When you have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), you know that there are numerous physical issues that you must deal with on a daily basis that other women just do not face. Some of these are internal such as an increased risk of certain types of cancer and difficulty conceiving and carrying a child, while others are written all over your face and body. The excessive hair growth that many women with PCOS experience is one such noticeable effect of the syndrome. Luckily, there are several options available to you for dealing with this hair growth. Get to know some of your options and get started so that you can feel smooth-skinned and beautiful every day. 

Shaving (A Lot)

Most women will rely on shaving as their primary defense against the hair growth (known technically as hirsutism), particularly when that includes facial hair. Shaving is a quick and relatively inexpensive way of hiding the hair that grows from PCOS.

However, many people dealing with hirsutism find that they have to shave every day, if not even more often, to keep their hair growth unnoticeable to others' eyes. And if someone may come into contact with the affected areas, this can be even more problematic as stubble grows quickly.

Additionally, hair that grows on the breasts, abdomen, and other areas of the chest and torso can be difficult and uncomfortable to shave. The breasts in particular are soft, delicate tissue and shaving can be painful. 

Laser Hair Removal

Perhaps the best possible way to rid yourself of the body and facial hair that grows a result of PCOS's hirsutism is laser hair removal. This dermatological procedure works by sending high-intensity light energy (i.e. a laser) into the hair follicles which destroys the hairs from below the skin and out. 

For a woman with PCOS this process may be a bit more involved than for other women looking to get rid of body hair. This is because the hair that grows due to hirsutism is often coarser than regular hair growth.

Regardless, though, laser hair removal often occurs over the course of several treatment sessions to ensure that as many hair follicles are exposed to the laser as possible. Following laser hair removal, some hair may still grow back, but normally there is less hair to deal with when this occurs. The possibility of permanent hair removal can make all the difference in your self-image and quality of life. 

Now that you known about two of the main options for dealing with the hirsutism that PCOS can cause, you can decide which option will work best for you and your desired effort and results. Contact a dermatologist and your primary care physician to get started controlling your hirsutism.