Sasha Pieterse became known by audiences for her portrayal of Alison DiLaurentis on Freeform’s “Pretty Little Liars,” which wrapped up this summer. Today, Pieterse is competing on the popular ABC reality competition series, “Dancing with the Stars” where she’s partnered with Russian dancer and choreographer Gleb Savchenko. With everything seemingly on the upswing, everything wasn’t great for the South African actress. She opened up her Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis after gaining 70lbs during two years.
Sasha Pieterse Reveals Struggle with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
“I had no idea what was going on and I didn’t have any way of solving it,” she said on the show. “Very recently I was diagnosed with PCOS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a hormone imbalance. And finally I knew why this was happening to me.”
Thanks to her dancing, she admits she’s already lost 15lbs and more importantly, she admits she’s feeling like herself again.
“I feel like I’ve always been a happy person, and I’ve been so blessed with and amazing family and friends,” she continued. “But I don’t know, I went through a hard time, so feeling like me again, it means the world honestly.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.
The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown. Symptoms include weight gain, unwanted hair growth, fatigue, thinning hair on head, infertility, acne, mood changes, pelvic pain, headaches and problems sleeping.
Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
