Checklist: Preparing for a Telehealth Hirsutism Visit

Hirsutism, or excessive dark, coarse hair in areas like the face or chest, can be challenging both physically and emotionally. Telehealth offers a private, convenient way to manage this condition from home. To get the most out of your telehealth appointment, preparation is crucial. Here's how you can effectively prepare:

Organize Medical History: List current medications, track your menstrual cycle, and document past treatments.
Track Symptoms: Record when hair growth started, affected areas, severity, and any changes over time.
Set Up Your Space: Choose a quiet, well-lit area with minimal distractions. Ensure your device is ready with a stable internet connection.
Prepare Questions: Ask about causes, treatment options, side effects, and costs. Clarify follow-up schedules and safety of treatments if planning pregnancy.
Document Your Progress: Use photos and symptom logs to track changes and share updates with your provider.

Being prepared ensures a more productive consultation, helping your provider tailor effective treatment plans for your needs.

Organizing Your Medical Information

Having your medical information well-organized can make a big difference in your telehealth experience. With the basics readily available, your provider can spend more time focusing on creating a treatment plan that fits your specific needs. The idea is to give your provider a full picture of your overall health - not just details about your hirsutism symptoms, but also the bigger context. This preparation sets the stage for a more productive consultation.

Document Your Medical History

Start by putting together a detailed list of all your current medications. Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements, noting their names, dosages, and how often you take them. Some medications can influence hormone levels, potentially making hirsutism worse or interacting with treatments your provider might suggest.

Your family health history is another key piece of the puzzle. If relatives have been diagnosed with conditions like PCOS, thyroid issues, or other hormonal imbalances, make a note of it - these conditions often have a genetic link.

Tracking your menstrual cycle is equally important. Spend two to three months recording the first day of each period, how long your cycle lasts, the duration of bleeding, and whether your flow is light, moderate, or heavy. Include any irregularities, such as skipped periods or cycles that are unusually short or long. If you're using hormonal contraceptives, write down the specific type, dosage, and how long you've been on them, as these can affect your symptoms.

If you've already tried treatments for hirsutism - like topical creams, oral medications, laser hair removal, or electrolysis - document the details. Include the type of treatment, how long you used it, the dates, the results (if any), and any side effects you experienced. This information helps your provider avoid recommending options that haven’t worked for you in the past.

Don’t forget to include any allergies or adverse reactions to medications. Write down the name of the medication and describe the reaction, whether it was a rash, stomach issues, or something more serious. Also, have your pharmacy’s name and contact information handy, along with details about your current prescription refills. This makes it easier to handle prescriptions electronically.

Once your medical history is organized, focus on tracking your symptoms.

Track Your Symptoms

Keep a record of when your excessive hair growth started, the areas affected, and how severe it is (mild, moderate, or severe). Note any changes over time, and if you can, take photos to document progress or worsening symptoms.

Write down any other health issues that might be connected. This could include acne, irregular periods, scalp hair loss, unexplained weight changes, darkened skin patches (like on the neck or underarms), or mood and sleep disturbances. Also, consider lifestyle factors such as your diet, exercise habits, sleep patterns, stress levels, and any recent major life changes.

Before your telehealth appointment, make sure to complete any intake forms provided by Oana Health. These forms are designed to collect much of this information, helping your provider create a treatment plan that’s tailored to you and based on the latest science.

Setting Up Your Telehealth Environment

The space you choose and the technology you use can significantly impact your telehealth appointment. A well-prepared setup ensures your provider can accurately assess your hirsutism while keeping you comfortable throughout the session.

Prepare Your Space

Pick a quiet, private spot where interruptions are unlikely. Whether it’s a separate room or a tucked-away corner, make sure no one - family members, roommates, or pets - will disturb you. If privacy is limited, find an alternative area where you can focus without distractions.

Lighting is crucial. Your provider needs a clear view of your face to evaluate any facial hair. Natural light from a window works well, but if that’s not an option, use a lamp positioned slightly above and to the side of your face for even lighting. Avoid overhead lights that can cast shadows under your chin or cheekbones.

Set your device at or slightly above eye level to ensure your provider has a clear view. If you’re using a laptop or tablet, prop it up with books or a stand, and make sure the camera lens is clean and unobstructed.

Keep your background simple and tidy to avoid visual distractions. Turn off any noise sources like TVs or radios, and let others in your household know you’re in a medical appointment to maintain privacy.

Before the session starts, gather everything you might need - like a notepad, pen, medication list, or any relevant medical documents - so you’re not scrambling during the call.

Finally, choose clothing that makes the assessment process easier.

