How do I manage excess hair from PCOS?

Bottom lineManage PCOS excess hair (hirsutism) from higher androgens by combining hair removal - shaving, waxing, threading, laser, or electrolysis, plus a prescription facial cream for some - with hormone-focused treatment like the combined pill or anti-androgen medication and lifestyle changes that improve insulin resistance; hormonal treatments slow new growth over several months rather than remove existing hair, and sudden severe growth needs medical assessment.

Excess hair growth (hirsutism) in PCOS comes from higher androgen levels and typically appears on the face, chest, back, or stomach. A mix of hair-removal methods and hormone-focused treatment manages it best.

Hair-removal options

• Shaving, waxing, threading, or plucking for at-home management
• Depilatory creams for some areas
• Laser hair removal or electrolysis for longer-lasting reduction (laser works best on the right hair and skin types)
• A prescription cream can slow facial hair growth for some people

Treat the hormones too

Because the cause is hormonal, clinicians may recommend:

• The combined pill or anti-androgen medication to reduce new growth over months
• Lifestyle changes that improve insulin resistance, which can help the underlying hormone balance

Set realistic expectations

Hormonal treatments slow new growth rather than remove existing hair, and they take several months to show effects - so they're often combined with hair removal.

When to see a doctor

See a clinician if hair growth is sudden, rapid, or severe, or comes with other new symptoms, as that needs assessment. They can also advise which treatments suit you.

See what are the symptoms of PCOS for context.

Femora helps you track PCOS symptoms over time so you can see how treatment affects them.