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Nearly one in ten women worldwide live with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),a condition often shrouded in silence and misunderstanding. But a growing number of prominent women in entertainment and music are bravely stepping forward to share their personal experiences, challenging the stigma surrounding reproductive health and raising vital awareness. From navigating weight fluctuations and battling adult acne to confronting infertility and enduring years of misdiagnosis, these stars are using their platforms to empower others and advocate for better care.
The experience of PCOS is uniquely individual, manifesting in a wide range of symptoms and impacting each woman differently. Artists like Victoria Monét and Bebe Rexha have openly discussed the challenges of managing weight and body image, while Keke Palmer highlighted the often-overlooked physical signs like acne and facial hair that prompted her to seek medical attention. Below, we examine what five women in Hollywood and music have revealed about living with PCOS, in their own words.
Lori Harvey’s Years-Long battle for Diagnosis
Model and entrepreneur Lori Harvey disclosed her PCOS diagnosis during an appearance on “SHE MD,” alongside her OBGYN,Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi. Harvey revealed she was also diagnosed with endometriosis during the same consultation. For years, the Skin by LH founder endured “the most excruciating periods” beginning at age 16, with her concerns repeatedly dismissed by medical professionals.
“Every single time, I felt like I needed to go to the hospital with just crazy cramps,” Harvey shared, explaining she was relying on 800 milligrams of ibuprofen with little relief. Doctors often told her to simply “take some Tylenol,” a suggestion she instinctively knew was insufficient. “There’s no way this is normal,” she asserted.
Harvey recalled her initial appointment with Dr. Aliabadi as a turning point.”I remember the first appointment I had, I’m thinking, ‘You know, this is going to be a routine checkup.’ And she was like, ‘Oh, honey, let me tell you. There’s quite a few things going on here,'” Harvey recounted.Following proper diagnosis and management of her symptoms and inflammation,Harvey shared,”I feel good in my body,for once.”
Keke Palmer’s Journey to Self-Acceptance
Keke Palmer recognized “something deeper going on” after experiencing persistent adult acne and unexpected facial hair growth.On “The Tamron Hall Show,” the actress explained the diverse nature of PCOS, noting that some variants can lead to increased testosterone and decreased estrogen levels in women.
“For me to have dealt with acne past puberty in the way that I did, there had to be something deeper going on,” Palmer shared.”And that’s when I came upon P
