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You are here: Experts > Teens > Health for Teens > Birth Control > Hormonal Imbalance?
Expert: Norman Solberg - 10/27/2009
Question
Hi and thanks so much for reading, I have been very worried lately. This year has been very strange for me, My periods are very irregular. Sometimes they come every month, every 3 months, and one time I didn't get my period for 6 months. Also, I've been noticing excessive body hair, and I've also been very tired lately.
I've done some research and I think there is a possibility that I might have a hormonal imbalance. I'm 17 and a little worried going to the Doctor, because Its embarrassing to tell my mother whats been going on.
My question is, If I do have a hormonal imbalance, will the treatment lessen my recently increased facial & body hair?
I was so embarrassed by my facial hair that I shaved it and now its growing back thicker, will this effect it from going away? I'm really scared and I will try to see a doctor as soon as possible. I hope you can give me some insight, it means a lot to me that you are taking the time out to read this. Thanks! (:
Answer
Hi Veronica,
I suspect that you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is a fairly common condition of women where they don't ovulate regularly, have irregular periods, increased facial and/or body hair, and are often overweight. Since I assume you don't want to ovulate and get pregnant now, the best treatment is usually birth control pills, plus lose weight if you're overweight. The birth control pills put your own ovaries at rest, so that they don't make too much male hormone, which is what causes the hair growth. That won't take away the hair that's already there, but it will prevent further hair growth from developing. It's OK to shave what you have, but usually electrolysis is a better answer in the long run. That can get expensive, so you'll have to talk to your mother about it. Hopefully she'll be understanding and help work with you and your doctor to make things better for you. Often PCOS runs in families, so there may be some relative that has something similar. When you decide to get pregnant, there is other medication that you take each month to bring on ovulation. If you are overweight, losing weight by exercise and diet can make everything go back to normal. There is more information at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/DS00423.
Best wishes.
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