Hirsutism

[VikaNYC]

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 14 years old, after I saw an Obgyn about irregular periods. While my periods have become slightly more regular over the years (they're not 6 months apart anymore, anyway!), I still have a problem with hirsutism. I was wondering if anyone else with PCOS noticed a decrease in the amount of body hair you had. I'm just curious because I hate having excessive hair. It makes me feel pretty manly.

So. I'd love to hear from you. Has Atkins helped any of you with this problem?

[sheddingflab]

Hi Victoria. I am on my second time Atkins. The first time I got down to 129 lbs from 170 and I noticed a huge decrease in all of my PCOS symptoms including the hair growth! There was a lot less. I fell off the wagon and gained a LOT of weight and now my PCOS symptoms are far worse than ever. I know in my experience Atkins really did wonders for my pcos and the hair growth did slow down considerably! Hoping that will happen again and I can stick with it this time! Best of luck to you I hope things improve for ya.

[VikaNYC]

Thanks a lot! That makes me feel a lot better. Can't wait to get to goal now!

[sheddingflab]

i realize this thread is a little old, but i've been off the wagon about a month, and in that time i've had a major increase in the hirsutism....its worse than ever now...i am back on induction today! just more reassurance that yes Atkins does help with the PCOS symptoms including hirsutism! i can't believe how quickly and how severe those symptoms came back just by not eating right!

[Deanie]

I haven't been diagnosed with PCOS, but I do have a few of the symptoms, including excessive hair growth on my face. Get your dermatologist or endocrinologist to recommend a good laser hair removal clinic. It did wonders for my self esteem, and has really helped control the problem. I warn you though - it's quite pricey.

[Nativeamchick]

Im just starting on this site, but have been strict on the atkins diet since Oct 28th. and lost 30 lbs. I noticed that once I was in ketosis, that my hair growth slowed down conciderably.

When I am not on the atkins diet and I am consuming soda and carbs at my leisure, I acutally have to wax or shave several times a day. I would even keep a razor in my truck and at work.

Now I can go two days without worrying about it. I am also looking into lazor removal, but that is if my hair continues to grow in a couple more months. I hear that hair grows in three to four week cycles. So whatever hair that was gonna grow from carbs before, is already preparing to sprout. I will give it a little more time to see if it completely corrects itself before I spend the money $1200 for the treatment. This cost is straight from the dr. for sideburns, chin, neck, and lip. This is for up to 6 treatments. And it is a six treatment minumum.

I have been on atkins before and lost tons of weight. This is the only diet that works for me. I had to get off of it last year after losing 50lbs when I got pregnant. I gained 45lbs durring pregancy, but have lost 35 since Oct. 28th. being on atkins. I will no longer stray from the atkins diet, for the hirsutism reason, and I am also borderling diabetic. When I eat sugar, I swell up and crash into a deep sleep. It is more pain than it's worth, so no more sugar for me!!!

[caitlyn12284]

That is exciting. I have hirsutism and I am on day 5 of Induction. I hope that this will help slow down my symptoms, especially this. I hate having to shave...it's humiliating!!

[Nativeamchick]

Humiliating is right!! When I was pregnant, before I found out what I was having, I knew he was a boy. The hair on my face grew back almost as soon as I removed it, and I assumed it was from the extra male hormones. When I went into labor, I was bedridden in the hospital for six days. I had to embarassingly send my husband to get me a razor, and he actually shaved my face. It was the most humiliating experiance of my life.

[NoMoreFoodBaby!]

I have that condition as well - not sure about PCOS but have always had irregular periods - every other month which makes it hard to believe I have
been pregnant 10 times and have had 6 kids!

I broke down and did the laser - the cost for me at the time was $900 for three treatments and then $50 for each additional - regardless of how many years past it was. That was 8 years ago and I go back once or twice a year.

I was VERY relieved to get rid of the side burns. I used to keep tweezers in the car - when you were stuck at a railroad crossing and you see all those nasty hairs in sunlight!

No more as you can't tweeze - but it is well worth the $$

[caitlyn12284]

I must say that this diet is a GODSEND when it comes to my PCOS symptoms, especially hirsutism. I am so excited!! Before I would shave daily and by the end of the day it was all back again. Now I can go a couple DAYS without having to worry...amazing!!!