I borrowed the title for this entry from an article that was written by an electrologist who also has PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). It’s an outstanding article that appeared in Electrology World (the professional magazine of the American Electrology Association) during the time that I served as editor. I had hoped to share the article in its entirety here because it sheds valuable insight into this complex condition from someone who experienced it firsthand. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to locate the author to get permission so I’ll attempt to shed light on the subject from the perspective of someone (me) who has treated many women with PCOS.

PCOS is a complex health issue that affects about ten percent of women worldwide and can occur at any age before menopause. It can often go undiagnosed for months because its symptoms overlap with so many other women’s health concerns. PCOS itself is not a disease and no one is sure what causes it in the first place.

Women with PCOS have ovaries that create an abundance of follicles each month without producing an egg. PCOS can contribute to irregular periods, depression, excessive weight gain (despite diet and exercise efforts), acne, and an excess of facial and body hair due to an excess production of testosterone (which all women have in small quantity). It is the androgen excess that causes the male pattern hair growth, thinning the head hair, acne, etc. The research shows that PCOS is strongly linked with insulin resistance. It is also a common cause of infertility.

Quite often, an electrologist is the first professional a client will see because the unwanted facial hair is a source of great embarrassment and anxiety. If a client exhibits the recognizable symptoms of PCOS and the health history taken during the consultation suggests a possible connection, the electrologist will suggest that the client make an appointment with an endocrinologist, gynecologist, or primary care physician who has expertise in this area. Many clients come to the electrologist already diagnosed with PCOS and ready to start the electrolysis treatment to permanently remove the unwanted hair.

It’s important to point out that PCOS is a syndrome, not a disease. That means that it’s a combination of symptoms that may be controlled through the use of drugs and lifestyle changes, but will be present until menopause. In other words, PCOS cannot be cured, only managed.

Getting rid of the unwanted facial hair is a major step forward for the PCOS client in feeling better about herself. Electrolysis treatment combined with the recommended drugs and lifestyle changes can have a dramatic effect on the person’s self-esteem. The original author of this entry’s title had such a wonderful experience with her electrologist that she eventually became an electrologist herself. I’m sure her sensitivity and personal understanding of PCOS has made her an outstanding electrologist. 

    For more information visit :
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
Rinehart Center for Reproductive Medicine

    Liz Stapleton
Permanent Hair Removal Chicago
Be Forever Free of Unwanted Hair