excess body hair

[milly143]

ok this is quite embarrasing but stuff it, none of you know me. anyway, I have a problem with excess body hair. I know lots of women have little mustaches (sp) and the off bit of hair but I get hair on my neck and chin as well. not just the odd one either. I went to my useless doctor who tested me for PCOS but that was negative. All she told me was that it was a cosmetic thing and that I just have to use hair removal cream, (which i do). The thing is in my mind there must be something underlying thats not quite right. Does anyone know how I can find out without going to my doctor, she really just doesnt care and I hate seeing her. Please dont give me any stupid answers that are funny to you, because they are not to me. any genuine advice would be very much appreciated!

[boobesque]

hi, i have this because i have PCOS but my gp also tested for thyroid problems, get a better gp and get a thorough check up, and if you feel its like you arent getting the right help then please complain until you get someone who will listen x

[Morrisonker]

I really feel for you, I'm in a similar situation.  I have dark hair on my stomach and lower back and it really is restricting, I can't wear certain things and I'm always so self concious.  My GP was actually quite nasty about it when I went.  I asked about trying Dianette, a contraceptive pill which is supposed to reduce excess hair.  My GP gave me the perscription but said it wouldn't work because it wasn't an medical issue.  I was only 14 or so and sat there in tears because i felt so humiliated after showing her the thing i was most embarrassed about she basically laughed at my naivity.

Anyways, enough about my sorry past.  Other than looking online I don't know what to do.  Maybe get your hormone levels checked by another GP or nurse.  you can request a different doctor I'm sure.  I suspect hormones might be to do with my problem, because my mum doesn't have the same problem, neither do any other women in my family. But I, like you, don't fancy going back.  One, if not both of us should be brave!  With that, I'll end this essay!

[boobesque]

omg morrisonker, that is terrible, i think that people shouldnt be doing that profession if you are so bleeding heartless, ooh your post has made me mad!

Back to the topic, my gp gave me dianette and to be honest it didnt help with my hair, i use wax to get rid of my hair, it last longer and i dont rash, on my tummy i use cream.

Please change your gp (both of you) if you can, especially if you know there is something wrong, everyone has the right to be treated in a serious manner by their gp, not made to feel like you are being silly, you are not, its a serious issue and is obviously causing distress, as mine did until i was diagnosed.

Good luck both of you x

[lissyl78]

Hi all. I got a few hairs on my stomach and neck when I was pregnant and so put it down to changing hormones etc. Still there after 8 years and always pluck or use cream but just wondering what this PCOS thing is that you're talking about. Thanks x

Ps Milly, get a new GP and good luck! x

[andy hughes]

Can only add equal measures of sympathy and advice - your GP sounds unsympathetic, which to me is as vital a part of the job as the training and experience - find a nice woman GP who has a bit more heart.

It does sound hormone-related though, so some further tests may well help to reduece or eradicate this condition for you.

For once, none of the numptys who like to stretch their 'humour' muscles have posted on here - if anyone sees anything other than helpful and sympathetic responses before I do, tell the ED! Thanks.

[Morrisonker]

Aww, you guys have been great.  I did have a female GP, what's more I went in with my mum who was fuming at the way she talked to me, but again, it's in teh past. 

I'm just going to try and live with it until I can afford laser hair removal.  My boyfriend is a sweety and honestly can't see the problem, it's just the way I am in his eyes *loves him*.  I have enough bother with the hair on my legs to start fizzing the stuff on my tummy! 

[Jules001]

I have this too and mine is related to PCOS. Mine is mainly facial hair, I went to the GP about it and she referred me to the Hospital, but to be honest they said just to consider electrolysis (yes very helpful!). Anyway I have since told the hospital that I am not going to go for any more appointments as it seems a waste of several hours of my life to go and wait around the hospital to be told there is nothing else they can really do. I have since been to Poundland and bought a female facial shaver type thing which is fine, as I am lucky in that the excess facial hair I have is quite downy so that deals with that aspect of PCOS. I would agree that yours sounds hormonal, is there another GP at the surgery that you could see instead? sorry can't be much more help, but at least you know there are other people suffering from the same thing (small comfort I know)

[jules_word]

I also have PCOS and as a result have excess facial hair.Dr gave me a cream called Vaniqa, which i have found to be very good .Still have to shave sometimes but not as much as I used too.I had to see 4 male drs before I got the help i wanted.

[joko]

I have heard of something called metformin for PCOS, don't know how it helps but could be worth a try. also agnus castus too

[Jules001]

I was given Metformin for my PCOS, the trouble is it is a drug used to control diabetes and as such is not licensed for the treatment of PCOS in the UK, so you may have trouble getting it from your GP and it will also only help if prescribed in a large enough dosage, mine was too low to help and I am no longer taking it.

[milly143]

Thanks for all your really kind and helpful answers. I've found out the other surgery I can register to and will be making an appointment to see a doctor there next week. Hopefully we will get something sorted.