Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that may affect menstrual cycles, increase body hair, and it can be associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is a chronic condition that requires management and treatment of symptoms.
Excessive body hair (hirsutism) can be a symptom of PCOS, but it is not a direct side effect of the syndrome.
Excessive hair does not look good on your face and body, However, Laser Hair Removal can help. Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that helps you reduce unwanted body hair for a long time, but maintenance treatments may be needed. In Laser Skin Care Clinic Dubai the procedure is performed by expert practitioners to target the excessive hair caused by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can occur after the onset of puberty and can continue beyond the age of 51. It is not limited to the reproductive years (9-51 years). The presence of androgen hormone in your body increases during PCOS. Androgen is a male sexual function hormone and its presence in the female body induces male characteristics into the female body, such as excessive body hair.
- If you have PCOS, the duration of your periods might be affected. You may either have longer periods or the duration of periods may also decrease.
- PCOS leads to increased hair growth on the face and body parts
- It may also cause diabetes and heart problems if not treated on time.
- According to one research 1 in every 10 women is affected by PCOS.
Small sacs called, Cysts can develop throughout the ovary and are typically multiple and small in size, giving the appearance of a “polycystic” ovary. These cysts are filled with fluid and they contain immature eggs.
What is Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD)?
Polycystic Ovary Disorder is a medical condition in which the ovaries produce partially mature or immature eggs. PCOD does affect fertility in women and they can still ovulate if they have PCOD.
- PCOD can cause weight gain and irregular menstrual cycle.
- PCOD have serious complications such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and endometrial cancer in a later stage.
- PCOD symptoms may include weight gain, irregular ovulation, and excessive hair growth.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
The symptoms of PCOS usually start around the first menstrual cycle. In some cases of PCOS, the symptom may start developing after you have had periods for a while.
Signs of PCOS may Include:
- Irregular Periods: Having irregular periods is the most common sign of PCOS. The periods may last longer, or their duration might be short.
- Increased androgen: The presence of too much androgen is another sign of PCOS. Too much androgen would lead to excessive body and facial hair (Hirsutism), male pattern baldness, and severe acne.
- Polycystic Ovaries: The ovaries might get enlarged. The follicles containing immature eggs may also develop around the ovary.
Obesity accelerates PCOS signs and symptoms.
What are the causes of PCOS?
Family history can be a risk factor for developing PCOS, but it is not the only cause. The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown. People who have a problem in their genes and blood are likely to develop it.
Some of the factors that may play a role include:
- Insulin resistance: When cells become insulin resistant, the blood sugar levels of the body go up. To maintain this level, the body produces more insulin. The presence of too much insulin leads to increased production of male hormones (Androgen).
- Low-grade Inflammation: Whenever an injury occurs in the human body, the white cells produce different substances. This process is called Low-grade inflammation. People with PCOS have low-grade inflammation, this compels the polycystic ovaries to produce more androgen.
- Excess Androgen: PCOS is characterized by excessive androgen production, which can disrupt ovulation and lead to irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
The presence of excess Androgen in your body may lead to hirsutism and acne.
What is Hirsutism?
Most people are in search of Hirsutism meaning, Hirsutism is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth in a male pattern (such as facial hair). The condition might be caused by an increase in androgen levels due to PCOS or PCOD.
The hair can appear on the following body parts:
- Face
- Neck
- Tummy
- Lower back
- Tighs
- Buttocks
How is PCOS treated?
The treatment of PCOS depends on your age, the severity of the condition, the individual’s reproductive goals, symptoms experienced, overall health, and potential complications. Generally, there are two different types of treatments, the first one is for the women who desire to become pregnant and the second one is for the women who have completed their families and do not have a pregnancy desire.
If you plan to become pregnant, the treatment may include:
- Dietary changes
- Change in physical activities
- Medication to cause ovulation
If you do not plan to become pregnant, PCOS treatment may include:
- Birth control Pills
- Medication for Diabetes
- Dietary changes
- Increased physical activities
- Treatments to control other symptoms, such as Laser hair removal for excessive hair growth
Now that we have discussed PCOS symptoms and treatment, it is ideal to discuss How laser hair removal works to target hair growth that has occurred due to PCOS.
Laser Hair Removal for PCOS
Laser hair removal for PCOS can reduce the appearance of hair that grows due to an increase in androgen. The procedure can reduce hair growth and make the hair thinner so that they do not look bad on your face and body. The treatment is an alternative to shaving, waxing, and plucking.
- The procedure is performed by an expert practitioner. A laser device is moved over the targeted body area.
- The light of laser energy is absorbed by skin melanin and converted into heat, which destroys hair follicles to reduce hair growth.
- Since hair growth occurs due to hormonal issues, it may take more than normal treatment sessions to get rid of the problem.
- 6 to 8 treatment sessions are required to reduce the symptoms of excessive hair growth.
- If you have noticed excessive hair growth on your body parts, laser hair removal may be required to get rid of the hair.
The treatment works perfectly for different body parts. Arms, legs, and Bikini areas can be targeted through laser hair removal for PCOS. The procedure can also remove facial hair safely.
Laser hair removal can provide long-term hair reduction, but it may not necessarily lead to permanent hair removal. Some hair regrowth may occur over time, and maintenance treatments may be required.
Is laser hair removal safe for Ovaries?
Yes, Laser hair removal is safe for ovaries. Most of the lasers penetrate one millimeter into the skin and they can not reach ovaries. Secondly, the laser targets pigment which is not present in ovaries.
How do I get rid of hirsutism permanently?
Hirsutism is a common disorder that can be cured with medications, and a healthy lifestyle. Laser treatments can help you get rid of the body hair that has grown due to Hirsutism.
How can I Reduce Hirsutism Naturally?
Spearmint tea, lavender, and tea tree oil may reduce hirsutism naturally. Applying lavender and tea tree oil may improve your skin condition. Spearmint tea naturally reduces androgen levels in the human body.