Can someone with PCOS get laser hair removal?

PCOS affects 1 out of every 10 women with ovaries, many of whom go undiagnosed. Classic signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) include trouble losing weight, irregular or no periods, and unusual amounts of hair on the face, breasts, and belly. Elevated testosterone levels can lead to this increase in hair growth, affecting one’s appearance, comfort, and self-confidence.

An endocrinologist (hormone specialist) can assist with the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS, a specialist should evaluate those suffering from symptoms. For those diagnosed, laser hair removal is ideal for women suffering from excessive hair growth as a result of PCOS, and here’s why!

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also referred to as PCOS, is a condition that impacts roughly 10-15% of women. This syndrome causes multiple small cysts around the edges of the ovaries to develop. PCOS also creates an excess of androgen, a male hormone that causes unwanted hair growth on the face, back, chest, lower legs, and abdomen. Those with PCOS may encounter thicker, darker, or excessive body hair due to the extra hormones in their bodies.

Women with PCOS are not without options when it comes to unwanted body hair. In fact, laser hair removal is the ideal treatment for women faced with PCOS. The treatment can aid in removing or reducing unwanted body hair. This solution can eliminate the constant need for shaving, waxing, or plucking.

Laser Hair Removal For PCOS

Laser hair removal is an effective treatment option for women who have experienced an increase in hair growthdue to PCOS. A reduction in excess facial and body hair from this treatment can not only be achieved quickly, but it can also offer life-changing benefits for those who are self-conscious as a direct result of this condition. Typically, women suffering from PCOS will need more sessions of laser hair removal to achieve their desired results. On average, 10-12 sessions may be required on the body, and 12+ sessions may be required on the face.

What To Expect From Results

Laser hair removal works for PCOS, and many women with the condition have been able to experience incredible results. To maintain a reduction in hair growth, regular maintenance treatments may be required every 12-15 weeks, indefinitely. This can be especially true for facial hair growth. While laser will not provide 100% permanent hair removal, hair will be considerably finer, lighter, and will be significantly slower to regrow.

Why So Many Sessions Are Needed With PCOS

Laser treatment cannot influence internal hormone irregularities within the body. As laser hair removal works on the surface of the skin, there are limitations as to what it can achieve. With PCOS, hair growth is persistent and resilient. Once a satisfactory reduction in hair growth has been achieved (after a full course of laser sessions), results will need to be maintained. As everyone’s hormone profile is different, the frequency and number of these treatments will depend on the person. Larger body areas may require less frequent maintenance treatments, but you should expect that facial hair will need to be maintained on an 8-12 week cycle.

Are You a Candidate For Laser Hair Removal?

The best candidate for laser hair removal is typically someone with a fair-skin complexion and dark body hair. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments can be used on almost every skin color. During both laser and intense pulse light treatments, the light targets the hair follicle, which then gets destroyed when it absorbs the light energy.

Laser Aesthetic Center is here to help all women feel confident and beautiful. Don’t let PCOS dictate how you feel about yourself. We are here to help you find a solution and to answer any questions you may have. Call us today to schedule a PCOS laser hair removal consultation appointment so we can help you feel your very best regardless of PCOS!

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reasons for women to present seeking removal of facial hair, particularly within the UK National Health Service (NHS). In the NHS, there is geographical variation in the number of laser treatments available to women with PCOS, with some units limiting patients to six treatments whilst others allow unlimited treatments. This study aims to assess the effect of number of treatments on women with PCOS.

Methods: This study prospectively assessed hair counts, hair-free intervals and patient satisfaction in 60 women with PCOS undergoing 3ms pulse duration alexandrite laser treatment.

Results: Following six treatments there was a mean 31+/-38% reduction in hair counts (mean+/-SD; P=0.001). Mean hair-free interval (HFI) increased steadily with treatment, from 1.9 weeks after six treatments to 4.3 weeks after 10 treatments (P=0.001). From the postal questionnaire, after an average of 12 treatments, 31% of patients had a HFI longer than 6 weeks compared to only 2.6% after six treatments (P=0.003). Overall, despite the low hair count reductions, 95% of patients were satisfied with treatment.

Conclusion: In women with PCOS, laser treatment is associated with a poorer than expected reduction in hair counts and HFI following treatment. However, offering more than six treatments does have additional benefits in terms of prolonging HFI and overall patient satisfaction with treatment is very high.

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