Does Laser Cause PCOS? The Truth Nobody Talks About

What Is PCOS Anyway?

Before jumping to conclusions, let’s get the basics down. PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a hormonal disorder affecting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It’s often linked to symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth (yep, the infamous facial fuzz), acne, weight gain, and in some cases, trouble getting pregnant.

The root causes? Well… scientists aren’t 100% sure. It seems to be a mix of genetics, insulin resistance, and hormone imbalances – especially too much androgen (male hormones). There’s no single test for it, and honestly, no cure either. Just management.

Laser Hair Removal and PCOS: What’s the Connection?

Now here’s where things get a bit tangled. A lot of people believe that laser hair removal causes PCOS. But hold on — that’s not exactly how it works.

Why the Rumor Started

Most women start laser treatments because they have symptoms of PCOS — like excess hair on the chin, upper lip, chest, or stomach. So naturally, folks assume: "Oh, I did laser... and now I have PCOS?"
But that’s like blaming the umbrella for the rain.

In fact, it’s usually the other way around. PCOS causes the excess hair. Laser is just a cosmetic treatment to manage that symptom. It doesn’t interfere with your ovaries, hormones, or insulin levels. Nada.

Can Laser Trigger Hormonal Changes?

Well, to be fair — no. There’s zero clinical evidence showing that laser hair removal alters hormone levels or endocrine function in women. It targets melanin in the hair follicle. That’s it.
It doesn’t “go deeper” into your system or mess with your reproductive organs. The idea’s kinda wild when you think about it.

Okay, But Can Laser Make PCOS Worse?

Here’s the thing — it might seem like it’s getting worse, but that’s just because the underlying issue wasn’t addressed.

Short-Term Results, Long-Term Reality

Laser hair removal gives smooth skin for a while (hallelujah), but PCOS-driven hair growth doesn’t always back down. That’s because the real problem — high androgens, insulin spikes, etc. — is still doing its thing inside.
So hair can come back after a few months, especially if hormonal levels aren’t under control.

Honestly, one friend of mine had laser done six times, and after stopping birth control, the hair doubled. She was devastated. Not because the laser failed, but because the hormones flared up again. Different battle.

What Should You Actually Worry About?

If you’re concerned about PCOS, laser hair removal isn’t the villain. But here’s what you should keep an eye on:

Misdiagnosis and Delayed Treatment

Some women go straight for cosmetic fixes like laser, creams, waxing… without checking the underlying cause. That delay in diagnosis can make PCOS harder to manage later.

It’s worth talking to a gynecologist or endocrinologist if you notice:

• Irregular periods

• Sudden or excessive facial/body hair

• Oily skin or bad acne that just won’t quit

• Trouble losing weight even with effort

A few blood tests (LH, FSH, testosterone, insulin, etc.) and a pelvic ultrasound can give a clearer picture.

Choosing the Right Laser Clinic

A dodgy clinic won’t cause PCOS, but it might cause skin burns, scarring, or just waste your money. Choose certified dermatologists or medically supervised centers, especially if your hair growth is hormone-driven. They’ll understand how to customize the treatment better.

Final Verdict: No, Laser Doesn't Cause PCOS

To wrap it up — laser hair removal does NOT cause PCOS. Full stop.

The confusion comes from the timing. Many women notice unwanted hair, book a laser appointment, and only later find out they have PCOS. But correlation ain't causation.

What laser does is help with confidence and appearance. What it doesn’t do is touch your hormones, ovaries, or metabolism. For that, lifestyle changes, meds like Metformin, or hormonal birth control might be needed (and yeah, that's a whole other conversation).

So breathe easy — laser isn’t the bad guy here. Just make sure you’re treating the root problem, not just the surface.

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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.