Woman with PCOS embraces facial hair and vows never to shave it

LaRae Perkins, 40, from Compton, California, has had hair on her face her whole life.

Customer service representative LaRae has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can impact the regularity of people’s periods and the production of a high level of hormones.

This means the physical traits of someone with PCOS can include more prominent facial and body hair.

LaRae has been living with the symptoms of PCOS since she was 12.

People would ask her if she was a man or a woman, or even crueller questions like, ‘what are you?’.

‘My symptoms made me feel alone, embarrassed, ashamed, different, discouraged, confused and emotional,’ she said.

But now, LaRae has embraced her facial hair, and vowed never to tamper with it at the expense of the health of her skin.

‘I began experiencing PCOS symptoms around puberty at the age of 12, but I had hair on my face my whole life,’ said LaRae.

‘The only thing mentioned at the time was that I had a higher percentage of male hormones known as androgen than most women. All women have androgen.

‘Hirsutism in PCOS is associated with both ovarian-derived androgen excess and individual sensitivity of the pilosebaceous unit to androgens.

‘My PCOS symptoms included irregular menstrual cycles – that is how mine started. My body was struggling to start a period. I had to be put on birth control pills to regulate it.

‘I have been experiencing hirsutism my whole life, I didn’t find out it had a name until I was in my 30s.

‘I had thick sideburns that connected to the back of my hairline at a younger age.’

Part of why LaRae felt so alone when she began experiencing her PCOS symptoms is because she has no family history of the condition and treatment options for her facial hair left a lot to be desired.

She said: ‘There is no history of PCOS or hirsutism in my family – and PCOS is not the only cause of hirsutism, however. Around 70%-80% of people with PCOS develop hirsutism.

‘In my family, I’m literally the only one with PCOS and hirsutism. In my case it is mainly due to genetics from my dad that have given me a high enough hormone percentage to be diagnosed with PCOS labelling as hirsutism, PCOS is the carrier.

‘I currently don’t treat my PCOS or hirsutism. I do not agree with any of the recommended treatments for my type of PCOS.

‘Treatments include laser hair removal, waxing, and shaving. I love my face and skin too much to destroy it or cause more issues by trying to remove something that will never go away, and I have no control over.

‘I will never shave because I love my face and don’t want to cause more issues than just having a beard.

‘My appearance is important to me and having skin that has dark marks, pigmentation, or even razor bumps would make me sad and feel less beautiful.’

LaRae has received mixed feedback from people over the years, but she uses any attention she can get – negative or positive – to fuel her advocacy.

‘The feedback that I receive has been positive and negative, I only focus on the positive and use the negative as fuel to continue influencing and educating people,’ she said.

‘Nothing hurts more than being asked “what are you?” I had to grow a tough skin over the years causing me to make myself choose happiness over ignorance.

‘I had to begin loving the person I see in the mirror, telling her she is beautiful every day, and that it doesn’t matter what clothes I choose to wear. I’m still that beautiful being I’m looking at.

‘The most appreciative comments I have received come from my family and friends along with some of my followers. Comments like, “you are beautiful as you are”, “I love how bold you are”, “you are strong”, “you have the confidence most women don’t have”, “you are strong for putting yourself in a place of judgement”.

‘The internet can be cruel, but I am hoping my journey inspires others to embrace who they are.

‘My favourite compliment is “you should be a motivational speaker” and who knows maybe someday I will be.

‘I have embraced my hirsutism by learning to love myself despite what others may think or have comments about and I want to lead by example for others, I would be a hypocrite if I had not learned to love myself first.’

LaRae’s family helps support her through any hard times, with her wife and daughter there to rely on for encouragement.

‘I have a large family, but currently, it’s just the wife and I with our dog Jasper, our daughter Madisyn is 22 she does not live with us anymore,’ she said.

‘I take care of my wife who’s living with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and lupus, on her good days we go do outside activities and view the town.’

To anyone also dealing with PCOS and/or hirsutism, LaRae advised: ‘Do your homework on the condition, get tested, and ask yourself who you love and care more about, yourself or society’s judgement on who you are.

‘Self-esteem and confidence are a must to get past what the world defines as normal.

‘We “bearded women” are not normal, but we are human. You must love yourself flaws and all to be respected, or you will just be a person hiding and trying to fit in this non-perfect world.

‘I took the chance by standing out and using my voice to bring awareness and respect to all women with facial hair.

‘It has been the greatest journey, and I am so glad I did it and if, because of me, even one woman feels she can embrace her natural self then I will have something to be proud of, it will have been worth it.’

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