Symptoms Began After Developing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Plans to Continue Growing Beard for Those Suffering from the Condition
The story of a woman whose face is covered with a thick beard like a man's has attracted attention.
On the 5th (local time), the New York Post introduced the story of Genevieve Beilancourt (39), a Canadian woman who began experiencing such symptoms after suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome during her teenage years.
Beilancourt explained, "My beard first started growing when I was 14 years old," adding, "The hair began as sideburns and a mustache and gradually developed into a full beard."
On the 5th (local time), the New York Post in the United States featured the story of Genevieve Beilancourt (39), a Canadian woman who began experiencing these symptoms after being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome during her teenage years. [Photo by New York Post]
She said, "It was confusing and embarrassing," and "I tried everything to hide what was happening to my body and endured a lot of stress and anxiety for years."
Unlike her friends, Beilancourt did not start menstruating until she was 18, and even after her first period, she would have only one or two periods a year or sometimes none at all for a whole year. Feeling that something was 'strange,' she visited a hospital and was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder commonly found in women of reproductive age. It involves excessive secretion of male hormones and irregular ovulation. When the level of male hormones in the body increases, women may develop hirsutism, characterized by thick, dark hair or an increased amount of hair.
Beilancourt said, "When I was first diagnosed, the doctor explained that it would be difficult to get pregnant," adding, "I always wanted to be a mother, so this fact was painful and hard for me."
As the doctor had explained, Beilancourt experienced several failed pregnancies over the years. However, she did not give up and succeeded in becoming pregnant four years ago and gave birth to a child. She explained that she consistently exercised and managed her diet to have a baby and tried to minimize stress.
She announced that she plans to grow her beard publicly to empower others who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome like herself. Beilancourt said, "99.5% of the feedback I received after growing my beard was surprisingly positive," and added, "By focusing on mindset and mental health, you can change your life and improve PCOS and hirsutism."
Meanwhile, there is also a model with a beard. Harnaam Kaur, a model from India, was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 11. Kaur, who gained fame for her unique story, became the first female model with a beard to appear at London Fashion Week in 2016. In September of the same year, she was also recorded in the Guinness World Records as the 'youngest woman to grow a beard in the world.'
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