If laser hair removal is available on NHS for transgender, it should also be available for women?

Annandale, hirsuteness in females is caused by malfunctioning ovaries producing excessive levels of testosterone. Women with PCOS may have testosterone levels up to five times the normal female level. This is not just a case of 'buy a razor', it's a health condition.

Testostoterone is the same hormone that causes transwomen to require hair removal.

The NHS gender protocol states very clearly

"Hair removal is an essential treatment for MtF patients. Removal of facial hair relates directly to confidence and safety whilst undertaking the RLE. Electrolysis, laser and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatment may be used. "

"The reduction of facial hair is seen as an essential part of gender reassignment for a transwoman to facilitate the period of living in the gender role that is congruent with the individual’s gender identity before genital reassignment surgery. The absence of facial hair is of psychological benefit and will produce a greater well-being for the patient as there should be little or no need to remove hair on a constant basis."

"A fixed number of sessions (one site test and eight sessions), will be funded for facial hair reduction for trans-women. "

WILL be funded. Not 'may'. Will. No debate. It is a 'core' procedure, an entitlement.

I bet plenty of men AND women would like to have 'a greater well-being' 'as there should be little or no need to remove hair on a constant basis.'

My sis is the same
If it's true that trans patients can have it, it should be open to all

She's had some tough moments in situations where she's had to go off and sort it with people wondering where she is

I would sign a petition etc for this.

Isn't it just applicable to the gentilia? If they're doing a phallus to vaginal reconstruction, the hair needs to be removed.

I don't think most trans people get hair removal on the NHS. I don't really think anyone should. Shaving is miserable and a treadmill but it does work up to a point and is accessible to most.

My facial hair problem sounds similar to the OP. I think people underestimate the crippling insecurities that this problem can bring and I absolutely do think that NHS treatment should be available to those with a serious problem.

However...I paid for 2 courses privately and then I actually did get an NHS course several years ago and they actually didn't help much so wouldn't pin your hopes on it.

Absolutely agree. Having PCOS my facial hair is getting worse. Like you I started out plucking, but about 3 months ago I took the plunge and now shave. Luckily I only have to do this 2-3 times a week but its so depressing.

My GP also says not available on NHS. It makes me so sad to not be allowed a treatment that would massively improve my symptoms and self esteem (yes I am aware there are worse things to be denied treatment for)

I too have been told they can't do anything about my excess facial hair.
It is depressing I tend to trim my beard every morning with scissors then every few weeks gave my whole face waxed.

I definitely think there's something wrong with me hair wise and not pcso (No smyptoms other than excess hair) coz if I shave my legs at 8am by 3pm they're bristly

I would gladly pay for it if it didn't work then I would want the gp to investigate more but after being told for years it's normal I doubt it

@embarassed89 is right. Electrolysis is the only proven solution but you need to see a good practitioner, have the whole area cleared each session and you’re looking at 9-12 months for it to be gone. Laser removal is 90% effective for 2 years.

I am just a hairy woman (as are apparently 40% of women). I’ve had electrolysis later teens and then again post children as the chin is a hormonal area so any big hormonal upheaval causes regrowth.

It isn’t cheap but it’s good.

If you use a lumea follow the instructions precisely as overuse can prompt hair growth!!

The problem with Spironolactone is that it’s not always available in pct’s and is also often only offered after other cheaper methods. My gp said they couldn’t even prescribe me the contraceptive pill for free, as I told them I didn’t want it for contraception. To complicate matters further they have failed to transfer my notes from my previous gp so have no record of my diagnosis of pcos and I need to have the full range of bloods and screenings to diagnose it again, even though I have already got a diagnosis. I understand that the nhs is in crisis and all, but surely the cost of diagnostics is more than the cost of the treatment? I don’t need fertility treatment, my bmi is normal because I diet and exercise to control my weight- I think they see hair treatment as a ‘vanity’ treatment and as such will not fund it.

It's massively sexist, obviously. Women can't routinely get breast implants, but transwomen can.

I am with you 100% it's debilitating as I am so socially awkward due to my excess hair. It makes my life a misery but there is no way I could every afford laser treatments.

Another vote here for an epilator.

@AnnaMagnani - I agree about the laser - it did absolutely nothing. Electrolysis works great for me because I can get hairs zapped as and when they grow in

It’s all so miserable.

I second electrolysis for permanently removing hair. It hurts but it works.

Or

Have you thought about an epilator? They hurt like hell the first time but are amazing at turning coarse hair into peachy fuzz which is less noticeable and easier to manage - there is zero chance of getting a five o’clock shadow.

Totally agree with you.

However electrolysis is a lot better than laser - as a veteran of both, only electrolysis gives permanent results. You do need to stick it out for at least a year though and will still need top ups.

Laser is pants for hormonal facial hair - spent wasted a fortune on it.

I'd second looking into the Lumea. It works better on darker hair and lighter skin, you do have to use it regularly (I've found the darker hair on my legs has very very little regrow but under arms where hair is finer there is more regular regrow than) the benefit is that the hair doesn't have to grow for you to remove it, it just doesn't grow.
I'm sure you can find reviews on youtube for how/if it works on facial hair. It's not a cheap piece of kit.

Clearly it's a discrimination .. challenge it OP

Just FYI, laser hair removal is available on the NHS if you're a PCOS sufferer - in certain areas. I'm under Wakefield and it is offered here, so it's worth you checking this out.

Also agree with OP, I don't have PCOS but do suffer with facial hair - fortunately, I can afford to pay for it myself (£60 every 8 weeks) although I'm pregnant at the moment and so not allowed, it's killing me!

Nothing for pcos on the nhs except the pill, which is not proven or licenced for hirstutism

Is spironolactone an option? Sorry for ignorance - I have lean PCOS and have acne but don't suffer from hirsuitism, but would be interested to know for reference in case that changes at any point!

Also I’d recommend electrolysis over laser hair removal. Only electrolysis has been proven to provide permanent hair removal (although I’m afraid if you’re as hairy as me it’ll take a year or so to see lasting results)

But it’s best to see someone who is a BIAE member (not just any local salon)
electrolysis.co.uk/member-directory/

Yanbu and it's outrageous that despite years of internal gynae problems I'm point blank refused a hysterectomy because, and I quote I " cannot be sure I don't want any more children and it's only done when absolutely necessary" (I'd say constant symptom checking causing mh issues and anxiety are necessary but whatever) yet a person can say they feel the opposite sex one day and voila - they CAN be sure they are the opposite sex?!

I have PCOS and am currently having laser treatment on the NHS.

I was initially told by my GP that they couldn't do anything, however once I was officially diagnosed with PCOS during my fertility treatment a doctor at the hospital asked about my facial hair and told me once the baby was here to go back to the doctor and ask for a referral to the plastic surgery unit.

I did and here we are 2 sessions in