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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 39 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Region Västerbotten Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Umeå, Västerbotten County) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 8, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05775328 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
- Study coordinator: Alexander Shayesteh, MD., PhD
- Email: alexander.shayesteh@umu.se
- Phone: +46907852078
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Risk factors for infraposition of implant-supported crowns in the upper front teeth
This observational study looks at whether implant crowns in the upper front jaw end up sitting lower than neighboring teeth over time.
-
Palliative ERCP and RFA ablation for metastatic, inoperable pancreatic tumors
This trial tests whether combining ERCP-guided Habib EndoHPB RFA with palliative chemotherapy can help patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer to the liver.
-
Male lichen sclerosus: risk factors, treatments, and effects on quality of life
This project will follow men with lichen sclerosus to see if routine treatments (like topical corticosteroids or circumcision) influence symptoms, disease progression, and quality of life over time.
-
Precision medicine approach for high-risk prostate cancer
This study is trying to understand the biology of high-risk prostate cancer by collecting samples and information from patients to find better treatment options.
-
Evaluating imaging techniques for high-risk prostate cancer
This study is testing whether new imaging techniques can help doctors better understand and treat high-risk prostate cancer in patients preparing for surgery.
-
Evaluating the role of advanced imaging in gynecological cancers
This study is testing if advanced imaging techniques can help doctors better diagnose and treat women with cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.