hair removal (merged)

BlondieE

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 22 I'm now 36. I've been overweight for a number of years and tried every diet and nothing would shift it. I took 7 periods in 5 years and that's when I started fertility treatment. I took clomid to ovulate over 2 year period but didn't work. I then had several laparoscopies and ovarian drilling - neither worked. Decided then to go private and after fertility treatment we were blessed with daughter in 2000. Felt great throughout pregnancy but periods yet again did not return. Facial hair was really bad after that and I tried metformin but didn't do any good. I was sent through NHS in Glasgow for Laser treatment - amazing results after 6 sessions hair is very fine now. Still receiving treatment but only every 3 months now. To finish the story in a lighter note - my period came back last year for five consecutive months after 5 years without any after the birth of our daughter - too our delight we found that we got pregnant naturally this time - hence another beautiful daughter born 3 months ago!! PCOS is a dreadful illness as you need to fight for all the help you need, a good GP is essential and luckily my GP is extremely supportive.

Poppy9

I too have suffered with Ovarian cysts (bursting, painful etc), infertilty etc. I also have skin tags and weight problems but excess facial hair isn't a problem. To control my symptoms for the last 10 years I've taken a herbal remedy Agnus Castus. It has helped to regulate my periods, reduce bleeding, reduce cramping, aid mood swings and breast pain. I also take B vitamins and a good quality mutli vit/mineral.

I wish I had discovered this herb when I was 13 as it would have saved me years of misery!

ooobedoo

Blimey, I was told at the age of 17 that I probably have PCOS and that I won't be able to have children...I suffer from mood swings, very irregular periods. I even went 6 months when I didn't have periods(just after I got married) the doctor didn't know anything, I went in there with loads of stuff from the internet and he shouted at me. We decided to part company...he gave me a referral to an endocrinologist as a good will gesture, who sent me for blood test and a scan etc etc and I have got PCOS, he put me on metformin, told me that I would have no problems getting pregnant and withing 2 months of going in the tablets I started having periods every 28 days-very strange. I lost weight, and then got pregnant. I then has DS, I have been on them for a long time and when we decided to try for a second, it happened straight away. It was a massive shock.

I am really hairy, on my face and neck. I bleach my 'tash' and arms with boots stuff(so much cheaper than immac). I tend not to look at the side of my face, what I don't look at doesn't worry me!!!

whatamess_2

When I was suffering with the pcos I was lucky and didnt gain any weight.:D The thing that affected me the most was the acne!!!:eek: horrific boils around the jaw line and neck!! and a few on the cheeks and back.
They tried the dianette which didnt help at all!!

There is so much more information coming out in the past few years especially about the insulin resistance which was never mentioned to me at all.:eek:

My cysts used to rupture which was incredibly painful and would make me feel really funny!! a bit like you`ve just been given an injection thats going around the body!!


In the end I asked for a total hysterectomy which after an argument they let me have.

The spots cleared up almost straight away and the facial hair is a lot finer and less noticiable.

whatamess_2

ooobedoo, was your doc the same as mine in that he insisted I must be pregnant!! and that before they would do anything must have not had a period for months!!! 6 months I think it was. At the time though thats how often I was having them (every 6 months) so he wouldnt investigate. Had to change gp in the end.

ooobedoo

Nope, I told him I had taken preg tests and gained weight and his response 'what more weight!!!' I think he got his medical degree free in a cereal packet.

After we argued, he actually wrote in my notes that he expected me to compain to the GMC, my present dr read it to me(prescent doc is ace)

Dee123_2

I'm another PCOS'er and it makes me sad to read your stories as I have a good idea what you've all been through although each of us are different.

With apologies to Aurora, can I hijack the thread for a second? I've just been diagnosed additionally with an under-active thyroid. I was blaming the excess weight on the PCOS but it looks like there is another reason too. Apparently, its fairly common (1 in 10 I think) to PCOS'ers to have both and I just wondered if any of you do too?

I'm only asking cos I'm hoping the thyroid meds will help me shift some weight as the metformin (though good for cravings) hasnt helped and I cannot diet and exercise much more than I do!

PS I've got one of those sander thingies for hair removal. It's as good as waxing and slows the hair regrowth. Cannot be used on the face though.

Dee x

aurora_borealis_2

Thanks for all the info ladies (and Ted).

I've missed all these responses while I was on holiday. It's a horrible condition, isn't it.

Update on DD3.

The GP has prescribed Vaniqa, a topical cream thjat she must apply day/night for 3 months as a test and for life if it works.

My GP has agreed to petition for NHS treatment at the end of this trial period, if unsuccessful.

I'll keep you posted

Nicki

I too have PCOS and suffer from some facial hair - not a full tache and beard but quite a lot of long dark coarse hairs which can be quite noticeable. About a year ago now, I decided to ignore the advice about not shaving facial hair, and every 3 weeks or so I very lightly run the long hair trimmer bit of my electric shaver over my chin and neck. This works for me. I've never had any unsightly stubble, my skin feels just as smooth as if I were using creams, and I no longer have anyunsightly hairs creeping up on me. I did try electrolysis when I was younger and found it quite painful and after about 12 sessions it hadn't solved the problem so I gave up.

BlondieE

Nicki,

If you are going to receive laser treatment the advice they give is no waxing, hair removal creams, electrolysis or plucking etc. They ask you to shave only and have a growth before your first visit. I did this and hid in the house for as long as possible - very embarrassing!! i would recomment laser to anyone, some people find it quite harsh on skin but I had no problems. Another thing they ask is to use full sunblock on face as they wouldn't treat anyone with suntan.