I'm new to the forum. My story is that I am female who's 23 yrs old. I won't turn this into depressing central, but I will say that my hair on my body is ridiculous and aging has done nothing but confirm the ridiculousness. I grew up with sideburns, my fellow classmates would take notice of my sideburns and this was back in elementary school. I actually never noticed until other people noticed, which eventually bothered me as years went on. Since that point, I have never ever allowed my sideburns to fully grow back without shaving. Neither one of my parents have sideburns. I couldn't blame my mom or dad.

Just a few years ago I found out from my doctor that I have a hormonal imbalance in which being overweight only makes matters worse. It could be a deeper type of hormonal imbalance, but my doctor prefers to blame all of my issues solely on the weight. For the last 2 years I developed more facial hair beside the sideburns--on the chin, under the chin, and the side of the chin. If I ever let it grow out it would be like a beard. My whole body has hair. Of course you've got the legs, but I have hairy thighs, arms, even butt (embarassing). It definitely puts a damper on my confidence and I have relationship problems surrounded by my lack of confidence. I've never scared anyone away by my hair because I spend hours using nair and shavers to get rid of the hair. It's so irritating when it grows back, especially on my face because I develop razor bumps. Thanks to glycerin soap I have learned to prevent the majority of ingrown hairs on the face.

It's just very uncomfortable. I've occassionally had that thought that I would be horrified if I was ever stranded somewhere for days because I'd eventually look like a werewolf.

Currently I'm trying to save up money and find ways to get rid of this hair for good. I know it won't be an overnight miracle, but I'm certainly determined to find the best treatment, however long it may take. I'll definitely keep updates whenever I do find treatment.

Thanks for sharing your story. We are all here to support each other.

Have you considered getting a second opinion from a different doctor and the appropriate treatment method? Once the hormonal levels are stabalized you can look at options for permanent hair removal and not having to feel self conscious anymore :-) Any hair removal treatments undergone right now will only treat hairs that have already developed and not be effective against new hairs that might form as a result of a hormonal imbalance.

Kind regards,
Oleksandra

The hormonal imbalance is actually what could be CAUSING the weight issues as well. I would recommend for you to get another opinion from a reputable endocrinologist in your area so you can get on the right medication to prevent future growth. Meanwhile, you can slowly start attacking your problem with permanent methods. There is lots of information available on this forum both on electrolysis (for fine hair) and laser (for coarse dark hair).

What is glycerin soap? Can you buy it at any drug stores or beauty supply stores?

Go to a PCOS support site such as soulcysters and have a look around. You need as much info as possible to combat your doctors indifference and to get the help you need.

Glycerin soap is a face wash, or atleast that's what I primarily use it for. It does dry out the skin, but I mainly use it when I need to prevent breakouts. The only store I know of that has it is Whole Foods. It's pretty cheap. I think each bar is about 88 cents to a dollar. They have different kinds.

Thank you all for the tips. Unfortunately, I don't have health insurance right now, so it will be a while before I can tackle any problems.

You can buy glycerin soap just about anywhere. Neutrogena is one brand. You can buy kits at craft stores to mold it yourself and add essential oils, herbs, exfoliants, etc. I like shredded loofah and rosemary in mine!

Insurance doesn't cover electrolysis or laser. So you will need to save for that separately.

Insurance?! Oh, no. Hair removal/reduction is a personal responsibility issue.