Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which fluid-filled cysts grow on the ovaries. This increases the production of the male hormone testosterone which can result in acne, heavy or irregular periods and excess hair on the face on body.
The main underlying problem for ladies with PCOS is a hormonal imbalance. The ovaries make more androgens (male hormones that females also make) than normal. High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation.
The symptoms of PCOS vary from woman to woman but include:
- Infertility (PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility)
- Hirsutism – increased hair growth on face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs or toes
- Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
- Acne, oily skin or dandruff
- Cysts on the ovaries
- Infrequent, absent and/or irregular menstrual periods
- Sleep apnea – where breathing stops for short periods while sleeping
- Weight gain or obesity
- Anxiety or depression
- Pelvic pain
- Skin tags
How do I know if I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS, you will need to visit your doctor to discover what is causing your symptoms. The Doctor will ask about your medical history, give you a physical examination testing blood pressure, BMI and waist size, a pelvic exam, blood tests and a vaginal ultrasound.
How is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) treated?
Depending on the symptoms there are various treatments for PCOS:
- Diabetes medications – medication to treat type 2 diabetes has been found to help PCOS symptoms.
- Birth Control Pills – for women not trying to get pregnant birth control medication can help control menstrual cycles, reduce male hormone levels and help clear acne (laser treatments for acne are also available).
- Fertility medications – lack of ovulation is usually the reason for fertility problems in women with PCOS, there are several medications that can stimulate ovulation and can help women with PCOS become pregnant
- Surgery – this is often the course of action when fertility medications have proven unsuccessful
- Lifestyle modifications – many women with PCOS are overweight or obese which can cause health problems. PCOS can be managed by healthy eating and regular exercise to keep weight at a health level
- Hair growth medicine: hormones to increase or reduce hair growth
Can Laser Hair Removal be used as a treatment for Hirsutism?
Hirutism is the increased hair growth on women in those parts of the body where hair does not normally occur or is minimal. The most common areas for excessive hair growth in females with PCOS are:
- Facial hair – including on the upper lip, cheeks and jaw line
- Chest hair – including the torso, arms and nipples
- Body hair – including the stomach, abdomen and back
- Surgery – this is often the course of action when fertility medications have proven unsuccessful
At the Harley Medical Group we treat many ladies for laser hair removal on their chest, breasts, nipples, stomach, abdomen and facial hair in addition to legs, underarm, arm and bikini line.
At The Harley Medical Group we understand how much PCOS affects everyday life, to help our PCOS patients we offer our a discount of 10% of every treatment or package purchased*
How does Laser Hair removal for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) work?
Laser hair removal machines use focused light to penetrate the
epidermis of the skin and target the underlying hair. The hair’s pigment
absorbs the light and is destroyed, meaning it is instantly removed and
further growth is hindered, leaving the skin with a smooth appearance.
Laser hair removal treatments take from ten minutes to approximately forty minutes, depending on the area being treated.
Does Laser Hair Removal for PCOS hurt?
Far from being painful, laser hair removal is virtually pain-free and a long-lasting way to remove unwanted hair. As laser hair removal isn't as painful as other hair removal treatments, it can be used to remove hair even in sensitive areas, such as the face or bikini line, as well as from your back, tummy or chest.
In the Press
http://www.athomemagazine.co.uk/more-celeb/dr-christian-jessen/5384-hairy-situation
The Problem: Excessive hair as a result of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
The Treatment: Laser hair removal
How it works - A laser beam destroys hair follicles. This rapid, yet gentle way of removing unwanted hair is available at major clinics.
Pros: Treated follicles will be much reduced, or even fail to regrow.
Cons: Also you must protect your skin from sun damage, or dark patches may appear. Time-consuming, can be painful and costly. If it’s done wrong, it can scar.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
How it works - The [laser] emits light energy which is absorbed by the melanin in hairs, suppressing regrowth for up to 12 weeks.
Pros: It’s easier, faster and more effective than shaving or waxing.
Cons: It’s normal to experience some redness and very mild swelling of the skin for a short time.
