Laser Hair Removal

Hirsutism and PCOS

Treatment By

Laser Specialist

Treatment Type

Laser (Candela GentleMax Pro)

Downtime

Minimal

Treatment Time

Depends on the area

Results Seen

Gradually, over a course of sessions

Discomfort

Usually mild, with cooling

Unwanted coarse hair on the face or body can affect how you feel day to day. If you shave, pluck or thread often just to keep on top of it, you are far from alone. Hirsutism is common, and it is often linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

At our Leamington Spa clinic in Warwickshire, we offer laser hair removal that may help reduce unwanted hair over a course of sessions. This page explains what hirsutism is, why it is worth getting the cause checked and what treatment involves.

Treatment Areas

  • Upper lip, chin and jawline
  • Sideburns and neck
  • Chest and tummy
  • Lower back
  • Inner thighs

Treatment Benefits

  • May reduce coarse, dark hair over a course of sessions
  • Less need for shaving, plucking or threading
  • Settings adjusted for all skin types, including darker skin
  • Carried out by our laser specialist in a CQC-regulated clinic
  • Can be used alongside care from your GP or specialist

What is hirsutism?

Hirsutism is the medical term for coarse, dark hair growing in women in places where hair is more typical in men. These include the upper lip, chin, jawline, neck, chest, tummy, lower back and inner thighs. It is different from the fine, light hair that everyone has. Hirsutism is nothing to feel embarrassed about. How much it bothers you is personal, and any decision to treat it is yours.

Why does it happen?

Hirsutism is usually linked to how hair follicles respond to androgens. These are sometimes called “male” hormones, but everyone makes them in different amounts. Common causes include:

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): one of the most common causes. PCOS can also affect periods, skin and weight.
  • Idiopathic hirsutism: extra hair growth where no underlying hormonal condition is found. It often runs in families.
  • Certain medicines: some medicines can affect hair growth.
  • Less common hormonal conditions: for example, conditions affecting the adrenal glands. A doctor can check for these.

Please see your GP about the cause first

Laser hair removal treats the hair, not what causes it. It does not treat PCOS or any hormonal condition. If you have new or increasing unwanted hair, we encourage you to have the cause looked into by your GP or a specialist. They can talk to you about tests and medical treatment options. Many patients use laser treatment alongside the care they get from their GP or specialist.

Please see your GP promptly if the hair has appeared suddenly or is getting worse quickly. The same applies if it comes with other changes, such as a deeper voice, new acne or changes to your periods.

How laser hair removal may help

The laser sends pulses of light that are absorbed by the pigment in the hair. This heats the follicle and may reduce its ability to regrow hair. Over a course of sessions, many patients find their hair becomes finer, sparser and slower to grow back. Results vary from person to person.

When hormones are driving hair growth, new follicles may keep becoming active over time. Because of this, people with hirsutism or PCOS often need more sessions than average. They may also need occasional top-up sessions later on. We will talk through realistic expectations with you before you start. You can read more about our general laser hair removal treatments.

Looking after how you feel

Unwanted hair can affect confidence, and that is completely valid. Treating it is a personal choice and never an obligation. If hirsutism or PCOS is affecting your mood or wellbeing, your GP can also point you towards support. We aim to make every appointment calm, private and unhurried.

To find out whether laser hair removal could suit you, book a consultation at our Leamington Spa clinic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

It may suit you if you:

  • have dark or coarse unwanted hair on the face or body
  • have had, or are arranging, a check of the cause with your GP or specialist
  • would like to rely less on shaving, waxing, plucking or threading
  • understand that a course of treatment is needed and results vary

It may not be suitable during pregnancy, with some skin conditions or with certain medicines that make the skin more sensitive to light. We always check whether it suits you at your consultation.

The laser sends pulses of light into the skin. The pigment in the hair absorbs the light, which heats the follicle. This may reduce the follicle’s ability to grow hair. Sessions are spaced out to catch hairs at the right stage of growth.

Over a course of sessions, many patients find their hair becomes finer, sparser and slower to grow back. Results vary from person to person. They depend on things like your hair colour, skin type, the area treated and what is driving your hair growth. We will talk through realistic expectations at your consultation.

We will ask about your medical history, any diagnosis such as PCOS, your medicines and your goals. We will also look at your skin and hair type. This is a good time to ask questions.

A small patch test helps us choose settings for your skin. It also lets us check how your skin responds before a full session. Your laser specialist will then recommend a treatment plan.

No. Laser hair removal treats the hair only. It does not treat PCOS or any other hormonal condition. Your GP or a specialist can talk to you about tests and medical treatment for PCOS. Many patients choose laser treatment alongside that care.

When hormones are driving hair growth, new follicles may keep becoming active over time. This means people with hirsutism or PCOS often need more sessions than average. Occasional top-up sessions may also be needed later. We will discuss how many sessions you may need at your consultation.

We encourage anyone with new or increasing unwanted hair to have the cause checked by their GP or a specialist. Please see your GP promptly if the hair has appeared suddenly or is getting worse quickly. The same applies if it comes with a deeper voice, new acne or changes to your periods. These signs are usually manageable but worth checking.

Between sessions, we will usually advise you to:

  • protect treated skin from the sun and use a high-factor sunscreen
  • avoid sunbeds and fake tan
  • shave rather than wax, pluck or thread
  • avoid very hot baths, saunas and hard exercise for a short time after treatment

Your laser specialist will give you aftercare advice for your skin and the area treated.

Most people go back to their usual activities straight away. Mild redness and small raised bumps around the follicles are common. These usually settle within a few hours to a day or two. Treated hairs may shed over the next couple of weeks.

Sessions are spaced several weeks apart. This helps catch hairs at the right stage of growth. Your laser specialist will recommend a plan for you after your consultation.

No. The laser needs the hair root to be in place, so please avoid waxing, plucking and threading for a while before treatment. Please avoid tanning too. You will usually be asked to shave the area beforehand. We will tell you exactly what to do before your appointment.

Most people describe the feeling as a warm snap or flick against the skin. Cooling helps keep you comfortable during treatment. Sessions are usually quick for small areas such as the upper lip or chin, and longer for larger areas.

Laser hair removal is a well-established treatment, but like any procedure it carries risks. Possible side effects include:

  • temporary redness, swelling or tenderness
  • temporary lightening or darkening of the skin, which is more likely after sun exposure
  • less commonly, blistering, crusting or burns, which can very rarely lead to scarring
  • rarely, paradoxical hair growth, where hair near the treated area becomes thicker

Paradoxical hair growth has been reported more often on the face and in people with hormonal conditions such as PCOS. Careful assessment, patch testing and correct settings help reduce these risks. We will explain them fully at your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Laser works less well on white, grey, very fair or red hair. This is because these hairs have little pigment for the light to target. If your unwanted hair is light, we will talk honestly with you at your consultation about whether laser is likely to help.

Yes. The Candela GentleMax Pro can be adjusted for different skin tones, so we can treat all skin types, including darker skin. You can read more on our dark skin laser hair removal page. We check whether treatment suits you at your consultation.

Laser aims for a long-term reduction in hair, but we cannot promise that every hair will stop growing. With hirsutism or PCOS, hormones may make new follicles active over time. So some hair may grow back, and occasional top-up sessions may be needed. Changes in your hormones or medicines can also affect hair growth.

Fees depend on the area treated. You can see our current fees on the price list. To find out whether laser hair removal could suit you, book a consultation at our Leamington Spa clinic. You can meet the team on our specialists page or get in touch with any questions before you book.

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