PCOS and skin/hair problems

[zsanna_m]

Hello!

I am a young woman(22) and I have this hormonal disorder called PCOS (Polytheistic Ovarian Syndrome).Besides of other symptoms,  I have constant problems with my face, such as acne and I also have problems with facial hair.
Would laser treatment help me/with the hair growth? Because this is what doctors recommended for me. I also have problems on my legs, but those are due to ingrowing hair-which also has to do with this disease. I haven't worn a skirt or short pants since I was 12 or so. I feel like I'm missing out on enjoying myself and my youth.
It is very difficult for me to feel good about myself, and to actually be myself  in this state. I am ashamed of myself all the time and I have encountered a lot of distress because of this hormonal disorder. It has been over a year that I was diagnosed and since then I have been treated as a pre-diabetic (Type 2), because the doctors said that an insulin problem is at the base of this entire disease.
What would you recommend for a patient of yours in such situation/with such problems?

Your opinion and advice would help me a great deal!
Thank you!

Zsanna_m

[Nicky290]

Hello i am 20 years old and i too suffer from pcos and have excessive facial hair. I tried laser hair removal but saw no result. Maybe you will have better luck!

[creativlydamned]

If you are still only pre-diabetic then you can still save yourself from being fully diabetic. You can also turn all of this around (mostly, Im sure you'll always be at some sort of risk). When I was diagnosed at 13 (now 21) I wish I had listened to the doctors. I could have prevented being a diabetic by simply following a diet they laid out for me and taking my glucophage. So as someone who has been in your steps (and yes I have the same symptoms as you) Im urging you to try to do your best to get control of it now. If they've put you on medicine for your Insulin Resistance and listed out a diet or foods that you shouldnt eat, then follow it. And even if you are past the point of being a full diabetic, I still urge you to follow what they say. It'll save your life in the long run.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Hirsutism is usually caused by hormonal imbalance and in women PCOS is one of the leading causes of hirsutism and infertility. For this, Apart from these hair removal options, there are some medicines available for treating hirsutism in PCOS. These include oral contraceptives which contain estrogen and progesterone and suppress ovulation, Metformin, antiandrogens which cause androgen blockage( eg spironolactone, flutamide, cyproterone acetate), oral corticosteroids and Finasteride.

If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to consult a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.