Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Using intense pulsed light to treat excessive hair growth

Official title: Gender Affirmative Treatment of Hypertrichosis With Intense Pulsed Light - Effect on Hair Reduction and Quality of Life

Run by Region Västerbotten · NCT05775328 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if intense pulsed light treatments can help reduce excessive hair growth in adults, especially women with PCOS and those transitioning from male to female, while also looking at how it affects their quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment39 (estimated)
SponsorRegion Västerbotten
Government
Locations1 site (Umeå, Västerbotten County)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 1, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 1, 2026
Study endsJuly 1, 2027
Registry record updatedApril 8, 2025
Trial IDNCT05775328 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include women diagnosed with PCOS and individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria who are seeking hair reduction treatments.

Probably not a fit

Patients with hereditary hypertrichosis or those with hair colors that do not respond to IPL may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational cohort study aims to evaluate the effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments on individuals over 18 years old suffering from hypertrichosis and hirsutism, particularly focusing on women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and individuals transitioning from male to female. Participants will complete self-assessed questionnaires to provide background information, assess hair density using the Ferriman-Gallwey scale, and evaluate their quality of life through the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The study will analyze the impact of consecutive IPL treatments on hair reduction and overall well-being.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from excessive hair growth.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with IPL for hair reduction, indicating potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age and above
* Diagnosis of PCOS obtained by a gynaecologist and hirsutism,
* Diagnosis of gender dysphoria obtained after psychiatric evaluation,
* ≥3 points in hair density according to Ferriman-Gallwey scale on a specific part of the body

Exclusion Criteria:

* Language barrier causing problem in understanding questionnaires or not being able to give consent
* Hair colours of white, orange or grey hair
* Skin type 5 and above according to Fitzpatrick
* Hereditary hypertrichosis

Where it's running

  • Norrlands University Hospital
    Umeå, Västerbotten County, Sweden
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.