Choose the Right Clothing

The clothing you wear matters for a hirsutism consultation because your provider needs to clearly see the affected areas. Select attire that keeps you comfortable but also allows for a clear view of your face.

Tie your hair back or secure it away from your face so that areas like your chin, upper lip, cheeks, and jawline are fully visible. Neutral-colored clothing can help create contrast with your skin tone, making it easier for your provider to assess your condition.

Skip heavy makeup on the day of your appointment. Makeup can conceal the natural appearance of hair growth, which is essential for an accurate evaluation. The goal is to present your condition as it typically appears.

Once your clothing is sorted, focus on getting your technology ready.

Test Your Technology

Technical hiccups can derail your appointment, so it’s smart to test your setup beforehand.

Make sure your device is fully charged and connected to a stable internet network. Close unnecessary apps to ensure your device runs smoothly.

If the telehealth platform requires a specific app, download and install it ahead of time. Some systems may ask you to log in or check in a few minutes before the appointment, so plan to do that early.

Test your audio and video by making a trial call. If your camera or microphone isn’t working, try switching to another device, like your smartphone if your laptop has issues. It’s also a good idea to keep a backup device nearby, just in case.

Using headphones or earbuds can improve sound quality and keep the conversation private. Have your provider’s phone number handy so they can reach you if the video connection drops. Providers will usually attempt to reconnect quickly if there’s a technical issue.

With your space prepped and your tech tested, you’ll be ready for a smooth and effective telehealth appointment to discuss your hirsutism treatment options.

Questions to Ask Your Provider

When you're prepared with your medical records and a symptom log, it's time to focus on asking the right questions to tailor your treatment plan. Having a list of questions ready can help you make the most of your telehealth appointment. Writing them down in advance ensures you leave the session with a clear understanding of your next steps.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Start by asking about the root cause of your hirsutism. Confirm whether tests for hormones, insulin, or thyroid function are necessary and when you can expect the results. Share details about when you first noticed the hair growth and whether it developed gradually or appeared suddenly - this context can help your provider pinpoint potential causes. Use your documented history to back up these discussions.

When exploring treatment options, ask about the medications available and which ones your provider recommends for your specific situation. For example, Oana Health offers a prescription treatment called Hairless Hype, which combines eflornithine, metformin lotion, and azelaic acid. Clinical studies show that 81% of women see noticeable improvement within one year, with results often starting in as little as eight weeks.

Ask your provider, "How long will it take to see results?" since the timeline can vary depending on the treatment and your individual circumstances.

Discuss potential side effects and which symptoms might require immediate medical attention. If spironolactone is suggested, ask about the monitoring process, as this medication typically requires regular blood tests to check potassium levels.

Have a list of your current medications ready to discuss possible interactions. If you're considering pregnancy or have fertility concerns, ask whether the recommended treatment is safe while trying to conceive. Some medications for hirsutism must be stopped before pregnancy, so it's crucial to know how long to wait after discontinuing.

Once you've addressed diagnosis and treatment, shift the conversation to lifestyle changes that can enhance your care.

Lifestyle and Self-Care

Ask your provider which lifestyle adjustments - like diet, exercise, or stress management techniques - could support your treatment plan. If PCOS is a factor, inquire about dietary strategies that might help.

You might also want to discuss supplements or alternative approaches. For example, some patients wonder if adding vitamin D and calcium could enhance their treatment, particularly when using medications like metformin for PCOS.

Costs and Follow-Up Care

Don't hesitate to ask, "What will this treatment plan cost?" Make sure you understand all potential expenses, including medication prices, follow-up appointment fees, and any required lab tests.

Check if your insurance covers the prescribed medications and clarify what your out-of-pocket costs will be. If cost is an issue, ask about generic options or payment plans that might be available.

Confirm the follow-up schedule - whether appointments will be every 4–8 weeks and if they’ll be conducted via telehealth or in person. Ask what information you should monitor between visits, such as changes in hair growth, side effects, or other symptoms.

Find out if managing hirsutism is a temporary or ongoing process. If you decide to stop treatment, ask what steps are involved and how your care might change.

Lastly, request your provider’s contact details and ask about the best way to reach them for urgent questions or side effects. Clarify response times for non-urgent inquiries and ask about after-hours procedures. Before the appointment ends, request written documentation of your treatment plan and next steps.

Once you've organized your information and prepared your space, it's time to focus on sharing the right details during your telehealth session. Providing clear, detailed observations about your condition helps your provider create a hirsutism treatment plan that addresses both physical symptoms and lifestyle factors. The more specific you are, the better your provider can tailor their approach.

