n2jesus

Hi, I am new to this whole thing I am 17 years old and Have noticed increasing (coarse) hairs on my neck and chin area like that of man.
Its not just few scraggly hairs its those mixed with many short hairs, like that of a boy developing a beard.

I already have hair on my arms, fingers, hands, {(coarse dark) hair on my inner thighs , back of my thighs, buttocks,excess pub's continuing to Cover my stomach,< all accompanied with Very bad acne and scars from ingrown hairs and shaving and nair} hair covering my chest and breast area but is increasingly becomeing coarse and dark, and of course my legs.

I am an African American with very long hair ( on my head) so my mother just ignors my cries to visit a dermatoligist becasue she feels like I am just a "hairy" person. But ive been researching and I do not feel that hair on the head and body are really connected. I was over weight at the most 210lbs, at the age of 16 I went on a low carb diet and shed 40lbs. I also have dark neck area ( very dark) considering my skin color is like a (Pancake color(a cooked one)..LOL)that is the only way to describe it. I have dark , patchy areas under the arms and breast and inner thigh partly I believe is due to being overwieght.

My period is not really irregular even though I have recently noticed it has been off track( being 10 days early, 12 days late etc)


I just am trying to figure out if I have PCOS or if Im just "Hairy"????

SarahMichelle1210

Hey there

While the excess hair you have on your body, and the dark patches of skin you have are symptoms of PCOS, the only way to be sure if to check with a doctor. I wish I could help you more right now, but I honestly cannot.

In regards to the excess body hair: Several women with PCOS do have excess body hair in places such as arms, back, and face. I know it's embarrassing at times and bothers you, but if you do see your doctor and are diagnosed with PCOS, you can start to get rid of it! There are several prescription creams(Vaniqa is a popular one) that have several success stories. If you are really bothered by it and want to try something out now, I have some friends who have tried hair bleaching(you can buy some of this from any pharmacy store, or Target.)

About talking with your mom, maybe you should print out some articles on PCOS or show them to her from your computer. Educate yourself first, and plan out what to say. Show her your problems, then what it says about that problem online. I think with some parents, they will take the facts more seriously than simply their daughter complaining of body hair.

Sorry I couldn't help you any more, but just relax. There are ways to fix these problems! Good luck!

Stacie M

Obviously I can't give you a diagnosis, but it does sound like you have some symptoms of PCOS. I would recommend getting into a doctor for testing. Do you have a gynecologist? They may be able to start some testing or refer you on to someone who can do the appropriate work up.

Also, it sounds like your periods are irregular. If you are 10 days early or 12 days late, it sounds like something that should be investigated as another possible symptom of PCOS.

Do you have a family history of PCOS or diabetes?

__________________

Future Doc Cyster

Wow do our mom's sound alike!

My mom's a nurse and an intelligent woman, but when I told her (at age 18), that I was pretty sure I had PCOS, she said that I've "always been hairy." She had no idea that I was regularly plucking my chin hairs!

I finally convinced her that I needed to see an OB-GYN for irregular bleeding, and the doctor tried to put me on the pill WITHOUT checking my hormones. She said that I didn't have PCOS, and a hormone profile was an expensive test.

At age 21, I saw a different doctor near my school. I didn't mention anything about PCOS, yet the doctor said that she would like me to get some blood tests to check my hormones. When I asked her what she thought it was, she said maybe PCOS, but I didn't have a lot of facial or abdominal hair (because I get rid of it!). After that blood test, I finally got my diagnosis.

I would definitely share information with your mom regarding your own body and information you find on PCOS. You may also want to find a doctor near you that specializes in PCOS so that they know what to look for. The only way to tell if you have PCOS (or another endocrine disorder) or PCOS is to have your hormone levels tested.

__________________
**~Future Doc Cyster~**

1500mg Met
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Eva37

welcome to sc Im not a teen (obviously) but wanted to say hello. Here is a link for you

The Newbie Road Map

eva

__________________
PCOS, LOCAH, Lichen Planus, IBS, HS,alopecia - raised bp/ cholesteral. Wheat and dairy intollerance Meds: Spiro, Bendrofluazide, Amlodopine, Simvastatin, Met, Prednisolone, Colpermin multi vits,

Me - 41, hubby 36 son 11. Married 14 years

She is buffeted by the wind, but she does not sink.



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Ihavfaith

yes you should get seen by a doctor. you have all the signs maybe you should show your mother some literture so that she can believe you because there is help, and your so young I can feel your pain. Hang in there and don't let it upset you.