Vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation affects mental health, hormonal, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin D and probiotic co-administration on mental health, hormonal, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out on 60 subjects, aged 18-40 years old. Subjects were randomly allocated to take either 50,000 IU vitamin D every 2 weeks plus 8 × 109 CFU/day probiotic (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation, compared with the placebo, significantly improved beck depression inventory [ß (difference in the mean of outcomes measures between treatment groups) - 0.58; 95% CI, - 1.15, - 0.02; P = 0.04], general health questionnaire scores (ß - 0.93; 95% CI, - 1.78, - 0.08; P = 0.03) and depression, anxiety and stress scale scores (ß - 0.90; 95% CI, - 1.67, - 0.13; P = 0.02). Vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in total testosterone (ß - 0.19 ng/mL; 95% CI, - 0.28, - 0.10; P < 0.001), hirsutism (ß - 0.95; 95% CI, - 1.39, - 0.51; P < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (ß - 0.67 mg/L; 95% CI, - 0.97, - 0.38; P < 0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (ß - 0.25 µmol/L; 95% CI, - 0.40, - 0.10; P = 0.001), and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (ß 82.81 mmol/L; 95% CI, 42.86, 122.75; P < 0.001) and total glutathione (GSH) levels (ß 40.42 µmol/L; 95% CI, 4.69, 76.19; P = 0.02), compared with the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the co-administration of vitamin D and probiotic for 12 weeks to women with PCOS had beneficial effects on mental health parameters, serum total testosterone, hirsutism, hs-CRP, plasma TAC, GSH and MDA levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered in the Iranian website ( www.irct.ir ) for registration of clinical trials ( IRCT20170513033941N37 ).

Unwanted facial hair removal with laser treatment improves quality of life of patients.

BACKGROUND: Unwanted facial hair can have adverse psychological effects on women and reduce their quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of unwanted facial hair removal with laser on improving quality of life. METHODS: In this study, 70 patients treated for unwanted facial hair by laser were assessed by Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire on admission and 3 months later after three sessions of laser treatment. RESULTS: The DLQI score before treatment was 9.42 +/- 5.99, which was reduced to 3.12 +/- 3.40 after laser treatment (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Unwanted facial hair removal with laser can improve the quality of life of patients.

Hair removal with the long-pulse alexandrite and long-pulse Nd:YAG lasers is safe and well tolerated in children.

BACKGROUND: Children with excessive hair may have severe psychological consequences. Laser hair removal in adults is known to be safe and well tolerated, but this is less well established in children. OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience with laser hair removal in children, and to investigate the safety and tolerability of this procedure in children. METHODS: The case records of 24 children aged < 16 years, who had received a minimum of three treatments for hair removal were analysed retrospectively. For patients with Fitzpatrick skin phototype II-IV, the lasers used were a long-pulse alexandrite (755 nm) with either continuous chilled-air cooling at fluences of 16-27 J/cm(2) or a long-pulse alexandrite with cryogen cooling at fluences of 16-32 J/cm(2). For patients with Fitzpatrick skin phototype IV-VI, lasers used were a long-pulse Nd:YAG (1064 nm) with a chilled contact sapphire tip at fluences of 20-35 J/cm(2) or a long-pulse Nd:YAG with cryogen cooling at fluences of 16-26 J/cm(2). RESULTS: Mean age at first treatment was 12.3 years. Diagnoses were constitutional hirsutism (14 patients), polycystic ovarian syndrome (five), congenital melanocytic naevus (two), generalized hypertrichosis (two) and naevoid hypertrichosis (one). One patient required a general anaesthetic, eight required topical anaesthetic cream, and 15 did not require any form of anaesthesia. Intolerable discomfort requiring adjustment in fluence was the only recorded side-effect, affecting two cases. There were no incidences of blistering, infection, dyspigmentation or scarring. CONCLUSION: When administered appropriately, laser hair removal is safe and well tolerated in children aged < 16 years.

Within-patient right-left blinded comparison of diode (810 nm) laser therapy and intense pulsed light therapy for hair removal.

Excessive facial hair in women can cause significant psychological distress. A variety of treatment methods are available, including lasers and, more recently, intense pulsed light (IPL) sources. There are very few studies comparing laser and IPL devices. The purpose of our study was to compare a laser diode device with an IPL, using a within-patient, right-left, assessor-blinded, controlled, study design. Hair counts were made, using coded close-up photographs. Treatments were carried out on three occasions at 6-week intervals, and a final assessment was made 6 weeks following the third treatment. Patient self-assessment was also included. Nine women were recruited, and seven completed the study. Average hair counts in a 16 cm(2) area before and after treatment were, respectively, 42.4 and 10.4 (laser), 38.1 and 20.4 (IPL), 45.3 and 44.7 (control). Both laser and IPL reduced the hair count substantially; laser vs control was significant at P=0.028, but IPL vs control had P=0.13, suggesting that more subjects or more treatments were required if statistical significance were to be achieved. Despite subjecting the patients to higher pain scores and more inflammation, laser was preferred by five patients; two preferred IPL and one had no preference.

Women living with facial hair: the psychological and behavioral burden.

OBJECTIVE: While unwanted facial hair is clearly distressing for women, relatively little is known about its psychological impact. This study reports on the psychological and behavioral burden of facial hair in women with suspected polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: Eighty-eight women (90% participation rate) completed a self-administered questionnaire concerning hair removal practices; the impact of facial hair on social and emotional domains; relationships and daily life; anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale); self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale); and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF). RESULTS: Women spent considerable time on the management of their facial hair (mean, 104 min/week). Two thirds (67%) reported continually checking in mirrors and 76% by touch. Forty percent felt uncomfortable in social situations. High levels of emotional distress and psychological morbidity were detected; 30% had levels of depression above the clinical cut off point, while 75% reported clinical levels of anxiety; 29% reported both. Although overall quality of life was good, scores were low in social and relationship domains--reflecting the impact of unwanted facial hair. CONCLUSION: Unwanted facial hair carries a high psychological burden for women and represents a significant intrusion into their daily lives. Psychological support is a neglected element of care for these women.