Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to combat the symptoms of PCOS.
The laser works only on the level of the hair follicles. It can't impact your hormones. PCOS is a complex condition that's largely impacted by what's going on inside your body. While factors like diet and lifestyle can make some of its symptoms worse, laser hair removal can't.
Women with PCOS often have sensitive skin that can be easily irritated by traditional hair removal methods. Laser hair removal offers a gentler alternative, targeting the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding skin. This results in smoother and softer skin, reducing the risk of irritation or ingrown hairs.
Electrolysis and laser are both called "permanent hair reduction" techniques. However, for females with PCOS, hair will grow back after either treatment, unless medication to suppress hair growth is also taken (a birth control pill or antiandrogen).
Answer: Laser hair removal is more painful on body areas The heat gets conducted by the bone and is generally more painful then the fleshy or fatty parts. The laser heat has no effect on your ovaries. It does not affect fertility or anything like this.
"It is not necessarily the laser hair removal which worsens the hair growth, but the underlying hormonal imbalance," she explains. "Having high levels of androgen (male hormones) in your body causes physical signs such as excess facial and body hair. The hair grown is often thicker and darker and harder to remove."
Most insurance providers classify laser hair removal as a cosmetic procedure, which typically leads to a lack of coverage. However, exceptions exist, particularly when such treatments are deemed medically necessary—for instance, in severe cases of hirsutism caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.
PCOS belly occurs when you develop excess fat or weight gain around your abdomen. This symptom often occurs due to an underlying diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance due to PCOS can influence your weight, causing you to gain unwanted weight.
Treating PCOS with Laser Hair Removal
Ideal for treating larger areas, like the back or thighs, it swiftly targets several follicles at once, making it a faster option than treatments like electrolysis.
Electrolysis is the only type of hair removal approved by the FDA as a permanent way of removing hair. 1 For the thousands of women with PCOS electrolysis is a great option to permanently get rid of thick hair that often grows on their face, chest, and back.
Moreover, with laser hair removal, treatments are quicker and fewer sessions are usually required compared to IPL. This is especially beneficial for PCOS patients, who may see hair growth in larger areas that need ongoing management.
Hormonal imbalances: Women with PCOS often have imbalances in their hormones, including higher levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone. This can contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight, as androgens can increase insulin resistance and promote fat storage.
Who Should Avoid Laser Hair Removal. People who are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments, should avoid laser hair removal. It can also be a bad fit for people with certain skin conditions, like a history of skin cancer or keloid scars. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also put off hair removal.
Women with PCOS differ in reproductive hormones past menopause. Hirsutism symptoms such as unwanted hair growth and balding worsen with age. The most important findings are that metabolic parameters worsen in overweight women with PCOS, increasing their risk for life-long health issues beyond menopause.
Symptoms: there are no noticeable symptoms in around half of women with the condition, and there is usually no vaginal soreness or itching. Symptoms may include a greyish-white, thin and watery vaginal discharge with a strong fishy smell, especially after sex.
Laser removal is often considered a better option for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) because it is faster and less painful than electrolysis.
Individuals with certain medical conditions such as active skin infections, herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreaks in the treatment area, lupus, diabetes, or a history of keloid scarring may not be suitable candidates for laser hair removal.
Can PCOS be considered a disability? While PCOS alone may not qualify as a disability, the condition can lead to the development of other severe medical conditions that, when considered together, may meet the criteria for disability benefits in certain jurisdictions.
While laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, it doesn't always eliminate it completely, and some may still require occasional touch-ups. Skin reactions can also play a role in feelings of regret, although this is rare when the procedure is done correctly.
“The lasers we use penetrate less than one millimeter into the skin, so there's no way they could reach your ovaries. But even if they did—which they never, ever could—they wouldn't do anything, anyway. They work on pigment and have no bearing on fertility.” Therefore, there's nothing to worry about.
This is a sign that the laser successfully treated the follicle, and it's clearing out the dead hair shaft. This shedding process, also called “peppering,” can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. In some cases, it may feel like the hair is growing back because it's breaking through the skin.