In today’s blog, we’re talking to the lovely Kiran Hampson. She has kindly taken the time to tell us about her experiences with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), Endometriosis and the amazing impact laser hair removal has had on her life.
Hi Kiran, thank you so much for chatting with LaserHQ. Shall we start with what made you decide to get laser hair removal?
I’ve always wanted it done but now felt like the right time. I’ve struggled with excess hair due to PCOS for a long time; ever since my teens, it’s always been an issue. However, I thought now was the right time to look into laser hair removal, particularly now that I’ve had my children and my hormones have settled.
How much research about laser hair removal did you do?
I did a lot of research; it wasn’t a decision I took lightly. I wanted to find the right place. I started off by contacting three different clinics and had consultations with each one. LaserHQ was much better than the others. One quoted me without even seeing me and charged over the odds the minute I mentioned PCOS because they thought the excess hair would mean additional treatments. However, the LaserHQ team were very open and honest, and it was an easy decision to make after talking to them. I knew they were the best fit for what I was looking for.
What differences have you experienced since having laser hair removal at LaserHQ?
I still have one more session to go, and the difference is unbelievable. I can’t believe the change in my face. I’ve always worn my hair down to cover my face, but I can wear my hair up again now. It might seem like a small thing, but it’s such a huge change for me. It’s life changing. It’s given me back my confidence and helped my self-esteem because I don’t feel like I have to cover my face all the time. It’s made a huge difference to everyday life, and I’m definitely considering getting other areas lasered now that I’ve seen the change in my face.
That’s amazing to hear! We’re so pleased that it’s made such a big difference to your life. Would you mind telling us a little bit about your journey with PCOS and Endometriosis?
I had problems when I was 11/12, and initially, they thought it was a grumbling appendix (they nearly removed it). Then they told me I had PCOS and was on lots of different hormone treatments from the age of 15. I tried everything to stop my hair issue – everything the consultant prescribed – but nothing worked. Fertility was also a huge issue, and I struggled to conceive. I was diagnosed with Endometriosis shortly after PCOS and again, I had surgery and different treatments. During this time, I had seven miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy. It’s been a horrible journey; trying to conceive and battling PCOS was very difficult. Luckily, I have my two girls now, but it’s been a journey.
Thank you so much for bravely sharing your experiences with us, Kiran. Do you think enough is being done to encourage women to talk about PCOS and Endometriosis?
Definitely not – nobody discusses it. It’s a very personal and very difficult issue to talk about. Of course, it affects your work, but it isn’t an easy issue to mention to your employer. It affects so many parts of your life – like your monthly cycle, work, and friendships. It makes it harder too because people think, “you look fine, there’s nothing wrong with you,” but they have no idea what it’s like. It’s difficult because there are different symptoms, and everyone has a different experience of it. There are extremely hard side effects that can have a huge impact on your life, like losing friends through awful mood swings and a bad temper – it’s really horrible. Anything that starts a conversation and support in talking about it is really important.
What advice would you give to anyone struggling with their hormones?
I’d say go straight to your GP and ask to be referred to gynaecology. Doctors can be quick to diagnose mood swings related to hormones and offer anti-depressants, but it’s important to be tested and referred to gynaecology. They’ll do prep tests, and they’ll do more to get a diagnosis. We women know when something isn’t right – we know our own bodies. I would say to anyone to make sure they get the right help that they need.
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Kiran.
As part of our ‘Break The Taboo at LaserHQ’ campaign, we’re creating literature about Endometriosis and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), showcasing clients’ stories and experiences, running advertising campaigns and hosting live sessions on social media with hormone and skin specialists. We’re also unveiling our fantastic billboards, close to our clinics in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester.
To launch this campaign, we’ve created bespoke facial and body hair packages, which will be discounted throughout the campaign period (15th November – 5th December 2021). For every package purchased, we will donate £5 to Endometriosis UK (registered charity 1035810).
According to Endometriosis UK, diagnosis can be difficult and often delayed because it manifests itself in various ways and shares symptoms with other conditions. Recent research shows that there is now an average of 7.5 years between women first seeing a doctor about their symptoms and receiving a firm diagnosis. Please visit Endometriosis UK for more information about symptoms and diagnosis.
Disclaimer: It’s important to say that this blog is not official medical advice – this is based on our experiences of Endometriosis and our clients’ experiences. Please seek medical advice or speak to your GP if you are concerned about any health issues. There are also many resources on our charity partner’s website: Endometriosis UK.
LaserHQ charity fundraising: £5 from every package purchased as part of the ‘Break The Taboo at LaserHQ’ campaign will be donated to Endometriosis UK, registered charity 1035810.
