Lori Harvey Publicly Discloses Battles with PCOS and Endometriosis
Model and actress Lori Harvey has revealed she has been diagnosed with both polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, shedding light on a years-long struggle to receive accurate medical attention for debilitating symptoms. Harvey shared her health journey in a recent interview on the SHE MD podcast with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney.
harvey first noticed irregularities around age 16,experiencing unpredictable menstrual cycles,persistent acne,hormonal imbalances,and fluctuating weight.Thes early signs were followed by “excruciating menstrual cramps” and significant digestive problems that frequently left her incapacitated. Despite repeatedly seeking medical help, Harvey felt dismissed by healthcare providers. “I’ve been so frustrated… every time I go to [my gynecologist], she’s like, ‘you’re fine, you’re fine, you’re fine. Nothing’s wrong.’ And I was like,’But I don’t feel fine. I feel like something is just off,'” Harvey recounted.
A diagnosis finally came after consulting with Dr. Aliabadi, who identified both conditions during their initial appointment-a moment Harvey described as life-changing. “She literally changed my life,” Harvey stated. She also detailed instances where her pain was minimized, recalling being told to “just take some Tylenol” despite taking 800 milligrams of Ibuprofen with no relief.
Currently, Harvey is undergoing treatment with Metformin, a medication commonly used to regulate insulin and hormone levels. She reports the medication has “wholly changed my life,” allowing her hormones to stabilize.
Harvey’s decision to publicly discuss her diagnoses aims to raise awareness about PCOS and endometriosis, conditions she notes are often under-recognized and under-treated. “So many of my friends struggle with PCOS, and it’s something that none of us were educated on,” she explained.Dr. Aliabadi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories like Harvey’s to advocate for better healthcare access and validation for women’s health concerns: “If you cannot get someone to listen to you and diagnose you correctly, do you think othre women have a chance? Thay don’t.”
Harvey expressed a newfound sense of well-being, stating, “I feel good in my body for onc… I feel like what I should have been feeling like at 16.”
