African-American Women with PCOS and Hirsutism

[coco727272]

Hello  everyone, I hope all is well. I was just diagnosed with PCOS although I've had symptoms of it since I was 12 (hirsutism) and I am now 36. My hirsutism was diagnosed as idiopathic because the testing I had did not indicate an elevated testosterone level. I don't know if the testing is more sophisticated now but I had new testing done and it did indicate that my free weak testosterone was elevated.

Anyway, I have a few hairs under my chin, a lot on my neck, chest, stomach, and inner thighs. I know...it's not attractive and very depressing. I pluck (which is not good for you and causes hyperpigmentation) and I shave. I've become very skilled at covering the hyperpigmentation up with concealer but I'm so tired of it. The plucking on my neck has caused so much hyperpigmentation that I have to conceal it or people would look at me and ask me, "What's wrong with your neck?" The skin on my chest also has hyperpigmentation and I only shave this area. I feel like a freak every time I shave my chest because I'm a woman and I'm a woman who loves makeup, clothes, fashion, shoes, etc. It just seems so wrong! If I wear low cut blouses I have to try to conceal the hyperpigmentation but it's difficult because the skin is not completely smooth and it looks like I've shaved so I'm always on the search for really nice big necklaces that would cover this part of my chest. It's difficult being me!!

If anyone can relate to me send me a message and let me know your struggle or what you've done to help this problem. It was difficult for me to share this because although I know it has to do with having PCOS and I did not cause this to happen, it still is embarrassing.

Also, I don't want to seem superficial or extremely vain because I do have other health concerns that are potentially much more damaging than the aesthetic ramifications of hirsutism but I just want to know if other African-American women are experiencing this because our skin is slightly different.

Thanks.

[Luvblanket]

Hi everyone. I am 18 years old and my first period was normal and then there after it wasnt regular. sometimes months would pass and I would see no signs of periods. also my neck is several shades darker and duller than all other parts of my body. at the time I realized all of this things I didnt know what to think I thought it was because I wasnt bathing properly. I never really went to the doctor but my twin sister which was having the exact same issues was experiencing discomfort a day and ended up visiting a doctor. she was diagnosed with PCOS and since we're twins and we're having the exact same symptoms I didnt bother to see the doctor!.

This PCOS thing is really getting to me. I have dull skin and a black neck I have a low self confidence and when people point out the discoloration it gets me more irritated! Im planning to see a gynaecologist next month and hoping to get some hope!

im PRAYING!

[slkclsc]

Tried it and it worked at first but caused many in-grown hairs that i had to stop taking it. But it did slow down the hair growth.

[smiley692]

I have been using ForeverFree from QVC for $19.95 it is great,I get no razor bumps at all and it takes all the hair away,go online and check it out.I also use Dermablend for the dark areas and the setting powder is great it will last you almost a year.I am medium complexion and I have to use a green color corrector on my darker areas first,the area is more red than dark and the concealer works great,then I mix my Bare Minerals in my face lotion until it is my color and apply it all over,everything blends perfect,it is not heavy and it last all day..I will keep you posted on more tips

[smiley692]

I use Dermablend with the setting powder it last all day,also you can use a color corrector first.I have tried Smart Cover but I like Dermablend more because they have a wide range of colors..Good luck and GOD bless

[smiley692]

Hey,you can try Forever Free from QVC for $19.95 to shave it is more sensitve for the skin and it works great,no razor bumps or anything..I hope this helps

[smiley692]

I know how you feel,I was the same way when I first found out.I did everything to remove the hair and cover the area,shave with a razor,pluck,wax,hair removal cream and it looked worse.I started getting razor bumps and etc.I want to tell you what I have been using that is sensitive enough for women.I ordered this from QVC for $19.95 it's called ForeverFree and you can go online first and read all the comments below.I also have been using Dermablend to cover the shadow,and get the setting powder it will last all day,I am medium complexion so I use green color corrector on the dark areas before my concealer and makeup(Bare Minerals),it's sounds like alot but it is not heavy I hope this has helped,and remember you are beautiful and you are lucky to have a man to love you for you and not focus on the flaws like we do,we all have something to hide and you are not alone...GOD bless