Facial Hair

How do you guys manage I have been shaving daily for about 14 years now and I am only just barely going to be 29.  Nair does nothing, I have lost almost 120 pounds and seen no change. I cannot affors Electrolysis , please let me in on your secrets I am DESPERATE!!!

I saw a dermatologist for almost 6 months of laser therapy.  Luckily, it was covered under my insurance.  It took away the hair growth everywhere but the outer edges above the lip(very light now) and on the chin directly below the edges of my lips.  The dermatologist told me that it was possible I would continue to grow hair, and shaving was the easiest method.  I used to go to the salon and have it waxed off every 3-4 weeks along with my eyebrows.  That was relatively inexpensive, and I may go back to it, since I don't like the razor burn feeling.  I paid about $30-and it was while we lived in Hawaii.  I would think it could be less expensive on the mainland. Julie

My GYN put me on a medication called Spironolactone.  She said it does something to the hair follicles so get rid of the hair growth over time.  It also helps with the acne.  It doesn't work over night mind you, she said it will take 9 months to a year to get full affect.  I've only been on it a month and can see a big difference with the breakouts.  Hope this helps.   Crystal

My derm offered the 'script, also.  Two reasons I didn't use it was insurance didn't cover it(I'm cheap!) and she said it only works while I'm using it.  If I stopped, the hair would come back.  I would hope that weren't true, but I didn't want to waste my money on something that was only a short-term solution. Julie

I am in my 2nd month of the Spironolactone. My insurance company pretty much lets me get what I need, except for the topical treatment. I have to shave EVERY day, I feel like a man. One day I was running late for work and almost walked out the door without shaving,. How embarassing that would have been. This is not just a cosmetic thing that is going on here. This is a "my hormones are all out of wack" thing. When our insurance companies tell us that this thing is just a cosmetic thing, it stops people from getting the treatment that they need. My PCOS started out with the irregular cycles, which after telling dr.'s they said it was fine. Then I gained all this weight, and was told just go on a diet. Then I brought up the facial hair, and at first was told ahh we will run some blood tests. I am so frustrated that my diagnosis didn't come sooner. I am so upset that my rapid weight gain was considered cosmetic, now they have to pay for WLS. It is not normal to grow hair and get a full beard like a man. Insurance companies should be more aware of the underlying condition so that we can get help sooner. The commercials for facial hair remover's whether topical or shavers, should not be shown as some cosmetic thing, but also mention that there could be a serious health conditions associated with it. I was told I have a great chance of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Sure mr. insurance company, this is just some cosmetic issue. Now that I have vented. I was told that my medicine would kick in around 6 months. I have to see my endocrinologist every few months. Hopefully by then we will see more improvement.

I shave daily as well.  Upper lip and chin.  I HATE it as well and it's been suggested there's certain drugs you can go on to help with it. I didn't pursue it because we were trying to have a kid before I decided to proceed with WLS.

http://obesityhelp.com/forums/polycystic_ovarian_syndrome/a, messageboard/action,replies/board_id,4894/cat_id,4494/topic_ id,3160206/

Maybe look into seeing a Dermatologist, which is usually covered by insurance.  They would probably have some treatment suggestions for the removal/control of facial hair....more so than a regular family doctor would.  I have been on Spironolactone, prescribed by my Dermatologist (insurance covered), for 9 months now for the treatment of acne.  One of the side benefits is that it regulates hormonal imbalances that cause facial hair growth.  I did have laser skin removal done in 2005, and it took me about 5 treatments to see the benefits;  and it took about 3 months of taking Spironolactone to start seeing good results in my acne treatment.  Now I only have two or three hairs that need tweezing every so often---No Complaints!  Because I too, resorted to shaving after dealing with waxes and bleach for so long. You also might want to look into Laser Hair Removal, which has gained prevalence and popularity over the last few years.  I know here in AZ, there are a lot of places (including malls) that offer Laser Hair Removal.  There seems to always be ads offering coupons and specials-- maybe something you would be able to afford. Best of luck to you!

Go**** is good to know that other people have to deal with facial hair and daily shaving (not that I would wish this on anyone).  I  have taken Spir (spell?) for 13 years and enjoy an oil free complexion and no breakouts but sad to say it never really helped with hair growth.   The best shaving cream on the market - and trust me, I have bought them all - is Kiss My Face.  I buy this product at Whole Foods Market and other similar stores.  I can pretty much eliminate razor bumps with this product.  Also, using Bare Minerials make up covers beautifully. I am scheduled for RNY on the 18th of this month (that's right - just two days) and my Endo told me that the facial hair may go away as I drop weight.  I am praying that it does.  There are some days that I would say that the facial hair is worse then having a weight problem.  Hope you all find something that works for you.

I bought a home waxing kit. So I wax my lip and chin every 10 days. It was cheaper than going to the salon each week.