Understanding PCOS and Managing Hirsutism

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects individuals with ovaries, presenting a variety of symptoms. These may include irregular periods, fertility challenges, weight gain, metabolic concerns, and the presence of polycystic ovaries visible on an ultrasound. It's important to note that PCOS symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

One common symptom of PCOS is hirsutism—excessive, dark hair growth in areas typically not associated with individuals assigned female at birth. This condition is often caused by elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) or increased sensitivity of hair follicles to these hormones.

Where Does Hirsutism Occur?

Hirsutism typically affects androgen-sensitive areas, which are regions where individuals assigned male at birth usually grow coarse, dark hair. Common sites include:

• Face: Upper lip, chin, jawline, and sideburns

• Chest: Around the nipples (periareolar area) and between the breasts (sternum area)

• Abdomen: Lower abdomen (often referred to as a "treasure trail")

• Back: Upper and lower back

• Thighs: Inner thighs

• Buttocks: Coarse hair growth on the lower buttocks

• Neck and Shoulders: Isolated coarse hairs or denser patches

Managing Hirsutism

Many individuals with PCOS seek ways to manage or reduce unwanted hair growth, and two popular methods include laser hair removal and electrolysis.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is an effective method for reducing hair density and slowing regrowth. It works by targeting the melanin (pigment) in hair follicles, making it especially effective for dark hair on lighter skin tones. This method is ideal for covering large areas, such as the back or legs. However, it is important to note that laser hair removal is not a permanent solution. Regular maintenance sessions are required to sustain results.

Electrolysis

For those seeking a permanent solution, electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal. It works by destroying individual hair follicles with electrical energy, preventing regrowth. Electrolysis is effective on all hair types and skin tones, making it a versatile option for managing hirsutism. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Fine, light-colored, or stubborn hair that may not respond well to lasers

• Individuals looking for a long-term, confidence-boosting solution

• Those who are tired of the ongoing cycle of temporary hair removal treatments

Find Your Confidence

Managing PCOS and its symptoms can feel overwhelming, but finding the right hair removal method can help you regain confidence and control. Whether you opt for laser hair removal or electrolysis, consulting with a trained professional can guide you toward the best solution for your unique needs.

Sam Mejia

Ethereal Electrolysis

The Methods: Galvanic, Thermolysis, Blend

Galvanic, Thermolysis, or Blend?

I think it’s relevant to help provide you with a little bit of the history of electrolysis and how it has evolved before we dive into the question.

A summary of Galvanic, Thermolysis, and Blend:

Electrolysis was born in 1875 by an American ophthalmologist from St. Louis, MO. Dr. Charles E. Michel documented the successful treatment of an ingrown eyelash in a patient. He found that electricity produced a physiochemical reaction at the hair root, destroying regenerative cells.

Twelve years later, Dan Mahler opened a beauty salon in Providence, RI, where he performed electrolysis for cosmetic reasons.

In 1916, Paul N. Kree, a professor, American inventor, and engineer, developed the first multi-needle epilator (to this day, very few electrologists remain faithful to galvanic multi-needle epilators, which contain up to 40 needles).

In 1890, Jacques d’Arsonval, a doctor, French physicist, and inventor, fathered thermolysis by demonstrating that heat is created when frequency is increased.

Henry E. St. Pierre and Arthur Hinkel developed a device that combined both currents and received a patent in 1948.

Time Efficiency: galvanic and blend need at least 5 seconds of application to treat a hair follicle successfully. On the other hand, thermolysis works in 1-2 seconds, 100’s or 1000’s of a second, depending on the modality.

Efficacy: While thermolysis is the most time-efficient and will work on most hairs, only some hair you have requires the same treatment. I prefer to leave those problem hairs behind and, at the end of the session, make all the necessary adjustments I need. That may be changing the method, modality, or probe.

Comfort: Sensitivity varies from person to person, and in my personal experience, thermolysis offers better comfort. Electrolysis is not what it used to be. It has come a long way. There are days when you are more sensitive, and you will find that treating a hair follicle might feel different from one day to the next. The same holds true for hairs within proximity to sensitive areas; it’s all about nerve sensitivity. 

Generally, vellus hair and superficial hair need less energy. The opposite is also true: deeply rooted terminal hair needs more energy. 

When to use each method?

Thermolysis is effective on most hair types, from vellus hair to deeply rooted terminal hair. It offers a broader range of applications, from slow thermolysis (at least 1 second) to thermolysis (hundreds of a second) to flash thermolysis (thousands of a second). Or a combination of the two in one application. 

Slow thermolysis is highly effective by itself. It offers a good comfort level and is ideal when skin hydration is not optimal. Combined with other modalities or methods, it helps create porosity, facilitating better heat penetration. It can also be combined with Galvanic current. Slow thermolysis is applied, followed by a second.

Regular and flash thermolysis suit most individuals, hair types, and colors. Both can also be utilized with the blend method.

When to use Galvanic or Blend?

We want to use those methods to treat stubborn, deeply rooted, coarse hairs and those with distorted follicles.

Should you prefer one method over the other? 

I hope I have established that each method has a time and place. Your electrologist should ensure that each hair has been successfully treated. 

How can you establish that your treatment is working?  

When the hair is extracted, it should slide out easily without resistance. If you feel a pluck, let your electrologist know. If the hair breaks during extraction, it’s also a clear sign that treatment is ineffective, and adjustments should be made.

Andres Mejia

Ethereal Electrolysis