Background: Several different parameters play a role in the transition of hair follicles to the anagen phase, with the role of androgens, progesterone, estrogen hormones, and receptors being significant.
Objectives: The effectiveness of Laser Hair Removal (LHR) and pain tolerance during application were investigated during three different phases of the menstrual cycle.
Methods: 48 axillae were randomly divided into three groups: menstruation, ovulation, and luteal. Three laser sessions were performed on each axilla at a one-month interval. Blood hormone levels were measured in the patients. Alexandrite laser was used during LHR sessions, before each LHR session and one month after the third session, hair follicles in 4 cm2 areas in the center of the axillae were counted. Patients self-assessed the pain they felt during the laser application in each session using visual pain scale.
Results: The average values for hair counting in the groups were as follows: MO = 47.6, M1 = 27.4, M2 = 16.1, M3 = 9.9, O0 = 41.8, O1 = 21.1, O2 = 13.8, O3 = 8.6, L0 = 49.4, L1 = 27.1, L2 = 15.1, L3 = 9.8. The average values for Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores in the groups were: M1 = 3.94, M2 = 3.06, M3 = 1.94, O1 = 3.50, O2 = 3.06, O3 = 1.69, L1 = 3.63, L2 = 2.50, and L3 = 1.56. Statistical analysis was conducted using Tukey post hoc analysis after ANOVA.
Conclusions: The results of LHR are not affected by changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle in women. Although not statistically significant, it has been observed that pain tolerance during laser application is lower during the menstruation cycle.
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