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A self-styled "bearded lady" has talked about how she decided to ditch the razor and learn to live with her facial hair.

Annalisa Hackleman, a photographer from California, first developed hair on her face when she was 13 and diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal condition.

The developing hair made her feel incredibly self-conscious and Annalisa's mum took her to get laser hair removal.

But the process was not effective for long and soon the photographer was engaged in a battle - sometimes shaving twice a day.

She was left feeling miserable and even developed agoraphobia making it difficult for her to venture outside her home.

(Image: TLC)

Annalisa told specialist website Beardspro.com about the never-ending battle of dealing with the hair.

She said: "I formed agoraphobia (unable to leave my house) and would feel anxiety trying to plan outings or go anywhere.

"When I did leave the house after much stress, crying and worry I found the anxiety wouldn’t calm down."

(Image: TLC)

It was thanks to the love of her life, David, that Annalisa was able to overcome her difficulties.

The pair met after David spotted some of Annalisa's photographs on a friend's Facebook page and was bowled away.

As soon as the pair met they clicked instantly.

Annalisa said: "Thankfully my husband helped me to get out of my haze and demanded something be done as it was ruining our life together."

(Image: TLC)

Slowly Annalisa let the hair grow, taking longer and longer breaks from shaving until she was comfortable not shaving at all.

She and David have now been together for eight years and are about to celebrate five years of marriage.

Now she has opened up on television about her struggles with her facial hair and finding love.

She told American channel TLC's Strange Love: "David is super supportive and accepting of my facial hair,"

"I don't think he loves my facial hair, but he loves me and that's all that matters."

Last week brave Harnaam Kau, a bearded woman who endured years of bullying and almost attempted suicide, spoke out about her new-found body confidence.