Excess hair in women may be a medical condition

Infertility and unwanted hair

I do a lot of laser hair removal in my office and I was recently reminded of a patient who I treated with laser hair removal some years ago. She had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and was devastated by the excess hair that comes with the condition. PCOS is a disorder of the endocrine system that affects 5 to 10% of women.  It is a leading cause of infertility.  So, along with the heart break of having difficulty conceiving, my patient Jill (the name has been changed to protect her privacy) was saddled with hair in places a girl doesn’t want hair.

I was thinking about Jill.  She had a good result with her laser hair removal and told me she wanted everyone with PCOS to know about the then revolutionary way to get rid of the unwanted hair.  So, I looked up an online support group called Daily Strength to see if women were still having issues with hair.  Surely by now most American women would have availed themselves of the laser option.  NOT SO!  I read dozens of accounts of young women with hair growing thick on their chins and where a man’s Adam’s apple would be.

Here are some repeated laments:  …hair like a man’s “happy trail”  …I feel like a man …I cover the mirrors …I cry …I am depressed …I pluck and pluck and pluck.  Only one had tried laser! 

So why not?  What I have found is fear.  Fear of long painful expensive visits to a laser salon of questionable reputation.  Fear of side effects and ineffective treatments, even fear of embarrassment.

New hope in hair removal
I would like to break down these fears. If you know anyone with PCOS let them know, a new laser is in town.   Although there are only a handful of DUET LightSheer lasers in use in the western US today, I hope that will change rapidly.  We all deserve the upgrade.  At 75% faster and nearly pain-free the treatments are a breeze. Full legs can be done in as little as 20 minutes, an entire back in even less time.  Side effects are minimal to non existent when a qualified physician is overseeing the procedure.  Look for a dermatologist, the medical skin and laser experts for treatment.  Not only will this ensure correct treatment but also the professionalism, confidentiality and respect that you deserve.  And maybe the best news of all, the price of treatments is coming way down and affordability is key.

One last note, PCOS (which can only be diagnosed by your doctor) is an ongoing condition.  That means that the standard 5 treatments recommended for permanent hair reduction may not apply.  Expect to have a yearly treatment to control new growth.  But all in all, with the new DUET and a little courage to try something new, no woman should have to cry because of unwanted hair again.

About Dr. Susan Van Dyke
Susan Van Dyke, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist who has performed more than 10,000 non-invasive cosmetic procedures.  She is a top consultant and national physician trainer for Medicis, Allergan, Lumenis and Solta (manufacturers of Thermage and Fraxel); on the advisory board for Valeant Pharmaceuticals; on the speakers’ bureaus for RevaleSkin, Clinique Medical and Obagi; a “Platinum Plus” BOTOX Cosmetic and Juvéderm Provider; and her practice is designated as a BOTOX Cosmetic National Training Center. Dr. Van Dyke has been honored as a faculty member by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and is typically one of the first to launch the latest proven therapies in cosmetic medicine. For more information on Dr. Van Dyke and her practice, Van Dyke Laser & Skin, visit www.VanDykeLaser.com.

Hours of operation for Van Dyke Laser & Skin are Tues.-Fri. from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sat. from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Consultations and appointments can be booked by calling 480.948.5045.

Technorati Tags: DUET LightSheer lasers, laser hair removal, PCOS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome