PCOS is a complex hormonal condition, and one symptom can include unwanted hair growth. While electrologists cannot treat PCOS directly, they can help manage unwanted hair by permanently removing it.
Procedure involves using a tiny needle and mild electrical current to destroy each hair growth center individually, taking multiple sessions for complete hair removal.
It’s not a cure
Hair growth can be a source of immense frustration for women with PCOS. Unwanted hair can spread all over their bodies, making it harder to find clothing that fits well or making life even more embarrassing when it occurs in areas like their face or chest. Electrolysis can provide an effective solution to hair removal. Electrologists specialize in this procedure that permanently destroys hair follicles with needle insertion into each follicle and an electric current is sent through it to kill it off. Be mindful that only professional electrologists should perform this treatment – be sure to ask about their credentials, training, clean workspace and use disposable gloves and equipment when choosing an electrologist for this procedure.
Laser hair removal can also help eliminate unwanted hair, but may not be effective on people with darker skin and hair. Furthermore, this treatment may cause temporary reddening of the skin during or after treatment – usually short-lived and usually temporary. When seeking laser hair removal treatments it’s wise to get recommendations from friends or family before visiting any clinics/salons for services – also check that they’re clean and hygienic prior to booking an appointment with one.
Electrolysis should not be seen as a magic solution to unwanted hair growth caused by PCOS; rather, it can actually exacerbate it by stimulating dormant follicles to produce even more growth. Furthermore, hormonal imbalances could still be responsible for hirsutism requiring continued treatment to manage.
Maintain a healthy weight and diet to reduce PCOS-related hair growth. A meal plan of plenty of vegetables and lean proteins can help lower insulin levels, improving skin appearance and decreasing unwanted hair. Avoid sugary beverages. If unwanted hair persists despite these efforts, medication or topical cream may help; for further advice speak with your physician.
It’s not a permanent solution
PCOS symptoms can be difficult to control. Women living with this condition often experience unwanted hair growth known as hirsutism due to an increase in androgen hormone production from both ovaries and adrenal glands.
Hair growth is only one symptom of PCOS; other symptoms may include irregular periods, fertility issues, acne and weight gain. While there are medications, lifestyle changes, diet and other therapies available for treating these symptoms of PCOS; none address its underlying cause directly – therefore seeking medical advice to diagnose and treat PCOS is critical for proper management.
One solution to thwart the unwanted hair growth associated with PCOS is electrolysis, a permanent hair removal procedure which may take multiple sessions to produce results. Each hair follicle must be treated separately during an electrolysis session; during one such treatment session a technician inserts a small probe into each follicle without puncturing skin before sending an electric current down said probe to kill and stop its regrowth.
Electrosurgery can be an excruciatingly painful procedure that may take up to 18 months and cost thousands. While insurance may cover some costs, choosing an experienced electrologist is key – be sure to inquire about their training, certification, sanitation methods and equipment prior to choosing an electrologist.
Laser therapy offers another safe and cost-effective option to remove unwanted hair: laser therapy works well on all skin types; however, light hair requires special consideration as lasers produce different wavelengths than electrolysis do. Furthermore, this procedure does not cause scarring like electrolysis does.
Before beginning electrolysis, ensure you locate an experienced electrologist. At your consultation appointment, the electrologist will conduct an in-depth health history analysis in order to establish whether you may have PCOS; while they cannot directly diagnose this condition they can recognize its symptoms and refer you to an endocrinologist for further assessment.
It’s not painful
Most people associate electrolysis with pain, but it doesn’t have to be. Each hair follicle is targeted individually using an electrode probe inserted into its opening and an electric current running through to permanently destroy it. While individual reactions vary greatly, most experience only brief stinging sensations that last only a fraction of a second before becoming less irritating; some clients compare it with having their tattoo done or rubber bands snapped against bare skin hard. Furthermore, pain intensity varies depending on which area being treated such as lips and cheeks being more sensitive than others.
If you want a less painful alternative, taking a pain reliever one hour prior to your appointment and applying ice afterward might help. Also avoid shaving or tweezing prior to electrolysis treatment because the hair needs to be at least 1/4″ long in order for electrolysis to work effectively; caffeine consumption could raise stress levels further and make treatments more painful.
Be sure to select an electrologist who uses needle electrolysis instead of non-permanent methods like electronic tweezers or photoepilators, and get referrals from friends, family and doctors in order to find one you feel comfortable with. Inspect their environment for cleanliness as well as ensure sanitary practices.
PCOS symptoms typically include irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth on both face and body, thick or coarse wavy locks and thick or coarse locks. If these symptoms apply to you, consulting an endocrinologist for diagnosis and treatment could be in order. A doctor will likely prescribe spironolactone in order to block androgen production and help reduce unwanted hair growth; an electrologist could then assist with permanent hair removal services in the meantime.
At your consultation, the electrologist will gather your medical history and assess your problem, while discussing any goals or expectations you have for this procedure as well as any additional symptoms such as acne or excessive sweating that you might be experiencing. They may suggest other treatments which might prove helpful as well.
It’s not expensive
Electrolysis, unlike shaving and waxing, permanently destroys the root. This means your hair won’t return once removed – although multiple sessions may be needed before seeing lasting results. When selecting an experienced provider it is also important to do your research thoroughly, asking lots of questions (whether they offer numbing), what treatments they anticipate being necessary as well as costs per session before scheduling an appointment.
Your best bet between electrolysis appointments should be to avoid shaving, tweezing and waxing products – trimming will do. At each electrolysis session, an electrologist pierces each hair follicle with a fine needle; most people experience some form of pain here – described by many as either stinging or prickling sensation – although most can tolerate the procedure well.
Women living with PCOS often experience additional symptoms of hair growth: acne on the chin caused by hormonal imbalance and androgen presence. Electrolysis may help alleviate this symptom of PCOS by treating its cause; however, in addition to seeing your physician for diagnosis of the underlying cause.
PCOS symptoms typically include ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual periods and excessive hair growth. Its cause lies within genetics, high levels of androgens or medication; often its treatment falls to patients themselves who fail to address the underlying conditions that are contributing to its symptoms adequately. Therefore, seeking professional assistance for any treatment that might assist is vital.
Women living with PCOS now have effective ways of treating unwanted hair growth. Laser hair removal offers a safe, permanent solution for getting rid of unwanted facial or body hair without the pain associated with waxing or shaving, making laser therapy much less painful than either alternative. When seeking laser therapy it is essential that they find a trained practitioner and schedule regular appointments for maintenance visits.
Your treatment sessions must take place weekly or bi-weekly until your hair follicles stop growing, at which point your skin will remain permanently smooth without the need to shave or wax. Sunscreen should be applied afterward as additional protection against hyperpigmentation.
