PCOS is a hot topic not least because it affects 1 in 5 women, according to Endometriosis UK. With roughly 30 per cent of the UK female population dealing with either PCOS or Endometriosis, many women are seeking out natural alternatives for treatment and ways to manage the side effects.

WHAT IS PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a medical condition whereby women’s hormones are out of balance and cysts (benign masses) begin to grow on the ovaries. Common symptoms include irregular (or no) periods, reduced fertility, acne, weight gain, thinning head hair and even excessive hair growth.

For many, excessive hair growth can be uncomfortable and despite the ease of shaving or plucking, the ongoing problem caused by PCOS can be a time-consuming burden and end up becoming expensive if the excessive hair growth is not managed.

We spoke with Pulse Light Clinic London to find out what permanent hair removal treatments are available, “laser hair removal treatments are a permanent handling of excessive hair growth because they work to directly stop the hair follicles from producing any more hairs. That means that after a series of treatments, it is no longer a temporary solution or stop gap but instead the excessive hair will either be permanently gone or minimally permanently reduced.”

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? 

If this sounds too good to be true, here’s how it works, according to Pulse Light Clinic; “the Syneron Candela technology uses high-energy laser light which passes through the skin to the hair follicle, where it is absorbed and transformed into heat. The heat disables the follicle while leaving the surrounding skin unchanged. As we use Alexandrite & ND:YAG GentleMax Pro lasers we are able to treat all skin types safely and effectively”.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE TREATMENT

You will be invited for a consultation and patch test with a technician who will complete an assessment of your skin and hair to see if you are suitable for laser hair removal. After just 48 hours, you can start a course of treatment.

Before your first treatment, you will be asked to shave the treated area unless that is you are receiving laser hair removal on your face. This is because facial hair is typically more hormonal and common among those that suffer from PCOS.