Using intense pulsed light to treat excessive hair growth

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

Observational Region Västerbotten · NCT05775328

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
Enrollment39 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRegion Västerbotten Government
Locations1 site (Umeå, Västerbotten County)
Trial IDNCT05775328 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

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

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

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Umeå, Västerbotten County

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HypertrichosisHirsutism - HypertrichosisHirsutismHair reductionQuality of Life
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.