Original Article
Treating hirsutism in PCOS with combination of medical & laser therapy
Author Details
1. Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
2. Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Asian Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
3. Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
4. Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, United Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
5. Medical Director, Laser Treat and Dhaka Dermatology Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Abstract Background: Hirsutism is one of the most distressing manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), often leading to significant psychological burden. Conventional treatments such as shaving or waxing offer temporary relief. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol have shown efficacy in addressing the hormonal and metabolic dysfunctions of PCOS, while laser hair removal offers long-term improvement. However, the combined effect of these therapies has not been well studied. Aim of the study: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining medical therapy (myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol) with laser treatment in managing hirsutism among women with PCOS. Methods: This prospective case-control study was conducted from July 2023 to June 2024 in two tertiary care centers in Bangladesh. A total of 80 women aged 18–40 years with PCOS and hirsutism (Ferriman-Gallwey score ≥8) were enrolled and divided equally into an intervention group (medical therapy + laser treatment) and a control group (medical therapy only). Result: Both groups were comparable at baseline. The intervention group showed a significantly greater reduction in Ferriman-Gallwey scores at 6 months (mean reduction: 9.2 ± 2.7 vs. 3.5 ± 1.8; p < 0.001), with a large effect size (d = 2.24). Satisfaction scores were higher in the intervention group (overall satisfaction: 8.7 ± 1.1 vs. 6.1 ± 1.4; p < 0.001), and DLQI scores improved significantly (mean improvement: 8.6 ± 3.9 vs. 4.0 ± 2.7; p < 0.01). Mild, transient adverse events related to laser therapy occurred in 20% of patients but resolved without intervention. Multivariable regression confirmed that the combination treatment independently predicted greater improvement in hirsutism. Conclusion: Combining myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol with laser therapy is a highly effective and well-tolerated treatment strategy for hirsutism in PCOS patients. It significantly enhances clinical, psychosocial, and patient-centered outcomes compared to medical therapy alone. Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), D-chiro-inositol, Ferriman-Gallwey Score, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) |
Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos), D-Chiro-Inositol, Ferriman-Gallwey Score, Dermatology Life Quality Index (Dlqi), Visual Analog Scale (Vas)