PCOS Symptom Synopsis: Hirsutism

Blog 5 in Series: PCOS

If you don’t know what PCOS is, then please take the time to read the first post in this series, which can be found here.

Hirsutism

I’m going to start this one out by telling you all that I am NOT brave enough to post my own pictures as examples for this symptom of PCOS. Hirsutism is my least favorite symptom of them all! It’s a daily struggle, annoying, and embarrassing beyond belief.

The Nitty Gritty:

Mayo Clinic defines Hirsutism as follows:

“Hirsutism (HUR-soot-iz-um) is a condition of unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women. Hirsutism results in excessive amounts of stiff and pigmented hair on body areas where men typically grow hair — face, chest and back.

The amount of body hair you have is largely determined by your genetic makeup. Hirsutism may arise from excess male hormones called androgens, primarily testosterone. Hirsutism may also be due to a family trait.”

My Experience:

“Male Pattern” describes this perfectly. I get hair on my upper lip, my sideburns, my chin, under my chin, and that’s not even the worst of it. All the hair on my body from my arm hair to my armpit hair, to my leg hair…it all grows in VERY coarse and very quickly. The worst things for me are the fact that I get hair on my “happy trail” that is thick and annoying and hair on my butt just the same. Not to mention all the random hairs that decide they are going to poke up out of no where any other place on my body.

Hirsutism is no joke. It’s embarrassing even if no one notices. The self conscious feeling that comes with someone being close to your face or being intimate with you is unbearable, but there are ways to overcome. You MUST overcome because you have a full life to live and if you only get one shot, you might as well give it all you can!

Hair Removal PCOSPlease note that I do NOT recommend the Sally Hanson Brush-On Remover.
Click here to see the quick review.

Overcoming Hirsutism:

Sure, some people can be brave and let their hair grow naturally, but not everyone can. I know that I cannot! Here are some ways I cope with my excess hair:

1. Twinke or Tinkle Razors- They are a LIFE SAVER. I promise you this, once you use them, you will never turn back. I have used them for about 3-4 years now. They are basically small razors marked as “eyebrow razors” that you can use for your face, neck, arms…basically anywhere. Since my hair is very coarse, I can only use 1 razor 1-2 times. I typically purchase the 36 count from Amazon. 
2. Good Razors- 
I use Venus Breeze razors. I have found they work well with my sensitive skin and I don’t have to throw them out as often as many others.
3. Sally Hansen Spray-On Shower-Off Extra Strength Hair Remover- How is that for a mouth full? I use this for a few things. First, I use it for hard to reach places (I’m plus sized, you know!) Second, I use it for those times that I’ve waiting 2 weeks-2 months to get rid of excess hair. At that point, it’s kind of overwhelming/out of control and this stuff breaks down the hair follicle and it falls right off.
4. Laser Hair Removal- I actually haven’t done this yet, but Jillian Michaels says it’s a must. When I am a bit more steady financially (out of debt, not planning a wedding, etc.) I would LOVE to get a more permanent removal done.
5. Medicine- I do not use medicine at this point. It’s at a point where I can mostly control it without pumping medicines into my body, but I am sure I will try it sometime in the future. (Metphormin is one I hear of a lot.)

XOXO,

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10 thoughts on “PCOS Symptom Synopsis: Hirsutism

  1. I too have PCOS and it is so disturbing. Thank God I don’t have have the Hirsutism as bad as some. I do have it, but I’m able to handle it at the moment pretty easily.My symptoms don’t seem to be too severe besides the fact that I cannot for the life of me get rid of the acne on my face, and the scarring is horrendous. I am also extremely burdened by the fact that I may not be able to have a child. :'(

    1. Thanks for commenting! It’s a lot to deal with. I don’t think people realize how many things are touched by PCOS! I want a little baby in the near future, so that burden is real! Thanks for sharing with me and good luck to you! ~B

    2. Hey! I know this post is old and maybe you already have a solution to your acne but I wanted to recommend the ONLY thing that has cleared up my skin. Face reality. Google them, find a rep in your area. Seriously never had such great results. Hope that helps!

  2. I have been dealing with pcos for about 3 years now. I learned that I had it after being unsuccessful at loosing my belly fat and noticed a remarkable difference in my body hair growth. It first started on the upper lip. I use to have to wax it every week but now it’s about every 3 weeks. I have very thick belly hair that I’m very self conscious. I have been shaving my belly since I was 21 I am now 25. I also have thick hair in my bottom, I have been using nair in those areas. I am deathly afraid of using a razor on my face and chest area. I struggle with this every day! I am a very fair person but I have considered going to a tanning bed to lighten my hair color. So it’s not as noticeable.

    1. Thank you for sharing your story with me! The excess hair is the most embarrassing of the PCOS symptoms. I’ve never thought of the tanning bed to lighten the hair, then again I would totally just burn in there anyway. XO Brittney

  3. Thanks so much for being brave and sharing! I have a teenage daughter with pcos and although I’ve never been DX but I have symptoms. So glad to see you out there!! Thanks again!

  4. Hello! First of all, I want to commend you for sharing that you have this problem. It’s becoming quite common. I was diagnosed with PCOS and only had symptoms treated. PLEASE take what I’m about to tell you seriously. Get your cholesterol checked. If it’s high & you have a family history of heart disease, insist on a medication to help lower it & get to a cardiologist. I believe PCOS is just a symptom of a bigger problem. I really enjoy reading your blog – you’re such a beautiful woman with wonderful advice.

    1. Thanks for the tip. I go to my doctor regularly, so I get my levels checked often. My cholesterol is just fine!

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