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PCOS and Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
Property of Bay Harbour Med Spa. Ultrasound Image of PCOS.
Copyright 2011. Bay Harbour Med Spa. All rights reserved.
Bay Harbour Med Spa has received dozens of requests to write more articles about PCOS. We write about PCOS, because it is a condition that is very personal to us. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition experienced by some female teens and young women. It usually presents itself with menstrual abnormalities together with other features arising from excessive androgens (hyperandrogenism), although androgens are the hormones associated with masculine features, all women have low levels of male hormones, and all men have low levels of female hormones.
PCOS is associated with excess or higher than normal levels of male hormones in women.
Features of PCOS may develop at any age:
- If arising during childhood it usually causes premature puberty
- If arising during teenage years it is usually exhibited by excess hair and/or by menstrual abnormalities
- If arising during early adulthood or middle life it usually presents by infertility and/or by glucose intolerance and
- If arising during later life it usually presents with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. If you have symptoms, it is essential that you seek medical advice and investigation to confirm or eliminate PCOS.
- For hirsutism (excessive hair growth in women) laser hair removal is very useful. Laser Hair Removal Miami successfully treats a number of young to middle-aged women who suffer from PCOS. As a matter of fact, we have some clients who fly in from all over the nation for treatments. We highly recommend you seek out the CoolGlide TM technology if you’re unable to come into our med spa for treatments.
Let’s explore some of the symptoms:
Excess and Unwanted Hair
Women with PCOS typically experience symptoms associated with excess androgen levels including excess hair growth (hirsutism) and acne. An increased growth of coarse hair can occur on the face, nipple, chest, thighs or in the middle of the lower abdomen. For most women the appearance of excess and unwanted hair is distressing, and affects their self esteem and body image.
Women should not be embarrassed to consult professionals. Laser Hair Removal Miami, LLC.,/Bay Harbour Med Spa is an experienced, qualified and accredited med spa to perform safe laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is an appropriate treatment with results superior to home remedies for excess and unwanted hair and laser is a safer and more effective treatment than electrolysis or IPL. Laser hair removal is the foremost and clinically proven way to manage hormonal facial hair. We utilize the CoolGlide laser technology, which is the only approved technology which can safely treat men and women of all skin colors, including dark to black skin.
As you treatment progresses you will first notice the change in texture of the hair. Hair will grow back finer, lighter and less noticeable. After approximately 12 treatments you will start to notice significant reduction in the amount of hair that is growing back. Up to 80% reduction can be expected, in some cases up to 90% hair loss can be achieved. The benefits of the CoolGlide technology (aside from being approved to treat all skin colors) is that it has a cooling tip which decreases the pain sensation as it passes over the skin. This is especially useful for sensitive areas such as the upper lip.
Other Symptoms
Some women with PCOS also exhibit acne. We usually associate acne with adolescence, women who continue to get acne well after this time find it frustrating and embarrassing. In addition, the moderate to severe acne usually associated with PCOS can result in unsightly scarring.
A further common symptom of PCOS is obesity, with up to 70% of women being affected to some extent. Women with PCOS tend to gain weight in the abdominal region rather than on the buttocks or thighs, the usual areas woman “put on” weight.
Often the weight gain is related to ‘insulin resistance’, a condition that is typically associated with PCOS, Medical practitioners alert us that some women with PCOS who have insulin resistance are of normal weight, so regular testing is recommended and the absence of weight gain should not be considered as cause for complacence in managing PCOS.
Insulin is a hormone that allows the conversion of glucose (sugar) into energy. When insulin resistance occurs, the body produces more of the hormone to compensate; the elevated insulin level stimulates the body’s fat cells to make fat from nutrients and to store it, causing weight gain. A high level of insulin may also cause further increase in the production of androgens by the ovaries.
Women with PCOS may also experience menstrual disturbances: very light or heavy bleeding; infrequent periods; or absence of periods. Most women with PCOS started their periods at a normal age but they are irregular and over time may disappear altogether. Irregular periods are normal during adolescence these menstrual disturbances are usually not cause for concern and consequently they are not investigated further.
Women with irregular periods and/or acne may be prescribed an oral contraceptive pill which eliminates a ‘true’ period altogether. With the menstrual-related symptoms no longer apparent, consequently PCOS may go undetected. We are not big advocates of birth control pills for the treatment of PCOS, but you should discuss this option with your gynecologist. One of our dearest person related to Bay Harbour Med Spa has undergone treatments for PCOS in Atlanta, GA. His name is Dr. Sinervo, one of the most experienced physicians in the nation with respect to treating PCOS and endometriosis in women.
For some women, PCOS is only diagnosed following investigations for problems with conception. It is estimated that PCOS is present in more than 70% of women with infertility arising from failure to ovulate.
Women with PCOS are also at risk of endometrial hyperplasia, a condition in which the lining of the uterus is over stimulated by estrogen and becomes overgrown. Endometrial hyperplasia is strongly associated with irregular ovulation.
