Hello. I'm new to this message board, and I hope that someone out there can help me with my problem. I'm 18 years old, and I have a very serious problem with unwanted facial hair. Luckily, I do not have any around the upper lip, but I do have a really large amount of hair under my chin (neck area) and on the sides of my face. Most of the hair is white and can't be noticed unless you're really looking for it, but knowing that it's there is what really concerns me about my image. Often some of the hair will be black, and I will pluck them with a tweezer and not have to worry.

Lately, though, the hair has been multiplying itself and it's really bothering me. I can skim my fingers across my neck and feel the thickness of it. I really do not want the hair to be there, but I certainly have no idea how to get it removed. I have read a little bit about it on the internet, and a lot of sources say that being overweight can cause this problem. I'm safe to say that I'm very overweight, and it may be the main reason I have it, but also, I have irregular periods, too. Does anyone know how I can solve this problem? By losing weight will the hair vanish for good? Thanks in advance!

Okay, I have no clue about the weight and hair link or the irregular periods.

I do know that I have some body hair that I dislike and that can't be waxed and comes back ingrown if I pluck it. I can't afford electrolosis or expensive laser treatments either, so I talked to my dermatologist.

He prescribed Vaniqa, which is a cream specifically designed for facial hair. It does not remove the hair (you still have to do that), but it works at sending the hair root into hibernation. Theoretically, if you keep using it, the hair root will eventually stop sending up new hair, and you won't have to remove it.

It wasn't too expensive- $20 (with insurance) for a tube that will last quite some time! You do have to apply it twice a day consistently, and even then, some people don't respond. It may be worth a try in your case, however, especially if your insurance covers it.

Good luck.

P.S. I'm trying to do the weight-loss thing too, and it's hard over the holidays, I know. Wish me luck, and I wish luck to you! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Thank you very much for replying. For a minute there, I thought I was being ignored, but I'm not! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Where exactly can I find this product? And does it work anywhere on the body? I'm a little scared to use it, but at this stage...I will try anything. How long does it take for immediate results and will it permanently remove all of the hair once I go in sindication with using the production? Thanks!

Um, I believe it's prescription only. You may not have to see a dermatologist, though- sometimes family doctors will handle these things.
I think it's proven to work on the face for some people. I don't know that they've studied its use on body hair. Also, I know it doesn't necessarily work for all people.
I think it takes several months to see results. I'm not sure if it removes all the hair; it may just thin it out, depending on the person.
Also, I do know that if you stop using it, the hair will eventually come out of hibernation and regrow.

I'm sorry that I don't have for-sure answers! You might try looking up Vaniqa on a search engine and finding the manufacturer's website. I would think there'd be more information there. Good luck!

I would recommend seeing a Dr. You may have PCOS (poly cystic ovary syndrome). The symptoms are irregular periods, being over weight and unwanted body hair. My sister has it. Until you address the underlying cause of the hair growth eg. hormonal, then no matter what treatment you choose the hair will keep coming back. Untreated PCOS can cause infertility in later life. A Dr will be able to tell you whether this is the cause or not. PCOS is quite common and if it is the cause than you will feel heaps better once it is treated. Make sure when you see your Dr, you tell them that you want a test for PCOS, too many Dr misdiagnose it.

All the best...
RB http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Im far from overweight, yet have always had a prob with unwanted facial hair. Lip is a full mustache and dark and coarse unless i pluck, which i do daily. I also have one dark hair on the right side of my cheek, which of course ikeep plucked and within the last 8 yrs or so ive increasingly accumulated coarse dark hair on my chin BAD, i pluck there too. Monotonous yet effective. I tried the vaniqa, im not insured, at a cost of $60 per tube, purchased with script thru my dermatologist, did nothing but cause reddening irritation , sensitivity , and excessive sweating in the particular area applied. The things we women go thru i tell ya,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,sigh
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif Your not alone inthis one

You don't have to be overweight to have PCOS, I'm a size 6 and I have it. However, being overweight can be a sign of PCOS because the condition causes insulin resistence, which can lead to weight gain. I would definitely see an endocrinologist (hormone/diabetes specialist) because they will probably take your concerns more seriously a regular internist. Irregular or extremely painful periods can be a sign of PCOS as well. It will be really hard to keep the hair away permanantly unless you treat the underlying cause.

Whatever you do, STOP TWEEZING!!!!! It makes blood rush to the hair follicle where you tweezed and makes the follicle bigger, which is why the hair keeps getting thicker and darker. I tweezed myself and I ended up with a beard on one side. Go see an electrologist immediately!

To RainbowBright:

Does being overweight cause this problem? Or does this problem cause being overweight? I used to be thin until around the age of 10, and I only gained weight because I was "bored" and/or depressed. When I first started my period, around the 8th grade, they were very regular until the past few years. Do you have any advice knowing this information? Also, I'm scared to go see a doctor. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I really won't go unless I'm really, seriously sick and I'll do whatever it takes to get medicine. So, going to the doctor on an average day would be very fearful and stressing for me. And what kinds of things do they do for this test?

Do the simple way and either have it waxed which is easy like 3.00 for a chin wax, or buy surgi cream over the counter and do it at home. It's a dipilitory cream sp?, anyway, you rub it on, it's white cream leave it on for 8 minitues and wipe off! It's that easy.

Let us know how it works for you. the Surgi Cream is sold at all stores.

How often would I have to use Surgi Cream? Is it dangerous? Have you first-hand experience this over-the-counter cream?

I don't want something that will make the hair grow back within weeks, darker and more thick. You know?

Hi all!
I also have a problem with facial hair. Mine is dark on my upper lip and chin and I have a few real light ones on my neck. I've tried waxing (hurt like hell and didn't help!) and I've also tried Surgi Cream and the areas turned red and made me look like I had acne in those areas. I would really like to know if anyone has anymore ideas! Thanks!

Besides the "acne effect" the Surgi Cream had, did it work?

This is my understanding of the weight thing and PCOS. Women who are overweight are more likely to develop PCOS. From what I understand rapid weight gain can also be a symptom of PCOS. Being overweight can throw your hormones out of wack and lead to unwanted facial hair and other problems...I understand about the depression and weight gain, been there myself so I sympathise with you! As for the tests I believe that they need to be administered by a Dr and the medication is prescription only. Be brave and see a Dr, it will save you a lot of pain in the long run.

All the best...
RB http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Is this life-threatning? If I cut back on food and lose a little (needed) weight...will the unwanted hair go away?

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Happy Holidays to everyone!

For more info on PCOS do a search on the internet...there is heaps of info. Losing weight will help elevate some of the symptoms, but if it is PCOS that you have, losing weight will not cure it, you will still need medication.

RB http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks for all of your help Rainbow. It has been much appreciated. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif I'll inform you on how it's going when I can.

No problem. Sorry I couldn't have been of more help. It was a while ago I read into it for my sister, but I know that there is heaps of info on the net. Ask your Dr about diane 35 from what I understand it helps a lot of women with PCOS or hormone imbalances (which is what I have). I am about to take it and it is meant to regulate your periods and help with unwanted hair growth.

RB http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

PCOS is often one of the many symptoms of thyroid and other hormone imbalances. Weight gain is another symptom, and weight does not cause the hormonal imbalance, but hormonal imbalance can lower the metabolism and make weight loss difficult.

for unwanted facial hair I shave my face. makes it feel baby soft and no it does not come back thicker. my derm told me to this and it really helps the look of acne scars. have you ever thought why men look younger than women? it is because they shave their face Makes sense to me. I don't shave my face but once a month and I have been doing this now for 2 years and I have yet to grow a beard..lol