thanks Dowager !!
did not know that a dermatologist can prescribe it, all PCOS forums mentions it was either from an endocrinologist or Gynecologist
I did check out ‘My Stuff’ after I spent sometime on the screen
Good to know I have this dermatologist option, I will start looking out for one who is in-network
will keep you posted with our case as I have some info, even if it can help a single person with valuable information it means a lot to me
Hi Dowager
My daughter does not have any acne or oily skin. She did have acne on her back but is not there anymore except for acne scars
Apart from waiting for the next blood work results in another 4 weeks,looking out to take doctor appointments
Do you think I can approach a dermatologist for spironalctone ? or after checking upon her and says I don’t see any skin issue may not prescribe it
going to doctor as new patient will be a long wait with specialists
or should I go to a OB\GYN (or any other specialist u know we can go) and ask for spironalactone without BCP
Hi MB:
I know that waiting for a first appointment with a specialist can be
frustrating. I suppose it would be faster to ask one of your daughter’s doctors
for a prescription and explain that you’re against ‘bcp.’ As she’s still a minor,
they really should respect your wishes.
In one of your earlier posts, you said your electrologist was ready to give up on your daughter unless she sought medical intervention. IMHO, that should be
enough to satisfy a dermatologist as they deal with hair (loss,etc.) issues.
A dermatologist can prescribe a topical cream called “Vaniqa” which is supposed
to deter hair growth. It is very expensive and I am not convinced it works!
Make copies of all lab reports so that you can show them to the doctors you see.
Please remember that I have NO medical credentials; I’m just someone who’s been dealing with this for a very long time.
Hi Dowager…
She turned 18 last November and we have not seen a doctor for over 18 years yet, she was with a pediatric until now
so, that is added to the mix now
Will try my luck calling all doctors and see. I need to get started
Will not hold you responsible for anything and thanks for time !!
Hi MB:
If you decide to see a dermatologist, be aware that he/she may try to sell you
other services: peels, fillers, botox and in your case, laser treatments.
I recommend that you stand your ground and refuse such “cash cows” for the
doctor.
He/she may be unaware of laser-induced paradoxical hair growth.
My own electrologist treats a young woman who was a victim (of such), sued the
laser company and won!
In my experience, endocrinologists are smarter that ob/gyns.
Endos need to know more medicine whereas ob/gyns just love to push BCP.
Good luck and please post updates.
Hi Dowager,
sent u a PM, can u please check out
Hi all,
if this helps anyone, got bloodwork for my daughter done after natural supplements.
Dec 2016 May 2017
Total Testosterone:56 Total Testosterone :48
Free Testosterone: 7.4 Free Testosterone :4.7
Hemaglob A1c :5.7 Hemaglob A1c :5.3
Vit D: 32 Vit D: 40
supplements were
Saw Palmetto,berberine,hypericum,iodine drop daily,NAC,MGCitrate,fish oil etc
hi Dowager,
sent you a PM
MamaBear kudos to you for being so proactive about this, I struggled for years with excess facial hair growth, keeping it a secret only to discover that my Mum and sister had the same problem.
Maybe you already know about this but I didn’t see it listed in your list of supplements. Have you tried to get your daughter to drink a few cups of spearmint tea every day, a friend of mine recently told me that it really helped her PCOS and I’ve been really enjoying a cup or two a day since. I can’t speak to its effects on hirsuitism as I’ve had a lot of electrolysis but maybe give it a try if you aren’t already
Spearmint is a mild antiandrogen, and so can serve to reduce the Di-hydra-testosterone in the body which can cause new hair growth. Reducing Testosterone though only stops new hairs from forming, and spearmint is a very WEAK antiandrogen so dont expect much, and dont expect anything much at all from its use on hair that is already growing. Once the follicle has started to produce growth phase hairs, the damage is already done and must be removed with electrolysis.
Edit: the study I looked at about this appeared much more optomistic than I’ve made it out to be, stating the the length of the study was too short to see the full effect. They did report that the patient perception was it was much more effective and that the patients were noticeing a reduction in the self-reported degree of hirsutism but unfortunately not with the objectively rated score. Hormone levels were significantly affected.
Seana
Hi all,
for anyone following this thread.
Yes, Spearmint tea is like baby food for Hirsuitism monster 
I have a pack of spearmint tea sitting in my cabinet. Don’t waste time and hopes on that
Once a hair follicle is drugged with testosterone-there is no stopping to it and it flourishes from there on.
So I think we need to control testosterone levels to stop new hair hooking to it and laser for the existing ones; no short cut here whatsoever
Had a visit to the doc and she prescribed Finasteride for 3 months as its a strong androgen blocker and stop palmetto as a supplement
Both of us are so done with this freaking problem and hope Finasteride is the miracle for her
On the other hand makes me wonder how many years she needs to take these pills and abuse the body 
Personally I freak out to take Tylenol the third day in a row
Good luck to all or anyone dealing with this problem
Will come back with my updates to let u guys know how Finasteride is coming along
If I can be of help to anyone please post here
Hormones must be taken a life long.
There is a way against the hairs: electrolysis. Can however remove only the hairs which are already growing. But if the bulk of those hairs has been done, there is so little regrowth (of new hairs) that it can be easily controlled. And really often electrolysis will fully do the job.
My daughter is complaining of a swollen lymph node in the armpit and the only change is taking Finesteride since last week,
this may not be a right forum but any thoughts can be shared
Will call up the doc on Monday
wrong forum, wrong site. There is no one here that can give you medical advice .
i am aware that the contribution was years ago.
but i would be interested to know if your face is hairless by now?
I can tell you than many of my clients with PCOS are now hairless. That said, It takes work from both sides. The issue needs to be addressed medically as well as withhair removal. If you do just the hair removal part, hairs continue to be stimulated after full removal is achieved . Sometimes this is achieved through changes in lifestyle or diet, and other times with prescription antiandrogens .
Hi
I was diagnosed when I was 25-about 25 years ago, and I was given birth control pills and told to lose weight. I was the same size as your daughter. You need to find a doctor that will be more proactive. There are medications that can help-I unfortunately have low blood pressure, so I can’t use Spironolactone, but I have read that it helps for some people.
Shaving is the best for removal between electrolysis. I use a fresh disposable razor with a moisturizing comfort strip and no shaving cream. I shave after a shower or after a warm wet cloth on my face to soften the area and I follow with a moisturizer. This has kept my skin nice in the area despite heavy hair growth.
I totally understand not wanting any stubble and not wanting anyone to see or feel the hair. I was terrified when I was younger. I do the thermolytic electrolysis now-finally-after messing with laser that never worked. I wish I had done this years ago.
There are other comorbidities that are more harmful, but the mental health aspect of hirsuitism is the worst. I hope your daughter does electrolysis consistently over time. She will probably have to do it over many years because she is so young, but they can keep it from covering her entire face and get rid of the hair as it comes in.
As for weight, the only thing that ever did anything for me is limiting sugar. Either low carb, keto, Mediterranean or whatever diet, the key to any weight management for me is to not eat sugar.
Another concern, obviously, is fertility. I was able to have a baby through IVF so I feel very lucky.
My best to you and your daughter.