Describe Your Symptoms

Start by explaining when your symptoms began - was it a gradual change or something that appeared suddenly? Be specific about the areas affected, such as the face, chin, upper lip, chest, abdomen, back, or inner thighs. These details help your provider identify potential hormonal triggers. Mention the density and color of the hair, as these factors influence the severity of your condition and guide treatment options.

Talk about how hirsutism affects your daily life. If it causes you to avoid social interactions, feel self-conscious about your appearance, or spend a lot of time on hair removal, share those experiences. This information helps your provider understand the urgency of your concerns and may even shape their recommendations, such as suggesting faster-acting treatments or mental health support.

If you've noticed your symptoms vary with your menstrual cycle or have changed recently, bring that up. These patterns can point to specific hormonal imbalances that might require targeted treatment.

Discuss Your Current Routine

Your daily habits and routines also play a role in shaping your treatment plan. Share the methods you currently use for hair removal and skincare, including how often you use them and whether you've experienced side effects like irritation, ingrown hairs, or discoloration.

Be open about lifestyle factors that could influence your hormonal health. For example, discuss your diet, stress levels, sleep quality, and exercise habits. If you've had significant weight changes recently, mention that too - weight fluctuations can impact hormone levels and worsen hirsutism symptoms.

Your menstrual cycle regularity and any hormonal contraceptives you're using are also important to mention. If you've noticed links between lifestyle factors and symptom severity, like increased hair growth during high-stress periods, share those observations as well.

Have details about your prescriptions ready, including dosages and how often you take them. If you've tried treatments specifically for hirsutism before, explain what you used, how long you used it, and whether it helped. This helps your provider refine your treatment plan by avoiding ineffective methods and building on what has worked.

Show Visual Documentation

Clear photos can be incredibly helpful for documenting the severity and distribution of hair growth. Take photos from multiple angles and ensure they show the affected areas in their natural state - no makeup or obstructions. If you have older photos, bringing those along for comparison can highlight any changes over time.

You can upload these photos to Oana Health's telehealth platform before your appointment or, if you're comfortable, show the affected areas on camera during your video visit. Visual documentation often provides a more accurate picture of your condition than verbal descriptions alone.

These photos also serve as a baseline for tracking progress. During follow-up appointments, comparing new photos to your initial ones can help you and your provider evaluate how well the treatment is working.

Finally, keep a notepad or second device handy during your appointment to jot down any recommendations, treatment instructions, or follow-up steps your provider mentions. If anything is unclear, don't hesitate to ask questions right away. Clear communication ensures you're on the same page about your treatment plan.

Following Your Treatment Plan

Once your telehealth appointment ends, the next steps are all about execution. Following your treatment plan is crucial to achieving the results you’re aiming for. It starts with capturing everything your provider discussed while it’s still fresh in your mind and creating a system to stay on track.

Record Your Provider's Instructions

Make it a habit to document every detail during your appointment. Whether you prefer a notebook or a digital device, write down the exact names of prescribed medications, their dosages, and how often you need to take them. For instance, if your provider prescribes spironolactone 100 mg twice a day, note it exactly as stated.

Don’t stop at medications - jot down any lifestyle changes your provider suggests. These could include dietary recommendations to manage insulin resistance or stress-reduction techniques to improve hormonal balance. Be sure to also record follow-up details like the date and time of your next appointment and how often check-ins are needed. For many hirsutism treatments, initial follow-ups are suggested within 4-8 weeks, with ongoing appointments every 2-3 months during active treatment.

If your provider orders lab tests or refers you to specialists, write down what’s needed and when to schedule them. Certain treatments, like those for hirsutism, may require monitoring things like electrolyte levels or liver function. Knowing what’s required and why can help you stay proactive about your health.

Also, ask about timelines for results. For example, treatments like eflornithine cream may show initial improvements in about 8 weeks, with significant progress for 81% of women within a year. Understanding these benchmarks can help you set realistic expectations and identify if adjustments are needed.

Once you’ve captured all the instructions, focus on managing your prescriptions to ensure your treatment stays on track.

Manage Your Prescriptions

Fill your prescriptions promptly and clarify any storage requirements with your pharmacist. To stay consistent, create a medication schedule that fits seamlessly into your daily routine. For example, if you need to take spironolactone twice a day, pair it with existing habits like breakfast and dinner. Consistency is key - missing doses can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.

If you’re using Oana Health, you’ll benefit from automatic refills and ongoing support, which eliminates the stress of remembering to reorder. For other providers, mark your calendar a week before your supply runs out to avoid interruptions.

Keep an eye out for side effects, and document them with dates and severity levels. For instance, spironolactone may cause dizziness or increased urination, while hormonal contraceptives might lead to nausea or breast tenderness. Mild side effects often improve within a few weeks, but contact your provider immediately if you experience severe symptoms like chest pain, extreme weakness, or signs of an allergic reaction.

