Aa
African-American Women with PCOS and Hirsutism
Hello everyone, I hope all is well. I was just diagnosed with PCOS although I've had symptoms of it since I was 12 (hirsutism) and I am now 36. My hirsutism was diagnosed as idiopathic because the testing I had did not indicate an elevated testosterone level. I don't know if the testing is more sophisticated now but I had new testing done and it did indicate that my free weak testosterone was elevated.
Anyway, I have a few hairs under my chin, a lot on my neck, chest, stomach, and inner thighs. I know...it's not attractive and very depressing. I pluck (which is not good for you and causes hyperpigmentation) and I shave. I've become very skilled at covering the hyperpigmentation up with concealer but I'm so tired of it. The plucking on my neck has caused so much hyperpigmentation that I have to conceal it or people would look at me and ask me, "What's wrong with your neck?" The skin on my chest also has hyperpigmentation and I only shave this area. I feel like a freak every time I shave my chest because I'm a woman and I'm a woman who loves makeup, clothes, fashion, shoes, etc. It just seems so wrong! If I wear low cut blouses I have to try to conceal the hyperpigmentation but it's difficult because the skin is not completely smooth and it looks like I've shaved so I'm always on the search for really nice big necklaces that would cover this part of my chest. It's difficult being me!!
If anyone can relate to me send me a message and let me know your struggle or what you've done to help this problem. It was difficult for me to share this because although I know it has to do with having PCOS and I did not cause this to happen, it still is embarrassing.
Also, I don't want to seem superficial or extremely vain because I do have other health concerns that are potentially much more damaging than the aesthetic ramifications of hirsutism but I just want to know if other African-American women are experiencing this because our skin is slightly different.
Thanks.
Anyway, I have a few hairs under my chin, a lot on my neck, chest, stomach, and inner thighs. I know...it's not attractive and very depressing. I pluck (which is not good for you and causes hyperpigmentation) and I shave. I've become very skilled at covering the hyperpigmentation up with concealer but I'm so tired of it. The plucking on my neck has caused so much hyperpigmentation that I have to conceal it or people would look at me and ask me, "What's wrong with your neck?" The skin on my chest also has hyperpigmentation and I only shave this area. I feel like a freak every time I shave my chest because I'm a woman and I'm a woman who loves makeup, clothes, fashion, shoes, etc. It just seems so wrong! If I wear low cut blouses I have to try to conceal the hyperpigmentation but it's difficult because the skin is not completely smooth and it looks like I've shaved so I'm always on the search for really nice big necklaces that would cover this part of my chest. It's difficult being me!!
If anyone can relate to me send me a message and let me know your struggle or what you've done to help this problem. It was difficult for me to share this because although I know it has to do with having PCOS and I did not cause this to happen, it still is embarrassing.
Also, I don't want to seem superficial or extremely vain because I do have other health concerns that are potentially much more damaging than the aesthetic ramifications of hirsutism but I just want to know if other African-American women are experiencing this because our skin is slightly different.
Thanks.
I posted before that going vegan, especially raw vegan will be one of the best things you can do for pcos. It is not a cure all but your symptoms will greatly improve and you can prevent this from getting worse.
I would even experiment with fresh juices and doing juice fasting/feasting. Once I got meat out of my diet, my acne eventually went away and when I went raw, my cycles normalised. Yet, I've noticed that after re-introducing meat back into my diet over the past year, my cycles became irregular again.
Exercise and weight lifting along with using Inositol, Chiral Balance, Liquorice Root and andrenal support supplements have helped immensely and I think this has helped minimise my symptoms.
I would even experiment with fresh juices and doing juice fasting/feasting. Once I got meat out of my diet, my acne eventually went away and when I went raw, my cycles normalised. Yet, I've noticed that after re-introducing meat back into my diet over the past year, my cycles became irregular again.
Exercise and weight lifting along with using Inositol, Chiral Balance, Liquorice Root and andrenal support supplements have helped immensely and I think this has helped minimise my symptoms.
yall are lucky to be honest im 23 been suffering with hirsutism for about 6 years not only do I get extra hair growth on my cheeks, lower back upper back, thighs, rear end , private area, arms, legs, chest and stomach .. with the in grown hairs bumps take their place. I also suffer from serious acne hyperpigmentation which cover the whole of my cheeks, neck, arms, chest, stomach, thighs, bottom and legs I am a black female who has been living in shame and disgust ive never worn revealing clothing before even in hot weather I forever wear makeup to cover the scars and pigmentation, no male has seen me with my clothes of hence why im not sexually active, I only show my hands and feet willingly because people question me as to why im always covered up its encouraging to know im not alone but some of yall need to count your blessings..... sometimes I contemplate whether I wanna live or not because I just cant find an effective treatment n most men are shallow so I prefer not to dwelve into relationships my body issues have stopped me being the person I want to be just because I cannot leave my room without makeup and if it doesn't look right I wont go out.... I have no self confidence and its ruining my life I refuse to go on antidepressants because I believe im stronger than that but ive tried everything but if it doesn't make it worst it just doesn't help... im glad sisters can come on this site and share because to be honest when your the one with the issue you believe no one else has it and it doesn't help that my problems have caused me to still be wearing a training bra I feel so unfeminine I know its the inside that counts but I do not love myself .. ive accepted myself but I hate what I see every single day if yall have any advice that can change my life (lol ) help a sister out! thank you p.s you ladies keep your head up aint nothing more attractive than a woman who is crazy confident regardless of her flaws u got features about yourself ppl love so look in the mirror and own your sexy self!
Hi Coco,
My name is Nikki and I totally relate to your post. You and I are the same age, and when I was reading it, it seemed as if I was reading about myself. I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 18 and have suffered with hirsutism since I was 14. My complexion has darkened so much over the years, and I do the very best I can with concealers and other products. Due to health issues from this I have sought the help of an endocrinologist, who will hopefully assist in getting some things back on track for me. I wish all of you ladies the best and will share anything that helps me. Stay encouraged! Coco thank you so much for sharing!
My name is Nikki and I totally relate to your post. You and I are the same age, and when I was reading it, it seemed as if I was reading about myself. I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 18 and have suffered with hirsutism since I was 14. My complexion has darkened so much over the years, and I do the very best I can with concealers and other products. Due to health issues from this I have sought the help of an endocrinologist, who will hopefully assist in getting some things back on track for me. I wish all of you ladies the best and will share anything that helps me. Stay encouraged! Coco thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your story. I have suffered from PCOS for a long time not even knowing it. Did the Depovera shot help with the hair growth? Did you suffer any side effects when you used spironlactone?
Hello, I have PCOS also. I have been struggling with this since I was 18, I am 39 now. I was told I could not have children but I was on birth control just to keep the symptoms under control. Even though the doctors said I could not have children, while taking birth I conceived three children. I have a 19 years 13 years old and a 6 weeks old. I noticed that after each child my hair on my face, neck and chest increased. Sadly, I am withdrawn and afraid of people judging me because of it. I admit I pluck my hairs that grow on my chin, this has caused ugly black spots. I have tried several different products hoping to get some of my confidence back but have yet to find one that works. I can not afford laser treatments. If anyone knows of any Skin care products I am willing to try almost anything!
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Community
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.
Bumps in the genital area might be STDs, but are usually not serious.
Chlamydia, an STI, often has no symptoms, but must be treated.
From skin changes to weight loss to unusual bleeding, here are 15 cancer warning signs that women tend to ignore.
