TARGETED APPROACH

Marta Ivaskevych, owner of IMS electrolysis, tells Erin Leybourne how her experiences with PCOS-related hair growth drove her to become an electrolysis practitioner

What was your experience with PCOS?

“I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in 2008, at just 18 years old. Cysts on my ovaries caused constant, deep pain that eventually became unbearable. Twice, I had to go through surgery to remove these cysts.

“After the second operation, I began to notice a few dark hairs on my chin. It may sound small, but for me it was devastating. I felt like I was losing control over the way I looked and felt. My doctor told me it was a common symptom of PCOS and suggested I try laser hair removal.

“Desperate for a solution, I followed the advice but the hair became darker and denser, far worse than it had been before.”

How did unwanted facial hair impact your self-esteem?

“My confidence vanished. I felt embarrassed. I didn’t want anyone to look at me. I withdrew completely. I stopped seeing friends, stopped smiling, stopped feeling like myself. I was just surviving, hiding from mirrors, cameras and people.”

What led you to try electrolysis?

“After my painful experience with laser, I felt hopeless. So, when I first heard about electrolysis, I was sceptical but thought it would be worth it if it could just help a little.

“The beginning was intense. I had to go for treatments twice a week for two hours per session. My skin became red, swollen and irritated but I understood this was a normal reaction, especially in the early stages of treatment. My skin was going through a process of healing and renewal.

“Gradually, I began to see a difference. My skin calmed, the redness faded and the swelling disappeared. I started to see me again in the mirror.”

How did you come to pursue electrolysis as a profession?

“Electrolysis felt like magic for me and I realised I couldn’t keep this experience to myself. I knew there were so many others out there suffering in silence, just like I did.

“I thought, who better to understand this journey than someone who has lived it? I knew I could connect with people not just as a professional, but as someone who truly gets it. Today, I do this work with purpose and passion, knowing that behind every client is a story, a struggle and a hope.”

What advice do you give clients who have PCOS when treating their excess hair growth?

“I always recommend they stay proactive about their health. It’s important to do blood work at least once a year and monitor hormone levels regularly. I strongly encourage visiting an endocrinologist for a full hormonal evaluation.

“Managing PCOS isn’t only about hair removal, it’s a whole-body approach. Daily choices can make a big difference: eating a balanced diet with whole foods like leafy greens, salmon, and avocado, avoiding processed food and staying active. Regular exercise not only supports weight loss but can help regulate hormones.”

What advice would you give to other electrologists who are helping clients with PCOS-related hair growth?

“Be patient. Hair growth linked to hormonal imbalances is often more persistent, and the journey to results can be longer. But even more importantly, be compassionate. “Many of these clients are dealing with deep emotional pain, low self-esteem and sometimes depression.

“As professionals, we must offer more than just a treatment; we must offer understanding. Your empathy and support can play a powerful role in their healing process, both inside and out.”