If you struggle with side effects like nausea, discuss alternatives with your provider. Some patients find topical treatments easier to tolerate. As one Oana Health patient shared:

"I'm so glad I discovered Oana's metformin lotion! I used to struggle a lot with the side effects for oral metformin, and this is a great alternative for me. I get the same benefits but no more upset stomach and nausea, and this helps me stick with it a lot more consistently." - Carrie S., Topical Metformin user

In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember - unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Never double up to make up for a missed dose. Track missed doses in your medication log, and if it becomes a pattern, consider adjusting your reminder system or discussing alternative schedules with your provider.

Once your treatment is underway, tracking your progress is essential for refining your plan.

Monitor Your Progress

Start a symptom journal to track your daily experiences, treatment frequency, and any changes you notice in hair growth. If you observe patterns, like symptoms worsening during your menstrual cycle or with stress, make a note of it.

Take standardized photos weekly and store them in a dedicated folder on your phone, labeled with dates. This makes it easier to compare progress during follow-ups. Also, monitor related symptoms like acne or scalp hair loss, as improvements in these areas can indicate progress in addressing underlying hormonal imbalances.

Before each follow-up, prepare a progress summary that includes your symptom journal, progress photos, medication adherence records, and any side effects you’ve experienced. Write down any questions or concerns that have arisen during treatment. This organized approach not only helps your provider evaluate your progress but also ensures you’re an active participant in your care.

If you notice significant changes, don’t wait for your next appointment to report them. Whether it’s a sudden worsening of symptoms, concerning side effects, or unexpected improvements, reach out to your provider through their patient portal, phone, or email. Oana Health offers 24/7 support for situations like these. Timely communication allows your provider to adjust your treatment plan as needed, ensuring you stay on track.

Conclusion

This checklist is your key to navigating telehealth visits with confidence. A little preparation can go a long way in transforming your telehealth appointment for hirsutism into a productive and empowering experience. By having your records ready and your questions clear, you take an active role in your care.

When you provide complete and organized information, your healthcare provider can make more accurate assessments and recommend appropriate treatments right from the start. This approach minimizes the need for unnecessary follow-ups and helps streamline your care process . Patients who come prepared often report higher satisfaction with their telehealth visits and are more likely to stick to their prescribed treatments .

To ensure ongoing success, keep your records updated, ask for clarification when needed, and promptly share any changes in your condition. If you're using a platform like Oana Health, take advantage of tools like 24/7 support and automatic prescription refills to stay on track.

FAQs

How can I prepare my telehealth setup for a hirsutism consultation?

To get the most out of your telehealth appointment for a hirsutism consultation, start by setting up in a quiet, well-lit spot where you can talk comfortably and privately with your healthcare provider. Ensure your device - whether it’s a computer, tablet, or smartphone - is fully charged or plugged in, and double-check that your internet connection is stable.

Before the consultation, gather any relevant medical details, like a list of your symptoms, current medications, and medical history. If you can, take clear, well-lit photos of the affected areas to share during the session. It’s also helpful to jot down any questions you might have, such as those about treatment options, possible side effects, or lifestyle changes that could help manage your condition.

Finally, test your camera and microphone ahead of time to confirm they’re working properly. Log in a few minutes early to avoid any last-minute technical hiccups. These steps will help ensure a smooth and productive telehealth visit, allowing your provider to focus on giving you the best care possible.

What should I ask my provider during a telehealth appointment for hirsutism?

To get the most out of your telehealth visit for hirsutism, it’s a good idea to come prepared with a list of questions for your provider. You could ask about possible causes of your symptoms, like hormonal imbalances or conditions such as PCOS. It’s also worth discussing treatment options, which might include medications, adjustments to your lifestyle, or other therapies to help manage unwanted hair growth.

You might also want to ask what details you should keep track of over time. For example, monitoring changes in hair growth, menstrual cycles, or any side effects from treatments can provide valuable insights for your provider. By being organized and open during your appointment, you can help create a plan that’s tailored to your needs.

To make the most of your telehealth appointment, it’s crucial to keep a thorough record of your symptoms. Note when they first appeared, how they’ve evolved, and any patterns you’ve observed. For instance, track whether hair growth has increased, where it’s most prominent, and if any treatments or lifestyle changes have made a difference.

You should also include details about related factors, such as changes in your menstrual cycle, shifts in weight, or other symptoms like acne or thinning hair. If possible, take clear photos of the affected areas - visuals can provide valuable context for your provider. Having all this information ready will help your appointment run more smoothly and ensure your concerns are addressed effectively.