met vs. spiro for hirsutism?

nerdlet · 10-04-2004, 03:30 AM

Sorry if this was already covered, but I didn't see it anywhere. Have you found spiro to be better than met at treating hirsutism specifically?

I used to be on spiro for a few years, then on nothing, and now I've just started met (too early to see results). Met sounds incredibly promising from what my doctor says and what I've read here: my insulin is way too high, the doc is pretty sure I'm IR, and met will help with problems I didn't even know were related to PCOS: acne, weight gain, etc.

Thing is, my #1 complaint is hirsutism. It's the only symptom of PCOS that really makes my life miserable. I'm only moderately overweight (size 14), and the acne is on my back rather than my face, so it's not a huge issue. But I spend huge amounts of time plucking every day, and body hair is a disaster: shaving is no use because it grows right back, and the hair is so dark you can see it under my pale skin even when freshly shaved. Plus I get nightmarish razor rash. Oh, and I'm not trying to get pregnant, and my periods are pretty regular anyway. So for me, PCOS is mostly about the hair growth.

And I'm wondering if met will help in that respect as much as spiro used to help. Spiro wasn't perfect -- I still had to pluck a little -- but it made a big difference. I know spiro just treats the symptoms while met treats the cause of the problem, and met will make me more healthy overall.... but will it make me less hairy?

Coolcatsangel · 10-04-2004, 09:54 AM

I've been on Met for four full months now and I haven't really noticed a difference in the hair growth although I do have electrolysis on my chin so I wouldnt really notice there....but in other places i havent noticed any difference.

I was actually hoping my doc would put me on Spiro for the hair growth when I go back to him in November.

But everyone is different. I hope the Met works for you.

nobimbo · 10-05-2004, 10:23 PM

Met may help somewhat, but not near as much as Spiro. Researchers have found that although reducing insulin helps to lower androgens, it does not have that much of an effect on hirsutism. It may stop further unwanted hair growth, but many have found that once the hair follicles are stimulated the hair will continue to grow. Laser hair removal and/or electrolysis are often effective, however (once your hormones are rebalanced, which is what Met can help with).

Linda

nerdlet · 10-08-2004, 06:39 AM

yeah, that was kind of what I thought. I'll try to get my endo to put me on spiro. I wonder if taking spiro temporarily, along with met, and then continuing on just the met, could have the desired effect.

I'm not considering laser because of the burns. My skin doesn't heel well, and I'm afraid I'll get stuck with the burn scars forever.

secsll · 10-13-2004, 09:55 PM

Just my .02 worth.

From what I've found, the benefits of Met might be more far reaching than just the cosmet issues. I know you're not actively trying to conceive, but lowering your insulin levels is something that will likely benefit your overall health for the rest of your life. Since pcos is forever right now, we have to look at long term problems like diabetes and heart disease. Research is piling up for both with us pcos'ers. I'm not preaching, just pointing out that you may want to consider more than the hair growth.

I know hirsutism was my biggest problem with pcos...til I hit 30. After that everything got worse! This disorder worsens over time. I wish I'd gotten Met five years ago. It may have saved me alot of hardship on my body. Lowering your insulin levels now may prevent a whole host of problems later on. Spiro won't do that.