IPL & PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition which effects around ten to fifteen per cent of women of reproductive age, and can very much vary in severity. The ovaries of women with PCOS have lots of minute cysts in them, and produce excess androgens, or male type hormones – including testosterone. These excess hormones can cause a number of problems in PCOS sufferers, such as irregular menstruation, weight gain, and excess bodily hair growth. Because of the excess hair growth that some women experience, IPL and laser hair removal treatments are popular among PCOS sufferers, as it saves the time and hassle of traditional hair removal methods, and doesn’t leave stubble as shaving does.

Can Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have IPL Hair Removal?

It is perfectly fine for PCOS sufferers to have IPL hair removal treatment, so long as you are suited for it, such as by having a suitable skin and hair tone and are not sensitive to light treatments. However, IPL is not as effective at permanently removing hairs as it would be on most other individuals. Hair growth is a hormonal process, and due to the hormonal imbalance in PCOS sufferers, hair is much more likely to grow back, and a lot more IPL sessions are needed. Until the hormonal balance is restored, the hair will continue to re-grow. IPL is of course still effective at removing hairs, which should not grow back for about four weeks. In the case of PCOS, it is not unusual to be able to get IPL hair removal treatment on the NHS; if you think you may qualify, talk to your GP, and some sessions may be arranged.

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