Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Hirsutism and Acne



Recommended Posts

Hi everyone. I’m new to the site and have just received confirmation that my band will be going ahead in September! I am so happy I just can't put the excitement into words!!

I was diagnosed with POCS 9 years ago. At the time all I suffered from was irregular periods and very erratic moods. I managed to have 2 sons which I am very grateful for.

As the years have past though my weight has increased considerably. This weight gain has caused other side effects like Hirsutism and Acne (the acne is mainly just my back) but the hair is on my face, neck, chest, breasts, stomach, arms, back, shoulders ect ect. I have fair hair and blue eyes but this hair is dark and coarse.

Unfortunately the excess hair/acne combined with the weight gain and an unsympathetic husband meant my confidence and self esteem hit rock bottom.

I became a shadow of my former self and avoided people and social situations. However, I'm pleased to say that things are looking up! I got rid of the unsympathetic husband a few years ago; I have a new career and my two wonderful sons. And I’m hoping that with the help of the band I will be able to lose some of these stubborn pounds and gain some of my confidence back.

I was wondering though if anyone could tell me if the excessive hair does improve with significant weight loss??

Sally xx

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Sally,

I too suffer with PCOS and the facial hair issue. ;)

I've lost 35lbs so far and have not seen a change.

However, once I lose all my weight, I'm going to try having the laser treatments again. I had it done about 4 years ago and it was successful on my upper lip and most of my neck area (below the chin) My chin, which I tweezed for 10 years is not any better. I stopped tweezing when I started the laser and just shave now- it's dark & ugly, but from what I understand- I'm doing less damage to the follicles. I'm hoping that with these years of "not tweezing"- the laser will work in that area as well.

Do you have darkening of the skin? Between my legs is the worst- it's black!

I have slight discoloration under my arms, on my ankles & elbows, and under my breasts... I wonder if that will start to fade as my skin stops rubbing together as much!!!!!!!

I'm certain that once you have the surgery and start to see that tremendous weight loss, your confidence will be sky high... I read your story and heard myself speaking. I hated social events and running into people that haven't seen me in "ages" etc... It's very difficult to deal with...

Keep me posted and I hope you have a great day! The future is BRIGHT!:eek:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i have had pcos since i was 12 yrs old now 32 and about 4 yrs ago the dr put me on spironolactone which help slow down the growth of hair, mine was falling out from the top of my head but growing on my upper and lower lip

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I take the spironolactone and metphormine for mine...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've had PCOS since 13, diagnosed at 22, now 41. I met with my surgeon for the first time today. He said that the band causes PCOS symptoms to go into recession. Basically, when your weight gets close to average, the symptoms all disappear. Because all this excess hair is the result of too much androgen (male hormone) from the hormonal imbalance, they should go back to what is more 'mormal' for women once the hormones rebalance.

My arms are hairier than most men I know. Very much more so than my partner!! They are less hairy now because of years of waxing, but still heavier than most men. I used to shave my chin (ashamed to admit) but then had electrolysis for 4 years and now most of its gone. Still do pluck the occasional stray one though. I'm waiting to see if the band will get rid of it all once the symptoms have gone. I am so hoping so!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My skin has actually got worse since I was banded and I have had to go back onto Spironolactone. I have not had much of an issue with excess hair.

Anyone else have an acne flare up?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have had pcos since I was 18. I probably had it before, but was diagnosed at 18. I too was blessed with two healthy children. (girls for me). But your story and mine are very similar. I use spironolactone for the facial hair. It does seem to be helping alot. I went off my metformin a few months ago, but I think I am going to have to go back on it. I am 6 months out from my surgery and am at a stand still. I have rosacea (which they call adult acne) it is awful. I am entering a clincial trial for it soon. I fear my pcos is slowing my loss. Let us all know how you are doing. Thanks. Kelli

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Have any of you ladies had success with Spironolactone? What does it do? Is it worth getting a script for?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was diagnosed with PCOS 28 years ago. I never had any children, but adopted two great girls!!

I also had problems with facial hair. I had IPL (intense pulsed light) treaments about 6 years ago. I have had almost no regrowth. I did have some fine black hairs return on my upper lip and just had one additional treatment and now those are gone.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×