The Best Hirsutism Support Groups and Online Communities (2026)

Short answer: The most useful, currently active communities for women with hirsutism are Reddit’s r/Hirsutism and r/PCOS, the UK charity Verity (with its Facebook group and HealthUnlocked forum), the US nonprofit PCOS Challenge, and the myPCOSteam social network. There is little research on whether online groups improve symptoms, so treat them as a source of company and practical tips, not medical advice.

From our survey: Only 22% of the women with hirsutism we surveyed had talked about it in a support group, but many said finding other women helped the most. Read their advice.

Hirsutism can feel isolating, especially because so few people talk about it openly. In a UK survey of 88 women with unwanted facial hair, women spent an average of 104 minutes a week managing it, 40% felt uncomfortable in social situations, and 75% had clinical levels of anxiety.^[1] A meta-analysis of 30 studies found that women with PCOS (now PMOS) have much higher odds of moderate to severe depressive and anxiety symptoms than other women.^[2] Talking to people who get it, without having to explain, can make a real difference.

We first published this list in 2019. For this update, we checked every community again in October 2026, removed the ones that are no longer active or that we could not verify, and added new ones.

Why join a hirsutism support group?

The international PCOS guideline recognizes that the condition and its features, including hirsutism, can harm quality of life and body image, and recommends that doctors screen for depression and anxiety.^[3] A Cochrane review of hirsutism treatments went further and recommended that medical treatment be combined with cosmetic measures and psychological support, partly because medicines take 6 to 12 months to reach their full effect.^[4] Peer groups can help fill that gap. Good communities offer:

• Recognition: Seeing that thousands of women share the same struggle
• Practical tips on shaving, waxing, laser and electrolysis from people who have tried them
• Help preparing for doctor appointments and asking for referrals
• A place to vent when it is a bad day

We could not find good studies testing whether online hirsutism or PMOS groups improve mental health or hair outcomes, so we can’t promise they will. They are a complement to medical care, not a replacement.

Online communities for hirsutism

r/Hirsutism (Reddit)

r/Hirsutism is the largest community we know of focused specifically on hirsutism. It describes itself as a space for women, trans and non-binary people with hirsutism, offering information, support and community. Typical threads cover electrolysis, laser and IPL, facial hair, and requests for advice. You can read without an account, and posting is anonymous.

r/PCOS (Reddit)

r/PCOS is a very large, busy community about PMOS in general. PMOS, short for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, is the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), agreed in 2026, so many groups still use the old name.^[5] Hirsutism comes up alongside periods, weight, metformin and birth control. Because it is so big, you will often get several replies within hours. The flip side is that advice varies a lot in quality.

Verity’s Facebook group and HealthUnlocked forum (UK)

Verity describes itself as the UK’s only PCOS charity. It runs a private peer support Facebook group with more than 12,000 members and an online community on HealthUnlocked.^[6] Verity also publishes free information booklets and webinars, and it has adopted the new PMOS name.^[6] A private Facebook group means your posts aren’t visible to your friends or the public, which many women prefer.

myPCOSteam

myPCOSteam is a free social network for people with PMOS, run by the company MyHealthTeam. It lists more than 78,000 members and many thousands of questions and conversations.^[8] It works more like a small social network than a forum: you can follow members and post updates. The site states that it is not a medical referral service.^[8]

Organizations and in-person support

PCOS Challenge (US)

PCOS Challenge, also called the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association, is a US nonprofit based in Atlanta. It says it serves nearly 60,000 members and runs online and offline support networks, educational events and symposia, and an annual advocacy day.^[7] Of particular interest for hirsutism, it offers a Confidence Grant of up to $500 toward hair and skin treatments.^[7]

Verity events (UK)

Besides its online groups, Verity runs free deep-dive webinars and has worked with Cardiff University on research priorities for the condition.^[6] Check its website for current events.

AskPMOS (information app)

AskPMOS is not a support group, but it is a useful companion. It is a free information resource from the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, the team behind the international PMOS guideline, and its content is based on that guideline.^[9] It is a good place to check advice you read in forums.

How to get the most out of an online group

• Protect your privacy. Use a username that doesn’t reveal your real name, and check whether a group is public or private before posting photos.
• Treat medical advice with caution. Forums are great for experiences, less so for facts. Double-check claims about supplements and medicines with your doctor or a trusted source like our guide to supplements for hirsutism.
• Watch out for sales pitches. Be wary of members or “coaches” who push products, programs or miracle cures.
• Notice how you feel. If a group leaves you more anxious or focused on your hair, take a break.
• Know when to get professional help. If low mood or anxiety are affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor. Guidelines recommend screening women with PMOS for both.^[3]

For more on the emotional side, read 10 things women with hirsutism want you to know and our tips on telling a partner about hirsutism. If you are not sure whether you have hirsutism, start with the hirsutism self-check, and see which doctor to see.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a support group for hirsutism?

Yes. The most active option focused only on hirsutism is the Reddit community r/Hirsutism. Broader PMOS (formerly PCOS) groups, such as Verity’s Facebook group and HealthUnlocked forum, r/PCOS, myPCOSteam and PCOS Challenge, also discuss hirsutism often.

Are there in-person PCOS or PMOS support groups?

PCOS Challenge in the US runs offline support networks and events, and Verity in the UK runs webinars and events.^[7][6] Availability depends on where you live, so check their websites.

Is there a hirsutism support group in the UK?

Verity, the UK PCOS charity, runs a private Facebook peer support group and a HealthUnlocked forum.^[6] Hirsutism is one of the most discussed topics in PMOS groups.

Can online support groups replace a doctor?

No. They can offer understanding and practical tips, but not diagnosis or treatment. Sudden or fast-worsening hair growth, a deepening voice, or irregular periods need a medical check.

Key takeaways

• Active communities in 2026 include r/Hirsutism, r/PCOS, Verity’s Facebook group and HealthUnlocked forum, myPCOSteam and PCOS Challenge.
• Hirsutism and PMOS are linked with high rates of anxiety and depression, and treatment guidance recommends psychological support alongside medical care.
• There is little research on whether online groups improve outcomes, so use them for connection, not medical advice.
• Protect your privacy, be skeptical of product pitches, and see a doctor about low mood or new symptoms.

Sources

1. Lipton MG, Sherr L, Elford J, Rustin MH, Clayton WJ. Women living with facial hair: the psychological and behavioral burden. J Psychosom Res. 2006;61(2):161-168. PubMed 16880018
2. Cooney LG, Lee I, Sammel MD, Dokras A. High prevalence of moderate and severe depressive and anxiety symptoms in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod. 2017;32(5):1075-1091. doi:10.1093/humrep/dex044
3. Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven JJE, et al. Recommendations From the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;108(10):2447-2469. PubMed 37580314
4. van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Carter B, Pandis N. Interventions for hirsutism (excluding laser and photoepilation therapy alone). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015. Plain language summary, Cochrane. Accessed October 2026. Link
5. Teede HJ, Khomami MB, Morman R, et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. 2026;407(10545):2329-2339. PubMed 42119588
6. Verity. Verity – The UK PCOS Charity (homepage). Accessed October 2026. Link
7. PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association. Homepage. Accessed October 2026. Link
8. MyHealthTeam. myPCOSteam (homepage). Accessed October 2026. Link
9. Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation. AskPMOS. Accessed October 2026. Link

This article is for education and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about diagnosis and treatment.