Is extra hair enough to worry about PCOS?

Posted , 2 users are following.

Hi ladies,

I'm 20 years old, 21 in a few weeks. Just a quick info, I'm a virgin, started my period at 13 and it's been pretty regular ever since. I do get the odd irregular period which will be a few days or couple weeks late but I've kept track of all my periods since I was 16 and I seem to pretty much always get a period every month and have always had at least 10 periods a year. I'm not sure if I ovulate but sometimes I have felt a slight brief pain on one side mid-cycle (not always, but I assume this could be ovulation pain) and mid cycle I have occasionally noticed stretchy mucus which is said to be a symptom of ovulation. Anyway, I'm not sure how regular my cycle is but it's hard to compare with my friends as they are all on the pill which makes them more predictable anyway. 

I don't have any weight issues, I've always been slim, and my skin has always been really clear even as a teen. What does bothers me is that I have what's called a 'happy trail' so a line of hair going from my naval to my pubic area. I loathe it and try to pluck whenever I see a hair come up again. I also have some (not many) hairs around my nipples, and slight upper lip hair, which is only really visible close up and I think it stands out more because I have dark hair and pale skin. I just feel there is a lot of hair to maintain on my body but everywhere else is normal. 

I found out about PCOS when I googled happy trails because I felt insecure about mine and much of the results for females with this includes PCOS. But I do wonder as a hypochondriac if I'm just overthinking (I once convinced myself I had a thyroid problem also). I feel like I can't make an appointment to see a doctor for having hair under my naval only, that doesn't seem enough reason, and my doctors are very busy and I feel I would be wasting their time and they would just not take me seriously. I do however want to make an appointment to get on birth control. Do you think it would be wise to mention it at that appointmentment and see what they doctor says? 

Thank you all for any replies x

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi there SB14 !

     i am 40 now but at 14 my story began..

    i was diagnosed with POCD at 14 

     One of the main symptoms are irregular or absent periods in fact that's why I went to my Dr in the first place.  One year I had one!

    When I did have a period it was painful and I could feel the Cysts burst. Then I noticed the hair on my belly more on my arms and lips and nipples.

    it's called  hairisium ( that's the medical term for it) with pocd. 

     You are a little worried hence this post, though you've regular periods so to say, you are still young.

    some women without POCD have ecsess hair. My mother in fact.

    Its not pleasant at all to have as you've said you pluck your hairs it's painful. Why not use a cream.

    ive had a husband and he really didn't say a word I was more self conscious I could see what they couldn't. I've a loving partner now and he saw it only when I pointed it out to him!!

    There is a simple blood test a CA125 count to check your hormones and see what's if any things there, if they find there's something in your hormone test that's a little concerning. They will invite you for a scan to look at your ovaries.

    if you've concerned see your DR. it will put your mind at ease.

    I hope this helps you.

    vicky x

    • Posted

      Hi Vicky, thank you so much for your reply!

      I suppose my main concern is that if I do have PCOS that I won't be able to have children one day, as I've always known I wanted them.

      And as you mention another concern of mine is whether any man I'm with will notice it. Like you say also, I think a lot of the hair or stubble I worry about is mainly visible to me and would have to be pointed out for other to notice! 

      I have tried creams, but they sometimes irritate my skin and they don't last long at all, for me stubble was showing up the next day, which is why I prefer getting it from the root so it lasts and hopefully over time becomes thinner through damage to the hair follicle.

      Thank you for your lovely advice. I think I'll book an appointment because it will only bother me if I don't. If I have it hopefully I can receive some advice from the doctor and you lovely ladies!

      Thank you again and I appreciate you telling me of your experience. X

  • Posted

    Hi there 

    you are welcome !!

    if I was you I would go to your Dr for advice to put your mind at ease. I am no dr or nurse but you may simply but unfortunately just have a little more hair than others.

    look there's so many lady's out there using creams, having electrolysis, waxing and plucking sweetheart. We don't se them do we. I think like me you should try waxing. It's reasonably cheap not too painful the hairs go straight away.

    dont shave on your face mum mum did on her top lip then she had a shadow (in time it's faded)

     The main thing is if you are worried go to your Dr. You will have answers and then you can work with that.

    I have to say because I knew the hairs where there I fixated on them plucking will make you  red and sore regular waxing is kinder.

    I am thinking of getting the NONO.

    I WISH YOU LUCK.

    REMEMBER TOU ARE YOUNG AND YOUVE  TIME ON YOUR SIDE 

    Vicky x

     

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