The Doctors: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome & Excess Body Hair Treatments

The Doctors: Excess Body Hair

On TMI Tuesday, not even the most embarrassing topics go unconvered! Sarah, a Doctors viewer from Portland, Oregon, wrote in to ask about her excess body hair. She’s started to notice thick, dark hair growing on her stomach. As a result, she makes sure she’s covered at all times, even in front of her boyfriend. Additionally, she’s noticed acne on her face and fewer periods. Dr. Lisa Masterson believed she knew exactly what Sarah was experiencing.

The Drs: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Dr. Lisa believed that polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) could be the issue. In PCOS, the pituitary gland and hormones are off balance. This results in follicles on the ovaries and an increase in testosterone. It also could stand in the way of a woman becoming pregnant and is often seen in women who are overweight.

The symptoms of PCOS include acne, few or no periods, excessive body hair growth and depression. It is treatable with birth control pills, weight loss and even just a lifestyle change. Dr. Jim Sears pointed out that many of his teenage patients with PCOS were cured just by losing weight.

The Doctors: Treatments For Excess Body Hair

However, for women who are experiencing embarrassing, unwanted excess body hair and don’t have PCOS, there are many safe options for removing hair. Bleaching or lightening creams and even shaving work well (Dr. Andrew Ordon explained that the myth surrounding shaving, which causes people to believe that more hair will grow back, is just that: a myth). Dr. Ordon also suggests laser therapy treatment as a painless and permanent solution to excess body hair, though you will need multiple treatments.