Hello. I am new here. I am 23 years old and I suspect that I have PCOS. Since getting my first period at age 12, I only menstruate about every 2 - 4 months. When I was about 21, my period didn't come on for 4 months and then when it came on, it stayed on for 2 months. I went to the gyn and he prescribed birth control. That started my period to be regular. I have always had extra fat stored around my waist and thighs. All my life, no matter how many situps or running I do. My doctor has never said anything to me about any hormonal imbalances or investigated it. He acted as if irregular periods are nothing to worry about. I mentioned it to my new doctor and he didn't go into any detail about it. How do you get your doctor to pay attention to this and investigate it. Anyway, For about 2 years, I have been growing strands of hair on my neck and sideburns and sometimes a few strands on my chest. Does anyone else suffer from this? What do you do about it? I usually pluck them out. But they are becoming increasingly more and darker. I pray that I won't develop a full beard.
First off, I just wanted to say that I'm 22 and I go to school in Philly so if you ever need someone "real" to talk to, we could get together.
I have to shave my chin and sides of my face every day, as well as stray hairs on my chest, so I know how you feel. I have tried every stinking facial hair remover there is, including prescription Vaniqa and it all gives me a rash. I am still hoping there will be something to help me eventually!
Sorry I didn't give you any real help, just wanted to give you some support and let you know I know how you feel! I would also ask your doctor to test you for PCOS, that is what I had to do.
Welcome! It sounds like you probably do have pcos. I would suggest talking w/your dr about it again and if he isn't receptive then move on to a new dr...try an endocrinologist. They are usually more knowledgeable about pcos than some regular docs. I too have to shave my chin and chest It's not fun, and it grows back faster and faster all the time. I have an aunt that has pcos and by evening she has 5 oclock shadow I hope that I don't get that, but I am well on my way it seems I have never tried any prescription hair removers, but I have tried otc stuff and I am always allergic to everything. I have extremely sensative skin, it's really hard for me to even find cleansers that my skin can handle. Which is why I just started ending up shaving instead, I used to pluck, then it got more and more, and I tried the bleaches and cream removers and waxing and I can't take any of it I wish my skin wasn't so sensative. I am going to be ttc ( I am always trying but soon will be getting more aggressive about it) so I don't think I can get any stuff for the hair or acne now, but I think if you aren't ttc that you could talk w/your doc about prescriptions for that and maybe find something that will work for you. I know that a lot of women do have success w/those things...there is a "excess hair" area here on soul cysters, I'm sure you could get some advice there. Also, if you have no luck w/your doc next time you go, check out the recommended dr area of the boards you might find someone in your area recommended by a fellow cyster. Best wishes to ya hon, sorry you have to have this crazy disorder w/us but I'm glad you found us, you will find lots of answers and support here. Keep us posted and let us know how it goes. Also, check out the newbies start here link on the first page of the message board, there are lots of helpful links on there, books to read, tests to have done, how to interpret the test results, finding a dr, getting a diagnosis, how to deal w/your diagnoses, etc., etc, etc. I hope you find everything you need. And never be afraid to ask anything we talk about everything here! Hugs!
I'm new here so I'm reading all of the posts now. I too have suffered with excess hair. A few stray hairs started on my chin in high school (I'm 34 now). I have recently started laser hair removal and LOVE it. I wish I would have done this years ago, but then again I couldn't afford it. It can be expensive, but the boost in self esteem more than outweighs the cost. I have had laser on my upper lip, chin, cheeks (including side burns) and neck. I was having to shave everyday and never felt smooth, and god forbid if there was a day I didn't get too. The laser treatments are not an overnight cure though it does take time, depending on how much hair you have. I am about to have my 6th treatment, which she believes will be my last. I have only shaved 2 times in the last 5 weeks and that was really because there were a couple of straglers that drove me crazy. My my face is "baby butt" smooth. My treatment cost $383 for the first, $275 for the second, $225 each for the third, fourth, and fifth, and will be $100 for every other treatment. My laser tech believes that I will have to have maintenance done about every six months. WELL WORTH IT!! If you're interested get a consultation and estimate. Most dermatolgists or plastic surgeon offices perform this procedure. I love the lady I'm seeing because she understand the condition that is causing the excess hair growth and even recommended talking to my doctor about glucaphage and aldactone. Hope this helps.
__________________ 36 yrs, divorced w/one daughter (adopted)
Official Diagnosis PCOS: May, 1997
Medications: 500 mg Met XR 1 x daily, 10 mcg Byetta 2 x daily, 10 mg Lisinpril
Symptoms: strings of pearl-like cysts, acne, no periods, hirsutism, type 2 diabetes, weight issues, skin tags, you name it I've got it
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honey i know how you feel.i/m 20 this september and have been diagnosed with pcos since 12 or 13.the hair factor to me is the worst part of the experience.i have hair on my chin/under my neck/my upper lip/sideburns/chest/lower back and on my tummy.it/s horrible...i/ve even noticed a strand or two on my shoulders.i hate it and i have to constantly maintain it, but because of the excess amount i can/t afford lazer.so i wax all facial regions and shave the rest because i can/t wax my own tummy or lower back and it/s too much to tweeze..plus there is no way in hell that i could go see a beautician about this stuff..i/m just too embarassed...
personally i would recommend waxing ur face as apposed to shaving because shaving causes it to grow back quicker...
good luck with everything.go see a doctor about and tell them that you think you may have it, even if they question you.tell them you/d like any tests done, or ask for a second opinion. xxx
Extra hair 
I would also ask your doctor to test you for PCOS, that is what I had to do.
It's not fun, and it grows back faster and faster all the time. I have an aunt that has pcos and by evening she has 5 oclock shadow 
