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9 Celebrities With PCOS On Acne, Infertility, & Facial Hair
Learn how celebrities like Keke Palmer and Victoria Beckham cope with PCOS.
Despite the fact that more than 100 million women of reproductive age have polycystic ovary syndrome, society's understanding of the condition is still lacking. As a result, women with PCOS may feel isolated or ashamed of their symptoms.
Fortunately, several celebrities are speaking out about life with PCOS, raising awareness around this hormonal disorder. Famous faces like fashion designer Victoria Beckham, actress Keke Palmer, and Broadway star Lea Michele have all shared their experiences with PCOS.
By increasing public awareness about PCOS, these celebrities are making a difference in the lives of those of us living with this hormonal disorder. They're helping to reduce stigma, normalise conversations about reproductive health, and create an online community where people with PCOS can share their stories and support one another.
Here are inspiring famous celebrities living with PCOS and how they deal with their symptoms.
1. Harnaam Kaur
Harnaam Kaur is a British model and activist. She has become known for her advocacy of body positivity, self-acceptance, and bullying.
As a celebrity with hirsutism, Kaur chose to let her body hair grow, challenging conventional beauty standards. Hirsutism, or increased body hair on the face chest, or back, is one of the most common PCOS symptoms
Stylist magazine interviewed Kaur and she said:
“When I was growing up, I didn’t see anyone in magazines or on TV that looked like me, that can have a horrid effect on a person’s mental health. I was 16 years old when I decided to grow my facial hair.
“I made the decision after my GSCEs and let it grow out over the six-week summer holiday. So when I returned to my school in Slough for the sixth form, I was a girl with a beard.’
Kaur also created a wellness space for other people living with PCOS.
2. Sasha Pieterse
The South African-American actress and singer Sasha Pieterse appeared as Alison DiLaurent in the television series Pretty Little Liars. Pieterse was diagnosed in 2017; she's used her platform to raise awareness about PCOS and to encourage other women to seek help if they’re experiencing any potential PCOS symptoms.
Pieterse talked to People about how she’s grateful to get pregnant despite PCOS.
"Just the fact that we were able to get pregnant was such a blessing because with PCOS that made me nervous," she told People.
"A lot of women have infertility issues and so we were expecting more difficulty, so it's been an absolute blessing that we were able to just get pregnant by ourselves."
Through her openness, Pieterse hopes to help others who are struggling with PCOS feel less alone and more supported.
3. Victoria Beckham
Fashion designer and singer Victoria Beckham has made headlines for achieving fame with the British girl group the Spice Girls and finding love with famous footballer David Beckham.
But, what many people don’t know is that she was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) when she and David tried to conceive their fourth child – Harper.
“I [was] really feeling the ... pressure. Every time I go out, someone says to me: ‘Are you pregnant’... and at first, I tried to dodge these questions with a vague response and a smile, but now, I have resorted to overt, brutal honesty,” Victoria said to Now magazine.
“I keep that big smile and say something like, ‘Actually, I’m struggling with infertility because of my PCOS, so my husband and I have been through several fertility treatments. No baby yet, but it’ll happen soon!’ Beckham added.
Beckham’s story is a reminder that even celebrities can suffer from the most distressing PCOS symptoms – particularly infertility.
4. Lea Michele
Actress Lea Michele became known to audiences across the world when she starred in the television series Glee. Michele first made her Broadway debut at just eight years old, kicking off her career.
Then in her teens, she began to battle skin issues. She used Accutane and birth control to treat her skin problems.
In her 20s, she decided “to detox my body of all medications”, Michele tells Prevention.com.
“That’s when everything happened—the return to bad skin and, this time, weight gain. I didn’t know what was going on.”
The actress decided to go to a doctor who diagnosed her with PCOS before her 30th birthday.
“Through diet, I have been able to manage it. But I am very fortunate. There are way more extreme versions of PCOS that women have a lot of difficulty with—mine is not as intense.
“Which is why I haven’t really talked about it, because there are women who have it so much more intense.”
From diet and lifestyle changes to medications, Michele has since openly shared how she manages her PCOS symptoms.
5. Jillian Michaels
Jillian Michaels is a celebrity fitness trainer and a TV personality who’s been living with PCOS since she was a teen.
In 2011, Michaels’ interview with Redbook revealed that she and her now ex-fiancée wanted to start a family:
“Turns out I had PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). But at a young age, I didn't know if I wanted kids, so I didn't really care. Then I got older, and I watched friends go through IVF, with years of hormones and devastation and disappointment, and I remember thinking, God wants something different for me. If I choose to pursue this path, I'll adopt.” Michaels told Redbook.
