QuestionI am a 21 year old female and I have been struggling with, what I would consider, abnormal hair growth for several years. I first started seeing stray hairs on my breasts and stomach area around age 15 or 16. I controlled this by simply shaving the area, which worked for a while. Now, several years later, the hair growth is much worse. all around my navel, on my breasts, and extending slightly past the normal hair growth for bikini area.. i have dark hair growing. This has become a huge problem because hair removal methods have left my skin with sores, bumps, and scars. My stomach area is the most embarassing because it makes it simply impossible to wear a swimsuit. I have tried every hair removal method within my means (except for electrolysis which I cannot afford), and no matter how careful I am, how clean I am with the hair removal, or which method I use... I get breakouts! I finally talked to by OBGYN about this problem and she prescribed Vaniqua. I haven't had much success with this product, plus I read that once you stop using it the hair growth will return to normal-- and she gave me a one-time prescription with no refills.
Having read some about PCOS, I questioned her if this could be the case. Prior to getting on birth control I had very painful and irregular periods, I have a lot of skin problems, and of course there is the hair growth. Reading the signs of PCOS, I thought this might be a possibility. When I asked her she told me that people with PCOS also have dark hair growing thick on their chins/face area, which I do not. She did check out the stomach hair growth and skin irritation cause by removal, and that's when she decided to prescribe Vaniqua.
Do you have any suggestions how I can go about getting this problem under control? I can't simply let the hair grow-- it is far too embarrassing. But, at the same time, hair removal methods leave my skin broken out and with sores that take a long time to heal and leave scars. I don't have the means to go to a dermatologist right now, but this is getting really frusting!
Do you know of any hair growth inhibitors that actually work? Or do you have any other suggestions?
AnswerHi anna! :-)
I am not a physician, my advice is based on personal experience/opinion only.
PCOS related hair growth is not always on the face, your GYN is mistaken. I have both hair loss on my head and extra body hair growth and excess hair doesnt grow on my face either. Where excess hair grows often depends on your ethnic background. Who you really need to see is a Reproductive Endocrinologist or a GYN that knows about and treats PCOS. The root problem of PCOS hair growth is a hormonal imbalance and a Reproductive Endo knows how to treat that. However, testing is required and usually starts with some blood work to see where your hormone levels are. One of the most troubling symptoms of women with PCOS is hirsutism (too much hair, in the wrong places). Hirsutism is thought to be mostly due to excessive levels of androgenic hormones. Examples of androgens are testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEA. Saw Palmetto is available over the counter and is said to help with PCOS hirsutism but I personally have never tried it and am not recommending it without having blood work done first to see where your hormone levels are at. If you decide you want to try it- I would look for an experienced herbalist to assist you. Spironolactone is another drug and is relatively inexpensive to buy- but it requires a prescription. I am surprised that your GYN did not check your male hormone levels when you went to her about the hair growth. PCOS is usually diagnosed thru blood work that finds abnormal hormone levels. You should also be checked for insulin resistance because it goes hand in hand with PCOS and can lead to diabetes. You didnt say whether or not you have health insurance. PCOS treatment is generally covered by insurance companies unless you are seeking fertility treatments. Feel free to write me back if you have anymore questions and I would love to hear an update on how you are doing.
