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.

[Whitny1986]

I'm 25 and found out I had PCOS at 18. I too have a dark shadow under my chin . I feel so self conscious because once I went to the beach and because I ignored these guys they started to taunt me about it. I felt like crying, I have an appointment for laser removal friday but I'm wondering if I should go. I've finally gotten my acne under control I just wish I could fix this too. Thank u all for sharing I feel less alone now

[Yagurl22]

Hi I am a Sista with hursutism. I have had it for too long. I was recently introduced to theatrical makeup. I want to die. People stare. It's so unattractive. I have always loved my face and my features. These days I hold my head at an angle or down. It's apparent that I am trying to hide it. Tomorrow I am going to the theatrical makeup shop. If I discover anything that conceals texture I will share with y'all. Tired of dealing with this crap. There are days I won't even go get groceries b/c ppl are out and about. So I just go during the wee hours of the morning.

Tearfully

[nikki0780]

This forum have really been helpful.

[urstru831]

I am glad for this forum now feel as though there is someone out here that can relate to what I am going through it's been a long time coming...I have had this problem for many years and I am just starting to do something about it...I just started Vaniqa over the last two days and want to see how this helps and I wanted to try the ALDACTONE generic SPIRONLACTONE but there are alot of side effect....does anyone get the dark spots or ring around the face? if so what do you do to remove it?

[SoulCyster89]

Hey ladies,

Thank you all for your post. I'm so greatful to have found a group of women of color who have been experiencing some of the same things that I deal with as a result of PCOS.

I'm 22 and I've been diagnosed wilth PCOS since I was 16 although I have had all the symptoms since I hit puberty which was 13 or 14. I have pretty much every sypmtom you all have with the weight gain, insulin resitance, and facial hair.

The worst by far is the facial hair. I have very dark and course hair on my face. I've got sideburns that connect down to the chin and under the chin. My mustache wasn't ever as thich as the chin and sideburns but for some reason it's getting thicker now and I don't know what to do about it. I shave every few days beacuse it's been the most effective method so far. I mean i have ugly, itchy, bumps as a result of shaving but I've tried it all. Creams, waxing, plucking, and I just can't. So I shave.

I keep hearing about this Vaniqua cream. To those of you who have tried it. How effecitive is it and what have been the side effects?

[Cute_Pisces84]

Hello ladies, just from reading all of the posts I have learned alot from each of you. Like the rest of you I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 18. It started out with chin hairs and then long side burns to a full goatee which I have to shave every other day and if it is cold I shave everyday. I have tried lots of stuff on my face and from this I have darker skin. I find that when I use facial scrub, hot, barbosol and neutrogena razors (purple ones not pink ones that can be found at walmart) I have the best results. I have also used "Coochie Creme" which can be purchased at novelty stores and amazon.com. Coochie Creme make the hair thin and you dont get any bumps. I have come to terms with having PCOS and the idea of more than likely not ever being able to have children but to also have to deal with the facial hair, weight gain and the emotional rollercoaster on a day to day basis is another thing. I also recall seeing someone mention having high blood pressure, I am not a doctor but I will advise you to go see a doctor and get on some type of medication for it. Well I hope my little bit of insite helps!