A woman who suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is deliberating shaving off her beard in the name of love, despite her husband being supportive of her facial hair.
Annalise Hackleman from Sunnyvale, California resident is about to celebrate her fifth wedding anniversary with husband David.
Now she's considering shaving her facial hair as she is uncertain that her husband likes it.
Hackleman was diagnosed with PCOS at just 13 years old.
One major side effect of the health condition is excessive hair growth - particularly on the face - and despite trying various hair removal methods over the years, including laser hair removal, Hackleman insists that her beard always grows back.
"David is super supportive and accepting of my facial hair," Hackleman says. "I don't think he loves my facial hair, but he loves me and that's all that matters."
After years of fighting against her lady beard, Hackleman decided to just let it grow. And her husband fully supported that decision.
But now, in an episode of Strange Love on TLC, Hackleman reveals that she's feeling the pressure to shave her beard for their fifth wedding anniversary portraits.
She's also concerned that her husband isn't keen on her bearded look.
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Hackleman says that she first noticed something wasn't quite right when she turned 13. There was dark hair growing on her upper lip which she became very self conscious of.
Noticing her anguish, Hackleman's mother took her to have laser hair removal.
"Needless to say, it did not work. It wasn't permanent," reveals Hackleman. "By the time I turned 22, I was shaving at least once a day."
According to NHS Choices, polycystic ovary syndrome is a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work.
The condition affects millions of women in the UK and results in cysts developing in a woman's ovaries. The ovaries are then unable to regularly release eggs, which can result in fertility issues.
Additionally, it causes high levels of "male hormones" called androgens in the body.
Speaking to HuffPost UK Lifestyle, Dr Nitin Shori, Medical Director of the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service and a working NHS GP, says that "around one in five women in the UK have the condition – although as many as half of these might not experience any symptoms".
“Those who do have symptoms often start to notice them in their late teens or twenties," he adds. "These can include irregular periods, weight gain, oily skin and acne.
“It can also cause excessive body hair growth – including facial hair. Some women tackle this with beauty procedures like waxing, plucking and electrolysis, whereas others seek medical treatment."
A popular solution for women who want to limit hair growth, he adds, is a prescription cream called Vaniqa (eflornithine).
"It is applied directly to the face and works by blocking an enzyme that the hair follicle uses to produce the hair shaft.”
[H/T Daily Mail]