ELECTROLYSIS FOR HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS, IMBALANCE OR PCOS
Throughout women's lives, hormones fluctuate and can cause hair to grow unexpectedly. Studies have shown that some women have symptoms of menopause 10 years before they reach menopause, aka perimenopause. Certainly many of us of mature years experience unwanted facial hair growth during this time. With that said, hormonal causes of hair growth can be linked to any period (no pun intended) in women's lives; puberty, pregnancy, menopause. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), other underlying medical conditions, your individual genetic makeup and even some medications cause hair growth in unwanted places. You may want to see an endocrinologist for diagnosis and treatment. But, for the symptom, unwanted hair growth, the solution is electrolysis.
During your consultation, I will take a thorough health history. This will help me figure out a possible reason why this hair came on suddenly. Among the questions will be: Do you have thyroid problems...Are you diabetic...Have you had menstrual or ovarian problems...What medications do you take...Do you have a family history of unwanted hair growth?
As an electrologist I do not and can not diagnose, but I can ask you questions that may help you have further discussions with your physician. Regardless of the cause electrolysis will permanently remove the unwanted hair.
Many of us have unwanted hair. In fact, I've received electrolysis treatments. My empathy comes from walking in your shoes. There seems to be more of us with unwanted hair than without!
POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS)
'Every doctor I have seen tells me to "just lose some weight" and my periods will become normal. As hard as I try, I just can't seem to lose weight. Plus I have all this hair all over my face and breasts and belly, so I have trouble changing at the gym. What is wrong?'
If this sounds like you an endocrinologist (hormone specialist) may be the person to help you. Women who are chronically overweight, have trouble losing weight, have irregular or no periods, and hair in male pattern areas, should consult a specialist because these are classic signs of PCOS. Again, electrologists cannot diagnose, but they do recognize these signs and symptoms. If you have PCOS, I can permanently remove your unwanted facial and body hair.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR PCOS?
Treatment depends on the symptoms. Your primary physician or endocrinologist can determine the best course of action to alleviate specific symptoms you have. For example, if weight is an issue, the most successful diet is to follow a diabetic healthy eating plan and when choosing carbs, make sure they are complex carbs that don't raise your blood sugar. Some treatments include prescription medication. Electrolysis is the permanent solution for the symptom of unwanted hair.
'I WENT TO SEE AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST ALL MY TESTS CAME BACK 'NORMAL'. HOW CAN THAT BE WITH ALL OF THIS HAIR ON MY FACE?
Dr. Jeffrey Redmond, a NY endocrinologist, has found that some people's bodies are more sensitive to circulating hormones. Just because your blood levels have come back "normal," it does not mean that they are normal for YOU! As hard as it may seem, go back and have another conversation with your endocrinologist. If this doesn't produce the support and understanding you need, find a different endocrinologist. Be an active advocate for your own health!!
I HAVE BOTH ACNE AND CHIN HAIR. WILL ELECTROLYSIS HELP?
Chin hair on women is exacerbated by tweezing and waxing. The repeated irritation from yanking hairs out can result in a larger diameter hair growing from the follicle or ingrown hairs from the breaking off of hairs in the follicle. When women tweeze hairs from their chin and have acne on their chin, but not on the rest of their face, they should find relief from their acne with electrolysis treatments. Once they have stopped tweezing hairs from the chin and allow proper treatment of the hair, your skin will clear. Hormonally caused facial hair on women usually grows in a pattern, starting with the chin and corners of the upper lip.
WHAT MEDICATIONS CAUSE HAIR GROWTH?
Many medications can cause hair growth or hair loss. Talk with your pharmacist about each medication you take and also about possible drug interactions based on your individual combination of medications.