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

[Sowhatifisaycunt]

I have a problem with facial hair and have had for years. For a long time I tweezed but this became untenable as the volume of hair increased. I now shave my face every morning and on those rare occasions when I go somewhere in the evenings, I need to shave again.

Obviously, DH is aware of my problem but such is my embarrassment it is a completely taboo topic. My professional and social life is also affected as I’m always cautious when talking to others in case they notice breakthrough hairs, pitting from years of tweezing and shaving, or a general 5 o’clock shadow. I fucking hate it!

I tried electrolysis years ago to no avail. I asked a gp about laser treatment about 10 years ago but was told it wasn’t available (Wales). She did prescribe vaniqua cream but my skin became so dry and sore I stopped using it.

A couple of years ago I bought a groupon voucher for laser hair removal but I couldn’t afford to continue the sessions after those covered by the groupon ran out. I simply can’t afford laser treatment.

However, I understand that M2F transgender folk are able to get NHS laser treatment. Is this actually true? If it is it is mightily unfair that a biological male gets access to a treatment to feminise them that isn’t available for women.

I don’t know what I want from this thread. On one hand it feels like a dirty confession but if anyone has any knowledge or experiences that may help I’d be very grateful.

Sorry it was so long. I am a long time lurker and occasional poster and I namechanged for this.

Clearly it's a discrimination .. challenge it OP

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.

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.

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.

@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

Another vote here for an epilator.

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.

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

Worst nightmare - fall into a coma and DH see my growing beard

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.

@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!!

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

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)

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.

Good point terfinUSA I hadn’t thought if that.

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.

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

www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/treatment/#treatment-for-adults

Hair removal is part of standard nhs treatment for gender dyspeptic.

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.

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.'

Wow terfinUSA
Can you link the source please?

Try drinking spearmint tea - I've found it does noticeably slow down hair regrowth rate. It's proven to contain a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor which is the enzyme which converts testosterone into its supercharged hair-sprouting variety. Drink 2 - 3 cups a day, if possible buy the loose leaf kind and a tea infuser-thingy, but the teabag blends you get in the supermarket are fine. Also look at a low carb diet, the insulin metabolic pathway is very similar to testosterone, and google supplements like B vitamins and zinc.

On the AIBU you are right, it could be said that hairy women suffer gender/body dysphoria too... there is a disconnect from what they feel they "should" be and what they are. But because that is within the same biological sex bracket, they don't get treatment. Transactivists believe that biological sex isn't important... until it is

I think lots of women's health problems should be taken more seriously for example I care for older ladies many of whom have continence issues due to childbirth, but imo it shouldn't be seen as 'normal',

You can get laser on the NHS. At least you could get three rounds at one point. Can you not any more?

Tis bollocks op.

Another occasion of those with bollocks again and again trumping women

as in women born women and not just deciding to be one today as it’s sunny and I want an Olympic medal