Medical Treatment and Diagnosis
Many of the symptoms of PCO include: obesity, acne and hirsutism. At Bay Harbour Med Spa we occasionally identify women who have not yet consulted their medical practitioner about symptoms consistent with PCOS, whilst treating excess and unwanted hair we are also able to encourage them to consult their medical practitioner so as to investigate the underlying causes and confirm or exclude PCOS as a cause. If you live in the South Florida area, we recommend you see Dr. Cennamo, who runs a battery of hormonal blood testing specific to women suffering from PCOS.
If the symptoms improve with treatment of symptoms of PCOS (i.e. acne helped by Crystal Microdermabrasion such as offered at Bay Harbour Med Spa) the underlying condition of PCOS may not be detected until further problems present. It is important to discuss symptoms with your medical practitioner and investigate the possibility of PCOS rather than delaying and consequently exposing yourself to the risk of long term health problems like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Diagnosis of PCOS usually involves an ultrasound of the ovaries and blood tests to determine hormone levels, your medical practitioner will also take a thorough medical history (if not already recorded).
Treatment for PCOS depends on the symptoms presenting and whether you are trying to get pregnant.
You may also benefit from advice and support from the various PCOS support groups. Support groups provide current and specific information and allow women to share their experiences. Being able to talk to someone who has similar problems can help reduce women’s feelings of isolation. Bay Harbour Med Spa is putting together an online support group for women who suffer from PCOS, the website should be up and running in the very near future.
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Are you hairy(suffer from hirsutism), but your blood work comes back normal?
Hirsutism in simple words is excessive hair growth. At Laser Hair Removal Miami, we see a growing number of young ladies plagued by this problem, a problem they describe as an embarassing nuisance. One of the causes to this condition is hormones. More and more women seeking permanent laser hair removal have facial hair, the problem is also plaguing many young ladies in their early teens.
So let’s take a look at hirsutism. Hirsutism comes from the Latin word for shaggy or hairy and is a condition of excessive hairiness. Basically, when one thinks of hirsutism, one thinks of a hair pattern associated to be normal for men, to be a pattern of hair growth on women which should not be there (e.g., hair on face,neck,chest, back,fingers, toes,back-mainly lower back,buttocks and so on). For years, women have been told that this is a hereditary problem. Many doctors fail to conduct a battery of blood work testing for hormones beyond testosterone level. If you live in the South Florida area, we recommend Dr. James Cennamo, located in Fort Lauderdale.
Many women, young ladies and teens are led to believe, well at least in the past, that hirsutism is a condition that one would have to live with. Laser Hair Removal Miami, LLC., would like to share some good news- there is a legitimate cause to hirsutism and there is something that can be done about it.
So what causes hirsutism?
One word, androgens. Androgens are knows as male hormones. It’s a myth that only men have active testosterone, women do too. The difference is that women only have 5-10% of active testosterone levels as compared to men. When young menand women reach their teens, they develop pubic and under arm hair.
What amount of hair constitutes hirsutism?
A few hairs on the following locations are expected for women who do not suffer from hirsutism- outer corners of the upper lip, maybe a few chin hairs, around the nipples, between the naval and pubic region and the upper thighs. If a young lady or woman has more than a light growth of hair in these places or other regions of the body such as the face,lower back,stomach,chest,buttocks,fingers, toes. If you have excessive hair growth coupled with irregular periods or weight problems, there more than likely is a medical problem. You should seek the help of a gynecologist and an encronologist. We know of many women who suffer from hirsutism who also suffer from endometriosis- there definitely is a link between the two. You should be checked for polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, Cushing’s disease, have your adrenal glands checked, as well as your ovaries.
Is there a test for hirsutism?
Yes. Your testestorone levels should be checked to measure the “free testosterone”. This is the portion of the hormone which is not attached to protein in the blood and therefore, can actually travel in the tissues. Dehydropiandrosterone sulfate can be converted to testosterone, and should be measured. If one or more of these androgens is more than mildly elevated, more tests need to be done to determine the cause and find out which gland and extra testosterone is coming form- whether it be the ovary, adrenal, or both.
What if my periods are irregular, which tests should I ask my doctor about?
If your period is irregular, you should have the FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and prolactin, these test for pituitary or ovary issues.
I know I have hirsutism (excessive hair growth on my face,back,stomach,nipples,buttocks,fingers, toes and so on), but my doctor tells me my blood work is normal?
Hirsutism will always be due to testosterone stimulating the hair follicles. Why, then, do many women with hirsutism have normal levels of testosterone? The answer is that some women have hair follicles, which are extremely sensitive to testosterone. So do some men. Don’t believe it? At Laser Hair Removal Miami, LLC., we’ve noticed that some of our male clients have less hair than other men. Some cultural groups such as Asians have very little body hair because their hair follicles are insensitive to testosterone too.
Sadly, once testosterone levels are stimulated in women, their hair follicles stay overactive. The testosterone levels for women are highest in their teens and twenties. Levels after that point begin to decline until after menopause. If years late into the over production of hair becomes an issue, the testosterone levels bay be quite normal. However, the hair follicles have not forgotten to keep an over production of hair.