Michaels went on to adopt daughter Lukenisa, and her ex-fiancée Heidi Rhoades gave birth to a son, Phoenix.
Michaels uses her platform to build awareness around the condition, providing support and advice to those who are struggling to manage their symptoms. For example, she creates content about PCOS and weight loss.
6. Alaia Baldwin
Stephen Baldwin’s daughter, actress Alaia Baldwin, has spoken out about the importance of understanding PCOS and endometriosis – particularly how to manage the symptoms of both conditions.
On October 2021, in an Instagram post, Baldwin said; ‘I also have PCOS on top of my endometriosis.’
‘My symptoms were based on my insulin resistance, which included weight gain, extreme body swelling, hair growth on my face and cysts. It was hard to diagnose since I also have endo.’ She added.
Alaia also works to provide support to those living with PCOS, encouraging them to speak up and seek help. She shares reels and videos on her Instagram account.
7. Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer rose to fame in 2006 with her debut in the film Akeelah and the Bee, going on to star in her own Nickelodeon Series and several feature films.
In addition to her work in film and television, Palmer is one of the most vocal celebrities with PCOS, speaking in detail about her struggles with acne and facial hair.
In 2021, Palmer explained why she decided to speak out about her PCOS, Self.com reports:
“I do try to be thoughtful with my platform, but I'll be honest, when it came to me talking about the PCOS and my acne struggles, it was to empower myself.
“It was to empower myself and to give myself the opportunity to say, ‘You know what? Just own who you are, love yourself.’ It was like me telling myself, ‘I love you, girl, no matter what. I love you so much. I'm going to show your whole self to the world, and I'm not going to be afraid.’”
Whether it's her advocacy for mental health or her dedication to self-love, Palmer continues to be a source of inspiration for many people with PCOS.
8. Daisy Ridley
Star Wars Actress Daisy Ridley spoke about her PCOS diagnosis in an Instagram post in 2016.
The British actress, who rose to fame after playing Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, opened up about her experience with both endometriosis and PCOS, saying:
“At 15 I was diagnosed with endometriosis. One laparoscopy, many consultations and 8 years down the line, pain was back (more mild this time!) and my skin was THE WORST. I've tried everything: products, antibiotics, more products, more antibiotics) and all that did was left my body in a bit of a mess. Finally found out I have polycystic ovaries and that's why it's bad. I can safely say feeling so self conscious has left my confidence in tatters.
She also talked about how she manages her PCOS symptoms:
"I hate wearing make up but I currently don't want to leave the house without it on. HOWEVER PROGRESS IS BEING MADE! (With some help from a dermatologist and cutting out dairy (waah, except for spontaneous ice creams) and cutting down sugar (bigger waah but gotta do what you've gotta do)). Finally. Finally. (Throughout all this I've only had people being wonderful and encouraging and occasionally making me realise I'm being ridiculous and there's more to life)”
Ridley encouraged women to listen to their bodies:
“My point is, to any of you who are suffering with anything, go to a doctor; pay for a specialist; get your hormones tested, get allergy testing; keep on top of how your body is feeling and don't worry about sounding like a hypochondriac. From your head to the tips of your toes we only have one body, let us all make sure ours our working in tip top condition, and take help if it's needed.”
9. Jaime King
Jaime King, a U.S actress, and model, revealed to E Online that she visited nine doctors before receiving her PCOS diagnosis.
After five miscarriages and multiple rounds of IVF, King gave birth to her first child.
The Sin City actress has been outspoken about the struggle so many face to finally get a PCOS diagnosis, telling E Online:
"It's completely unacceptable that you spend years and years and years and years of your life suffering because there has been no education, no awareness,"
She admits she was worried about going public with her PCOS diagnosis.
"Everyone's going to think I'm this infertile hag, they're going to think I'm broken and the studios are going to think I'm too sick to work.' All these crazy thoughts started going through my brain because of the way that we've been conditioned."
Today, King works with a company that provides online support, consultations, and diagnostic testing to women with PCOS.
Remember you’re not alone
These famous women are leading honest, real conversations around adult acne, painful periods, fertility challenges, and pregnancy loss.
If you’re living with PCOS, you know it can be an incredibly challenging journey at times. PCOS symptoms range from hair growth to bad skin and weight gain.
These stories are a reminder that PCOS doesn’t have to define you or your future. With the right treatment and support, you can manage your symptoms.
Remember: you are not alone. There are so many people who can relate and understand what you’re going through. Reach out and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Featured image credit: LGEPR is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
