Women taking oral birth control pills containing both estrogen and progestin may notice an increase in hair growth initially; this effect usually dissipates as hormone levels begin to balance themselves out over time.
Women preparing to undergo laser hair removal treatments should refrain from shaving, tweezing or plucking for several weeks beforehand as this could interfere with its effectiveness and lead to subpar results.
Hirsutism
Hirsutism affects women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB). This condition results in hair to grow where it shouldn’t, such as on the face, chest, arms and back; caused by too much of male hormones androgens circulating. Hirsutism can also alter skin coloration as well as an increase in body hairline called beard or mustache growth.
Hirsutism can be treated in several ways, including laser hair removal and medications that suppress or block production of male hormones. Electrolysis removes hair at its roots for better results than shaving or depilatory lotions – although both treatments will eventually return as hair growth occurs again.
Birth control pills can help alleviate hirsutism by inhibiting the production of androgens. Although their results may take six to 12 months to appear, continuing treatment for as long as necessary may be necessary; according to one study combined hormonal contraceptives containing progestin drospirenone and anti-androgen progestin cyproterone proved more successful in treating hirsutism than placebo pills alone.
Hormonal imbalance is often at the heart of hirsutism, and must be addressed. PCOS or adrenal gland dysfunction could be to blame; treatment options include hormone therapy or, if necessary, surgical removal. Hormone levels can also be decreased through birth control pills that contain the active ingredient eflornithine (Vaniqa) although once taken these may return with force once stopped; other effective medicines that suppress hair growth include diuretics like tamoxifen and oral contraceptives such as drospirenone/norgestimate; therefore it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional prior to making any decisions concerning treatment plans.
Hormone imbalance
Hormonal imbalances can alter skin and hair follicles, as well as impact the success of laser treatment, especially among women on their menstrual cycles when hormone levels fluctuate significantly during this time.
Hormone levels tend to dip at the end of one period and at the beginning of a new one, making laser treatments less effective; patients may require multiple sessions in order to see results that meet their expectations.
Birth control pills containing both estrogen and progestin have been found to help women manage hirsutism; however, not all progestins are as effective in doing this; one small randomized controlled trial found that oral contraceptives containing second-generation progestin levonorgestrel was more successful in helping with the condition than third-generation desogestrel (18).
Considerations should also be given to the type of hormonal birth control used, including pills with progestin only (pill, implant or IUD) that could impact how someone responds to laser hair removal treatments such as laser hair removal (19). Progestin-only methods have proven more successful at managing hirsutism than placebo pills or estrogen-only pills (20).
People with darker skin can sometimes have hormonal imbalances which cause hair growth to accelerate faster, making it hard for laser treatments to recognize dark hairs. Although this may present challenges during laser hair removal treatments, patients can still benefit from laser hair removal treatments with good results; just make sure that any medications taken are disclosed prior to receiving a treatment so your laser technician is aware of its possible impact.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy hormone changes can bring on unexpected and unsightly hair growth in areas that were once hair free, due to naturally high levels of androgen and estrogen associated with gestation. Although the extra hair growth will eventually stop after delivery, many women want to reduce or eliminate its presence during gestation; there are safe and effective options available such as shaving, waxing, threading or tweezing which may help.
Unfortunately, not enough research exists regarding laser hair removal and pregnancy to provide definitive answers about its safety for pregnant women. Most clinics and doctors advise women waiting until after giving birth before receiving laser treatment; additionally reputable clinics will often refrain from treating abdominal areas, breasts and bikini lines while pregnant to protect fetuses from potential harm that might otherwise arise during treatment.
Concerns have been expressed that certain medications used during laser treatment may not be safe for pregnant women. For instance, anesthetics used during electrolysis procedures – which involve inserting wires into each hair follicle before applying an electric current to destroy it – may not be appropriate.
Laser treatments may cause burning sensations to the skin, making pregnancy even more sensitive than usual due to hormonal fluctuations and any burns incurred from laser treatment taking longer to heal – making pregnant women with compromised immune systems not an ideal candidate for laser treatments.
Skin tones
Skin tone refers to the hue of your skin. Its hue can range from ivory to very dark brown. Fitzpatrick skin phototypes categorize these tones from lightest to darkest; each tone has either warm or cool undertones; neutral skin has both.
Hair follicles contain melanin, the substance responsible for giving skin its natural hue, which draws laser light to it and causes hair to fall out from within its follicles. If a follicle contains too little melanin, however, then laser treatment may not reach it and be less effective overall.
Laser treatments may alter skin tones differently, making it essential to consult a qualified laser professional before beginning any type of laser therapy treatment. A qualified professional will consider your hair type, skin tone and medications you are currently taking as this could have an effect on how the laser treatment will perform for you. It is also essential that any medications be disclosed since their effects could interfere with its results.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, be sure to remove all makeup, lotions and sunscreen from the area you will be treating in order to reduce risk of coloration issues during treatment. It is also vital that any numbing cream used be thoroughly removed as it could lead to burns.
Recently, treating dark skin was considered risky with lasers due to devices’ inability to differentiate between the pigment of hair and surrounding skin pigmentation. Now however, with longer wavelength lasers becoming available for purchase and use by dermatologists and patients with darker skin tones can remove unwanted hair without risking scarring and burns associated with earlier methods.
Medications
Certain medications could impact your results and treatment for laser hair removal, so it’s essential that you consult your physician about these beforehand. In particular, antibiotics, retin-A, Accutane and blood thinners could increase sensitivity to laser light or lead to more serious side effects after the procedure. Furthermore, it would be prudent if taking herbal supplements or vitamins were discontinued several weeks prior to your laser hair removal appointment.
Hormonal birth control pills containing levonorgestrel, desogestrel and norgestrol have been demonstrated to significantly decrease hirsutism symptoms among women. Furthermore, these oral contraceptive pills also appear effective at reducing hot flashes associated with menopausal hormonal fluctuations that often accompany hirsutism. Hormone implants and IUDs may also help alleviate hirsutism symptoms.
Not surprisingly, birth control hormones do not provide permanent hair growth reduction benefits; typically patients require several treatments to reach optimal results depending on hormonal fluctuations and pregnancy status. Individuals suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome or thyroid dysfunction may experience increased hair growth during the luteal phase of menstrual cycles and should therefore schedule top up sessions then.
Finally, when planning for laser hair removal it is best to refrain from shaving, waxing or plucking any areas where laser treatments will take place. This will prevent hair follicles from being irritated during treatment and interrupting its process. In addition, hydrating well prior to laser sessions will lessen any potential discomfort from these sessions.
