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363243 tn?1331033850

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.
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Avatar universal
I feel exactly the way you do about the side effects being worse. I pluck as well but I have recently noticed that it has made some of the finer hair on my chin darker than it was before. I've literally just started using hard wax (acai berry) a few days ago and I'm pleased so far. Although it can be VERY messy, it leaves my chin almost completely free of hair which dramatically reduces the amount of hairs I have to pluck.  

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I read all of your threads and I relate.  While I don't have PCOS, I have hair on my face!  As a woman of color it is embarrassing.  Furthermore, the techniques I have used to get rid of the hair has caused ingrown hairs, hyper-pigmentation and scarring. To me the side effects are worse than the actual hair.  Right now I still pluck, however, I prep my skin, drink spearmint tea, moisturize well (despite the fact I have oily skin) and exfoliate daily!  

I have noticed a big change in the scarring, hyper pigmentation and hair regrowth.  For a total breakdown of products I have used and reviews, visit
http://www.mocha-makeup.com/2012/05/getting-rid-of-unwanted-facial-hair.html.  And feel free to contact me, because I have suffered greatly in my quest for hair free smooth skin.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i got so much support here. I also having the same problem. I am 19 this year and I have been diagnosed with PCOS since 17. It really discourages me when I found in the internet that PCOS is one of the reasons for infertility and hirsutism. I experienced hair fall when I was 17 and was so desperate (i'm so afraid I willl be bald). It finally recovered after a lot of medication and consultations. But after that, around 3-4 months, i reexperienced excessive hair fall. But finally, it gets better again. I also have lots of hair in my body, i.e. underarm, stomach, leg. I also have irregular periods. Is there any way to heal PCOS?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I think the only way to deal with this excessive hair thing is to die. I'll never have a relationship with a man because I'll never be able to let him get close because of the hair. I can't afford laser hair removal or electrolysis to help me. I've given up and want out. I can't live like this anymore.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Wow I feel so much better knowing that I'm not the only African American woman with PCOS! I am 27 years old and I was diagnosed about 2 years ago; it's been a nightmare with all this facial hair, body hair, weight gain, having a period every few momths and now having to deal with the hair on my head thinning and falling out and it has broken off extremely bad. Over the last year I have came up with different methods on how to cope with the PCOS: I take my required meds (metformin, birth control and now hair supplements) work out on a regular basis and use nair facial cream and a good concealer to cover my flaws and a wonderful boyfriend whom stills finds me attractive through it all. I currently have no kids but hoping to try for one next year. Has anyone been able to get pregnant while on metformin?
Helpful - 0
2181880 tn?1337764197
Hello, im andi. 16 years old.i find out that i was diagnosed with PCOS. The things that bothers me alot is the feeling that i weigh more and more every week. An endless acnes keep growing in my face. Hairs at my  stomache and darker underarmss and neck. Whatshould i do to heal this? Im really determined to overcomethis. What is the most advisable medicine for me to take?? Please do give me some advicea. It will really help me alot. Thank you. I will wait for your response. May God always guide and bless you. Ow. I forgot... is metformin good for my pcos?
Helpful - 0
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