How Does Laser Hair Removal Affect Hormones?

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
9 Min Read

Hormonal imbalances may trigger hair regrowth following laser treatments for women and men using hormone replacement therapy.

hormone-related hair growth issues typically see better results by first treating their underlying condition; treating hormonal imbalance may involve medication or lifestyle adjustments.

Hirsutism

Women affected by hirsutism often find that hair starts growing in areas it normally wouldn’t, typically on their faces, chests, armpits and backs. This is likely caused by our hormones (particularly during puberty, menopause and pregnancy) stimulating dormant follicles to produce new growth follicles which will then grow hair in response.

There are various methods of hair removal, including shaving and waxing, that can help women deal with unwanted body or facial hair, but these take time and don’t provide permanent solutions. Due to this fact, laser hair removal treatment has become an increasingly popular solution among those suffering from hirsutism.

Laser hair removal works by heating up and damaging hair follicles to stop further growth, but if there are hormonal imbalances present it’s important to note that your follicles could continue producing hair even after laser treatment; so before receiving this form of therapy it is always a good idea to get checked first.

If you suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid dysfunction, hormone therapy combined with laser hair removal can be the ideal way to address hirsutism. By keeping hormone levels balanced at their ideal levels and treating any potential imbalances that might exist between treatments, effective results will result.

Hirsutism can be an obstacle in the way of transgender women undergoing gender transition, making hirsutism one of the major issues they must contend with during this process. Hormone replacement therapy often used during this process can speed up hair growth by stimulating follicles to produce testosterone or other masculine-related hormones more quickly, making their hair grow faster than usual.

If you suffer from hirsutism, there is good news. Treatment options exist such as medication or other methods like laser hair removal and electrolysis that will provide permanent solutions. Depending on its severity and cause, treatments could need to continue for lifelong results.

Preventing hirsutism by managing hormones, eating healthily and exercising is paramount. You may also benefit from joining support groups or exploring natural treatments like acupuncture or acupressure to decrease hair growth. Although these methods are safe during pregnancy, pregnant women should first speak with their healthcare provider prior to making any decisions about using them.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS can cause abnormally high levels of androgens in women, leading to abnormal hair growth known as hirsutism. Women affected by PCOS often see coarse, dark hair appear where finer, thinner hair would normally grow – usually on their faces or bodies in places it should not. Hormonal changes often play a part in this hair growth which may lead to infertility, acne breakouts, weight gain and an increased risk of diabetes. While laser hair removal has proven its efficacy against hirsutism it’s equally essential that treating its cause – with oral contraceptives designed to suppress luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones levels as well as low-androgenic progestins that reduce peripheral androgen production or insulin sensitizers that decrease resistance.

Women hoping to conceive should avoid laser hair removal treatments during their period, when hormone levels can peak and cause changes to her cervical mucus that is necessary for conception. This treatment could affect its quality and quantity which would ultimately hinder conception.

Women without fertility issues can benefit greatly from laser hair removal. The treatment targets hair follicles and heats them to damage and destroy them, thus preventing future hair growth. It’s important to note that medications or conditions could alter how someone responds to laser hair removal; thus, prior to making any decisions it’s essential to speak with a specialist before making decisions on any treatments or decisions regarding laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal should also be delayed until after menopause has taken place, due to changes in reproductive hormone production that lead to excess hair growth. Studies have not indicated any negative impacts on fertility from laser hair removal; therefore it is recommended to wait until after this time has passed before beginning this process.

Avance Clinic offers complimentary, private consultations for patients considering laser hair removal. Our highly qualified team can assess your individual needs and recommend how many treatments may be necessary in order to reach desired results. Get in touch today to arrange your consultation appointment! During this meeting our doctor can address any of your queries or address concerns that arise during our conversation.

Estrogen

Estrogen is one of the best-known sexual hormones and plays an essential role in female secondary sexual characteristics (breasts and pubic hair) that emerge during puberty. Additionally, estrogen regulates menstruation cycle and reproductive system functions; fat cells and adrenal glands may also produce small amounts.

As with other sex hormones, estrogen levels fluctuate throughout your body during perimenopause, causing mood swings, hot flashes, and other symptoms that can be challenging to manage. To try and alleviate some of these side effects, reduce stress levels, eat well and get enough restful sleep.

Estrogen plays an essential role in reproductive health for cisgender women and transgender people with vaginas, supporting secondary sexual characteristics, helping with uterine lining development and increasing pregnancy rates. But too much estrogen may also cause issues in these areas such as endometriosis and fibroids.

Risk for these conditions tends to be low for most people with normal estrogen levels; however, coexisting medical conditions or beginning hormone therapy after age 50 could increase it significantly.

People at increased risks can get prescriptions such as birth control pills or Spironolactone to lower estrogen levels, which will help stop hair growth from being triggered by these conditions. If laser hair removal may help your hormonal imbalance, consult with a dermatologist about it first as they will know which schedule is best tailored to you based on both current and potential future changes to hormone levels; avoid treatments which disturb skin follicles such as plucking or waxing in the days leading up to laser treatment as it may interfere with its effectiveness.

Testosterone

Testosterone is the primary male sexual hormone. It promotes secondary sexual characteristics like hair growth on body hair and facial hair, deepening of voice pitch, increased muscle mass and drive and an increase in sexual drive/libido. Furthermore, testosterone aids sperm development which ultimately contributes to fertility.

Laser hair removal uses electric current to damage hair follicles and stop them from producing new hair follicles, thus stopping further hair growth. If there is hormonal imbalance present, additional treatments may be needed in order to balance out hormone levels sufficiently enough to stop further hair growth after laser treatments have taken effect. In such instances, hormonal stimulation will continue despite laser treatments; you may require multiple rounds until hormone balance returns to its usual state.

Share This Article