PCOS and Unwanted Hair: Can Laser Treatment Help?

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome also known as PCOS, is a common hormonal disorder that affects people with ovaries, typically during their reproductive years. It impacts how the ovaries work and can cause a range of symptoms related to hormones, metabolism and fertility.

What causes PCOS?

The exact cause isn’t fully known, but several factors may contribute:

• Genetics (PCOS often runs in families)

• Insulin resistance, which leads to high insulin levels that can trigger excess androgen production

• Inflammation, which may also increase androgen levels

What happens when you suffer with PCOS?

In PCOS, the ovaries may:

• Not release eggs regularly (irregular ovulation)

• Produce excess androgens (male hormones like testosterone)

• Develop many small, fluid-filled follicles (often mistaken for “cysts”) that don’t mature properly

Common Symptoms of PCOS

Symptoms vary, but the most common include:

• Irregular periods or no periods at all

• Excess hair growth on the face, chest, stomach (called hirsutism)

• Acne or oily skin

• Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp

• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• Dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)

• Fertility problems

PCOS is very common, affecting up to 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It can be frustrating and emotionally taxing, but with the right support, treatment, and information, many people with PCOS lead healthy, full lives.

PCOS and Laser Hair Removal

You may be wondering if Laser Hair Removal is an option if you suffer with PCOS and more importantly if it will help. The long and short of it is YES laser hair removal can help manage one of the most common and distressing symptoms of PCOS: excess hair growth. Although it is not a cure for PCOS itself, it can significantly reduce unwanted hair and as a result boost confidence and self-esteem.

How does Laser Hair Removal help?

1. Targets Excess Hair at the Root

   
   

   Laser hair removal works by using light energy to destroy hair follicles. For people with PCOS who experience thick, dark hair growth (especially on the face, chest, or stomach) laser can:

   • Slow down hair growth over time

   • Make hair grow back finer and lighter

   • Reduce how often you need to shave

     
     

2. Long-Term Results (with Maintenance)

   
   

   Many people with PCOS see long-lasting results after 6–8 initial treatments, followed by occasional maintenance sessions. This can drastically reduce the time, cost, and emotional stress of constant hair removal.

   
   

3. Boosts Confidence

   
   

   Hirsutism is the growth of excess dark and coarse hair in area's on the female body where hair typically doesn't grow such as: face, chest, back, stomach and sometimes thighs. It is common for individuals who suffer with a hormone imbalance like PCOS to experience Hirsutism. This can take a toll on an individuals self-esteem. Laser hair removal often helps people feel more in control of their appearance and more comfortable in their own skin.

   
   

   Things to remember:

   
   

   It’s important to understand that maintenance sessions may be required every few months or once a year, depending on how your hormones fluctuate to manage the hair growth and keep it at bay.

   PCOS-related hair growth can feel isolating, but you’re not alone and you have options. Laser hair removal won’t fix your hormones, but it can absolutely help reduce the physical and emotional burden of unwanted hair.

   
   

   Whether you’re just starting your PCOS journey or looking for better symptom management, don’t be afraid to explore laser as a supportive tool.