Another cause of test results which may show normal hormonal levels, is that testosterone levels fluctuate and therefore, testosterone may be only occasionally high. But the hair follicles are stimulated every time the testosterone level goes up. These peeks in testosterone may be missed during the time the blood tests are run. These peeks in testosterone may be missed during the time the blood tests are performed.
Is there hope for women who suffer from hirsutism?
While lab tests are crucial in evaluating the medical condition of hirsutism, they do have limitations. A negative test does not mean there is not a problem simply that the test has failed to provide the cause. For a long time, oral contraceptives were given young women suffering from hirsutism. Most women we’ve spoken who were prescribed birth control pills for hirsutism, did not feel their condition improved. Hormone replacement therapy should be looked into as an alternative.
What are some other common prescribed medications for the condition of hirsutism?
Spironolactone ( a diuretic) is combined with oral contraceptives. Under no circumstances should you take any medications without getting blood work done and having a physician supervise your treatment/s. Another common prescribed drug is Finasteride, also known as Propecia. This drug blocks the enzyme that converts the testosterone to a more active form of DHT. It can be dangerous for childbearing women due to possible abnormalities in fetal male genital development. There are studies which show improvement within four months, but it may take longer to fully notice significant reduction.
Often hair removal specialists are the first to encounter clients with hirsutism because clients coming in for hair removal services are seeking solutions to remove excess hair. At Laser Hair Removal Miami, LLC., we provide permanent hair removal services to our hirsutism clients, but we oftern refer them to a physician specializing in hormone therapy, which can help find the right diagnosis of the hormone connection and help them find a treatment.
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Laser Hair Removal Miami: Safe for Black Skin
Copyright 2010. Laser Hair Removal Miami. All rights reserved.
As 2010 is coming to an end, we’re posting this video we’ve made for those of you who would like visual information about laser hair removal which is safe and effective for all skin colors (including African-American men and women) in Miami and Miami Beach, Fl. As 2011 nears, we’ll be posting new videos in the very near future.
Hirsutism and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Bay Harbour Med Spa has been treating hirsutism (excessive hair growth) in women for over three decades. In recent years we’ve provided laser hair removal in Miami and Miami Beach to treat hirsutism. However, we noticed a trend and a medical correlation with hirsutism that had failed to be diagnosed for years- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
First, it’s important to understand what hirsutism is exactly. Hirsutism is defined as excessive terminal hair in females that appears in a male pattern. For years doctors had played into the myth that hirsutism was hereditary- this is not entirely correct. Hereditary causes not related to androgens are only applicable to generalized hair growth known as hypertrichosis which is distributed in a nonsexual pattern.
Pathophysiology of Hirsutism:
Growth of sexual hair is caused by androgens. Hairs are larger and more heavily pigmented, grow in in nonsynchronous cycles and longer anagen phase. Hirutism is the result of interaction between plasma androgens and the apparent sensitivity of the hair follicle to androgen.
Causes of Hirutism:
The most common cause is PCOS ( Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). Other causes are less frequent, but still looked at as contributing factors to the excessive hair growth equation. Other causes include androgen secreting tumors, hyperprolactinemia, Cushing’s syndrome, acromegaly, medications and thyroid dysfunction.
Please have a look at Bay Harbour Med Spa’s diagram of some common places of excessive hair growth in women:
Bay Harbour Med Spa
So, just what is PCOS?
Most commonly, PCOS is known as an endocrine disorder affecting up to 6-7% of reproductive age women worldwide.
Consequences of PCOS:
The most common symptoms are insulin resistance, obesity and thyroid dysfunctions.
Cosmetic consequences of PCOS:
- Hirutism ( excessive hair growth)
- Acne
- Seborrhea
- Alopecia
Reproductive consequences of PCOS:
- Menstural irregularities
- Endometriosis
- Ovulation dysfunction
- Infertility
Psychosocial consequences of PCOS:
- Depression
- Poor body image ( Dysmorphic Syndrome)
- Fear of infertility
Goals in treating PCOS:
- Lowering testosterone as well as blocking its effects
- hair removal therapy such as laser hair removal once medical treatment has been initiated
Medical Treatment Options ( you should always seek the medical advice of a physician and have extensive blood work taken):
- OCP
- OCP + Anti-androgen therapy
- Metaformin ( medication which lowers insulin)
- Glucocorticoids
- Please note, frequent lab testing should be performed by your physician to determine the effect/s of the medication/s
Hair removal options:
There are temporary options, but for a more permanent method laser hair removal is recommended. Please note, Bay Harbour Med Spa will not treat PCOS patients unless they’ve seen an endocronologist, or a specialist and have undergone extensive blood work. It would be a waste of your money to have laser treatments without treating PCOS internally.
Please visit our blog often for more on hirutism, PCOS and hair removal options in Miami.
Lastly, we recommend most of patients whom we suspect may suffer from PCOS to Dr. James Cennamo in Fort Lauderdale, he’s helped dozens of our patients in the fight against PCOS and other hormonal imbalances.
