it run your life. There was a period of my life where I thought I was never going to be "normal" and enjoy a family.

I know that I am lucky being blessed with so much to be thankful for, and I also realise that this horrible condition can affect women in so many different types of ways, but there is help out there and support.

Take care and have a look at some of the PCOS support groups on the net (of which there are many these days!)

morveryn

wigginsmum wrote:

I've got PCOS but the opposite problem - can't grow much hair at all. Head hair is baby-fine, not much on pits and legs, nethers won't grow back since my op ... I look like a plucked chicken!

My PCOS gave me appallingly painful periods, and I tried everything in order to cope each month. In the end I opted for a hysterectomy and haven't looked back since.

I have actually been considering a hysterectomy as I have PCOS (have had it for years) and I have always had horrendous periods but in the last 18 months they've got even worse. I seem to be getting 2 periods a month! I think I am making up for my sister who isn't getting any periods, she has just been diagnosed with PCOS & put on Metformin.

wigginsmum

It was an easy decision for me as I've never wanted kids. I just had to fight the medical profession for 26 years (from age 13) until I found a surgeon who offered a hyst to me after seeing I was adamant that was what I wanted. Best thing I've ever done - I've got my life back and have so much more energy.

aurora_borealis_2

Hmmm. I had the choice of a Mirena coil or a hysterectomy due to very heavy bleeding. I chose the Mirena. Bleeding is fine now but energy and mood is low and falling

What would a hysterectomy achieve re. mood/excess hair and all those other PCOS symptoms?

wigginsmum

I've never really suffered from mood swings or excess hair, so I can't answer on that point. I have plenty of skin tags which are here to stay. Mainly it's stopped the pain and bleeding in its tracks (as you'd expect); they left my ovaries as they aren't too bad, but I still get somewhat sore boobs (unsure if I ever actually ovulate or not). At some point my ovaries will fail completely (50% will fail in the 5 years after a hysto), and then it'll be the decision on whether to take HRT.

Hormones never helped me with the pain (was on the pill on and off for 20 years), and they couldn't get a coil in when I tried it, so this was the best option for me - I knew I couldn't carry on as I was. I only got diagnosed with PCOS in January so am still learning about it all. Since the hysto I've lost nearly a stone without trying, and feel about 10 years younger in terms of energy. My skin has also improved.