What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and what is its connection to electrolysis?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal condition that affects many women and people assigned female at birth. One of its most frustrating symptoms is unwanted hair growth, especially on the face, chest, belly, and inner thighs.

PCOS disrupts your hormones, primarily by increasing levels of androgens (male hormones such as testosterone).

This leads to things like:

• Excess hair growth (hirsutism)

• Irregular periods or no periods

• Oily skin or acne

• Weight gain or trouble losing weight

• Fertility issues

• Sometimes, cysts on the ovaries (though not always)

For individuals with PCOS, electrolysis is the most effective option. Here's why:

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) frequently results in elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), which can lead to the appearance of new, coarse, dark hairs, particularly on the face, neck, chest, and abdomen. These hairs may continue to develop over time, even following hair removal treatments.

2. Electrolysis permanently destroys one follicle at a time. This method works by killing each follicle individually, ensuring that once a hair is treated a number of times, it is gone for good, even if your hormones continue to trigger new hair growth nearby. It is particularly effective for clearing persistent or scattered hairs that keep reappearing.

3. Laser hair removal reduces density but doesn’t fully eliminate hair, especially if hormones continue to stimulate growth. It is also less effective on hormonal hairs, such as the fine-to-coarse dark ones caused by PCOS, particularly if they are not highly pigmented. Many clients with PCOS report that while laser treatment may work in the short term, it often requires constant touch-ups to maintain results.

4. Electrolysis works on all hair colors. PCOS hair can be a mix, some thick and dark, while others may be light or resemble peach fuzz. Laser treatments typically target only dark hair, whereas electrolysis is effective on all hair types and colors, including white or blonde.

5. Precision for small, scattered areas is crucial, especially when dealing with PCOS-related hair, which often appears in smaller, sensitive regions such as the chin, jawline, neck, or chest. Electrolysis is an ideal solution for this issue because it targets hairs one by one with precision, ensuring effective treatment in these delicate areas.

Summary:

Electrolysis is better for PCOS clients because it:

• Provides permanent results

• Works on all hair types (light or dark)

• Treats hormonal hair growth effectively

• Doesn’t require ongoing maintenance once complete