Has losing weight helped anyone's excess hair probs?

locagirl · 04-19-2006, 05:51 AM

Hey all - asked this in the hair probs section but noone answered

I've had a prob with stray thick/dark hairs under my chin/neck area since college (I'm now 22 and it's now growing in the sideburn kinda area as well - I have elevated testosterone levels and am slightly overweight).

This is a pain cos I can't shave as the area just gets irritated and goes all red. I have sensitive skin so depilatories/bleaches are out and I've been advised against laser/electrolysis (which I wouldn't be able to afford anyway). I tend to pluck it all out at the moment, but I'm scared it's gonna cause permanent shadows/scarring in the areas I'm removing it.

I've read somewhere that once the follicles are activated to produce thicker/darker hair, they won't revert back to regular fine hair on their own when hormonal probs etc. clear up. As there seem to be so many differing opinions - anyone with firsthand experience of it lessening once other PCOS related issues start getting better?

My GP and endocrinologist have basically just said to me 'go away and lose weight' - has anyone just done this and found hirsutism probs to lessen? I've been put on Estelle 35D - a contraceptive pill that's supposed to be an androgen suppressant but so far it's done nothing

cystimatic · 04-19-2006, 05:57 AM

Yes, weight loss helped so much. I know because I have gained and lost 100 pounds twice already. When I was at my target weight range I did not have problems with facial hair, but I also had laser surgery. When I gained weight it came back on my throat area. The area I hag lasered is much better, but I do have to say the weight gain has made it come back. My suggestion is to get laser and try dieting. I have tried prescription cremes but those do not work. Good luck!

locagirl · 04-19-2006, 06:13 AM

Thanks for your reply

It's good to hear about something that went well for someone. I only have about 20-30 pounds to reach my 'goal weight', I've read that even 10% body weight loss can help a lot. To reach my stretch target, I have to lose 18% of my original body weight (83kg), I'm exercising hard-out and i've almost lost 5% in the last month so hopefully if I maintain as I'm doing I'll see some results....It'd be nice to have a bit of self-confidence back

cystimatic · 04-19-2006, 06:44 AM

I understand. I work in the cosmetic industry and do alot of trainings so I always feel like people are looking at my hair. I tweeze everyday and use makeup to hide the redness. Try a mineral makeup to help conceal it. This is especially great if you are doing laser. The only mineral powder I do not suggest is BareMinerals - it has to much mica in it and it doesn't wear well. Try the new Urban Decay powder or the one made by Philosophy.