Question:
A sensitive question about facial hair
I've never seen this question asked before, but I know it affects lots of MO women. My question is this....if you have facial hair problems before surgery (ie mustache and beard growth due to excess hormones because of beint overweight) does it go away after you lose the weight? And if so, how soon do you start noticing a change? — [Anonymous] (posted on October 9, 2001)
October 9, 2001
Speaking only for myself, I don't have good news for you. I
have had problems with facial hair since I was 13....I became
morbidly obese at 13 also. After a battery of endocrine tests, the
concensus was that the problem was related to the obesity. Well,
I had wls and I lost over 120lbs. and I'm no longer morbidy obese.
It's been a couple of years and the facial hair is no better/no
worse. I had hoped that it would at least get diminish somewhat.
No such luck! I'm still slathering on Nair twice a week.....
— [Anonymous]
October 9, 2001
Well, you are definitely not alone on this one. I too have wanted to ask
about facial hair issues as my hair seems to be getting darker and more
coarse over the years. I have been using Nair on my face about once a week
though I may need to do it more often as that doesn't seem to be frequent
enough. I also hope that this would get better with weight loss. I also
have a skin condition known as "acanthosis nigricans" which
apparently is an insulin resistance issue. I sure hope that the darkening
skin around my neck, armpits, inner thighs, etc., can lighter over time
after I lose weight. If it doesn't get better, I will be disappointed but
will deal with it as I have been. A person can only hope and pray that
these things do get better with the weight loss. Best of luck on this
issue. Take care and God bless.
— [Anonymous]
October 9, 2001
I'm not a Doctor, just a fellow sufferer, but sounds like you could have
PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) to me.
I beleive their is quite a bit of information about it in the library on
this site and many great sites on the internet.
Missy
— Missy M.
October 9, 2001
I'm about 4 months out now and I can tell a slight difference in the
frequency in which I need to treat the facial hair, and in the courseness
around my chin (where I used to pluck). I'm hoping this is something that
will get even better as the hormone levels in my body get back to normal.
— Tracy L.
October 9, 2001
My Endo told me that once hair has grown, it cannot "ungrow", it
can slow down in growth and also become finer/lighter... but it will not
stop, and say, "fall out"... I think a good place for you to
start researching this is over at www.pcossupport.org - especially the anon
poster who was just 13 when this all started. You may have a condition
that expands beyond the realm of just MO. You may have other difficulties
that you need to be aware of and address (your own fertility, that it's
hereditary etc). There is also many questions in the database, but it is
under the technical term of HIRSUTISM.
— Karen R.
October 9, 2001
I am pre-op and have had problems with excessive body hair as far back as I
can remember.I am 100% italian and we are all hairy in my family.I got
Vaniqa cream from my dermatologist and it has lessened the frequency of
which I have to wax the upper lip area and has made the hair much finer.It
is not covered by insurance but Walgreens has it the cheapest. Cost me
about $40 for a tube and it goes a long way.
— garyzgurl
October 9, 2001
Sorry, there is only 1 "s" in the link :
www.pcosupport.org
I myself am going to try and start laser treatments, they are expensive and
only guarantee up to a five year loss, but I think it is worth it for me.
— Karen R.
October 9, 2001
I had the hair removed with laser treatments. The whole face cost me $600
total for three treatments. Once a year I need 2 more treatments for $300
total. It actually is not that much more expensive than the depilatory
creams if you think about it.
The treatments are not that painful. It just stings a little. I found Nair
to burn more than the Laser!
— Julie S.
October 9, 2001
I began laser treatments for this problem 6 weeks ago, and already the
difference is remarkable. Yes, it's expensive. I pay $300 per session,
but according to the doctor I will need 4-6 treatments, and after that at
most one per year.
<br> <br>
Again expensive but money well-spent.
— [Anonymous]
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