Polycystic ovary syndrome

More information about laser hair removal, as well as a price list.

Unwanted hair growth is one of the most common symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and when women diagnosed with PCO or PCOS contact us, it is always because of unwanted hair growth on their face or body. Those who are most bothered by this often have facial hair growth that is comparable to that of a man. The hair can be dark and coarse on both the chin and upper lip. Unfortunately, some also have hair down their neck, on their cheeks, and between their breasts.

What is PCO?

Wikipedia describes the disease as follows:

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition in which cysts form in the ovaries, causing hormonal imbalances. Side effects of this include women developing a more masculine appearance, becoming overweight, and having reduced fertility.

To have this syndrome, you must have at least two of these three criteria:

• Delayed menstrual cycle with 10 or fewer than 10 menstrual periods per year.
• You get more hair, including beard growth and hair between the breasts.
• The third criterion is multiple cysts in the ovaries, which can only be detected by ultrasound examination.

In fact, as many as one in seven women of childbearing age have polycystic ovary syndrome.
This means that they have many cysts on their ovaries, with elevated levels of the male hormone testosterone. Some also experience less frequent or absent ovulation and menstrual disorders.

Symptoms often appear during adolescence and are characterized by irregular menstrual cycles. Some experience long intervals between periods or no periods at all.
Some may have regular periods, but these are often heavier than normal. For those who do not ovulate, this can also lead to difficulties in becoming pregnant. Some also experience weight gain and tend to have increased hair growth and blemished skin.
Many feel tired, often have headaches, and have a craving for sweets that does not go away, even when they are not feeling full. Some also have sleep problems and mood swings.

How can we help you with your PCOS diagnosis?

We cannot cure PCOS, but we can help you with the symptoms that cause increased hair growth.
Permanent hair removal with diode laser is safe, gives good results and an almost permanent hair-free result.
After the first treatment, you will notice a significant reduction in hair growth. In most cases, you will only need 4 treatments, with approximately 4-6 weeks between treatments, to become completely hair-free in the area in question.

However, it is important to remember that increased hair growth caused by PCOS is due to increased testosterone in the blood, which in turn means that you will experience increased hair growth.
Laser treatment can only destroy active hair follicles and not hair follicles that may become "activated" in the future. In practice, this means that you may need to return for maintenance treatment.
If the treatment is combined with medications such as birth control pills, metformin, and a proper diet, you may also experience longer hair-free periods.
We have many satisfied customers with PCOS and PCOS diagnoses.

What exactly causes PCOS?

Many believe that PCOS is hereditary, but that it can also occur due to obesity and lack of exercise. Some people also have reduced sensitivity to insulin.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps us absorb sugar from the blood. People who are overweight need more insulin than people of normal weight, as fatty tissue requires more insulin to absorb and convert sugar into energy.
It has been shown that in people with PCOS, increased levels of insulin in the blood can further increase the overproduction of testosterone.

How is PCOS treated?

The most effective treatment for insulin resistance associated with PCOS is dietary changes, weight loss, and physical exercise.
For those who find it difficult to lose weight, treatment can be combined with Metformin, a medication intended for diabetes to lower insulin levels.
It should be noted that approximately 20% of women with PCOS are of normal weight. For these women, dietary changes, weight loss, and increased insulin sensitivity, possibly with Metformin, will be an effective treatment.

Cost change

A protein-rich diet with moderate carbohydrate intake is recommended. For those who also suffer from increased hair growth and blemished skin in addition to Metformin treatment, treatment with birth control pills, hormones, and diode laser therapy can be tried.