I'm guessing there's no cure for hirsutism? - Page 2

JosieFB · 07-28-2008, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SashaMcGuire

What exactly does that mean that spiro doesn't provide any benefit past 6 months? I think it is really helping (along with laser) with my facial hair and acne and was hoping that the scalp shedding would improve as well. Can I expect to be back to square one after 6 months? Can anyone clarify this for me? Thanks a bunch.

I assume he meant that I could stop taking Spiro after 6 months (actually I took 50 mg for 6 months and 100 mg for an additional 6 months) and I would not revert to my pre-Spiro level of hirsutism. He kept me on the high dose of met, so I also assume he expects that to keep my androgens at a normal level. Like I said, I've never read any research about this approach, but this doctor seems to stay up to date on current research.

I will be calling him fast if I notice the hair worsening. The spiro has also lightened my periods and all but eliminated my horrific menstrual cramps. If my bad periods return, I will be begging him for Spiro.

sexyswamprat · 07-28-2008, 01:10 AM

I have hair everywhere! I am also 100% Italian so my hair is very very dark. I have learned to deal with all of it except for the hair that is on my face. I was fortunate enough to be able to have laser treatment done. It was not painful at all and it worked very well but is very exspensive so I was not able to keep up with the treatments and of course the hair has come back. Doctors have told me that there are meds that will slow down the growth and stop any new hair from growing. And from reading what results other women have had with these meds I believe they are worth a try. My facial hair has caused me some great pain and I to wish there was some cure for it. I wish every woman in the world that is having to deal with this horrible side effect all the love , hope and prayer.
LOVE TO ALL SOULCYSTERS ( you are not alone)

twinklen · 07-29-2008, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deuce81

Electrolysis DOES work! It is the only permanent method of hair removal out there. What people may not understand is that it takes time 9-18 for permanent results. Sometimes even longer. Once a hair follicle is killed it will never produce a hair again. Another thing that people may not understand is that NEW hairs can show up from follicles that were once inactive. So down the line hairs may come up and then one would think it "oh, electrolysis does not work." If you have PCOS and you're androgens are not under control, then new sprouting hairs is very possible. Also, it doesn't hurt. If you find a good electrolysis with a new digital epilator, then it's vertually painless. The older machines are slower, and produce more of a sensation.

I'm currently in my 4th month of electrolysis, and can say I've noticed a reduction in my facial hair. I have soooo much F-ing hair though, so I may be getting electrolysis for another year or more. But it'll be worth it in the end. Also, the longer you are into your treatments, the less you have to go. You're not going to be going every week for 9-12 months. At first you go a lot, then that time decreases.

I advise every woman with hair problem to find a skilled electrologist and be on there way to permanent hair removal.

I'll update on my electrolysis! In a year, I hope to say I'm hair free on my face!

how much more is elec than laser?how much do you pay per elce treatment?

Leopassion7 · 07-29-2008, 09:43 PM

Hey I have that nipple hair too. OMG...my nipple hairs are like 2in in length. I hate it! I'm blessed to have a fiance who loves me dearly for me. *wipes sweat from forehead* And the butt hair! *throws up* And yep, I have the longest abdominal hairs ever! I should just have those implanted into my scalp to bring back some hair on my head. rofl

sexyswamprat · 07-30-2008, 11:30 PM

I had electrolysis done for over a year and it did not work for me. I also found it to be more painful than the laser treatment. With electrolysis they have to "kill" each individual hair at the root. Where as with laser treatment they can "kill" a larger section at one time. And there is no little needle that they have to stick into your skin and sap it to kill the root. Electrolysis also takes alot longer to do than laser treatment. I was able to have my whole face done in one sitting each time I went for my laser treatments. Electrolysis was a little bit each time I went beacuse it took so long to kill each root. And for me it didn't work. I recommend the laser treatment 100%. Your price will depend on what you are having done. One thing about laser treatment though is that it works best on people that have dark hair. The laser takes better to the pigment at the root of the hair. I'm not saying that electrolysis does not work for some. But for me the laser treatment was the best thing that I could have done for myself. Unfortuantely laser treatment is exspensive and I was not able to countinue with and the hair has grown back. But the electrolysis did the samething too. I did read on here that one woman has gotton her insurance to cover her laser treatment. I am now looking into my insurance covering laser treatment. It's totally worth the effort I'm having to put in to it to get the laser treatment cover. Just thought you should have another point of view on electolysis vs laser treatment.

twinklen · 07-31-2008, 02:35 AM

Hoiw in the heck are you guys getting insur. to pay for it? They consider it cosmetic. Would love to know-TIA!

sexyswamprat · 07-31-2008, 11:02 PM

Twinklen- I have found a doctor that specializes in aesthetic care and she is working with my endocrinoligist to get my insurance to cover these treatments. Something about it being medically nescassary. Nothing has been cleared yet though. When, and if they do cover it, I will most defiantely share with everyone how they did it.

ckprentice · 07-31-2008, 11:11 PM

There is an herbal suplement for men, saw palmetto (from any vitamin store)it's used when they have enlarged prostate...I know what you're thinking (WHY WOULD I TAKE THAT) And that's exactly what I thought! But it helps with hair growth and acne because it turns excess testosterone into a form of estrogen. Also, I went through 12 cycles of laser hair removal and I tell you what, all it did was hurt! And I still have a beard like an old man. I have to either shave, or dipilitate it off each day/other day, and it's very frustrating. I am TTC and so I am no longer on Spironolactone & BCP, however those were the two best combinations with a topical called Vaniqa. Now that I am TTC I am obviously not taking BCP or Spiro (as it is a diaretic), the other great thing about Spironolactone is that it helps reduce the water weight! Well it did for me, by about 20 pounds. It was fantastic. I know that side effects are different in each of us, but I think you should definitely talk to your doctor or see if there are any hormone specialists in your area you could talk to, my regular OB/GYN doesn't feel comfortable perscribing for PCOS, so I see her and a hormone specialist who is fantastic! So please reach out and try to find someone who can get you a cocktail to reduce the hair! The hair hurts...in more than one way, and I do feel your pain.