YouTube star Emma Chamberlain shared the surprising moment she was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), revealing that it happened during a chance encounter at a hair salon.
In a recent Vogue video released on Tuesday, the 23-year-old influencer recounted how a woman sitting next to her during a hair wash casually asked, “Do you have PCOS?” Chamberlain, taken aback, responded by mentioning her mother’s diagnosis of PCOS and endometriosis. The woman, who turned out to be an OBGYN, immediately suggested that Chamberlain might have the condition as well, a diagnosis that was later confirmed.
“She could tell by the acne on my cheeks,” Chamberlain explained. “It was a game-changer for me.”
PCOS, a common hormonal disorder affecting women’s ovaries, often goes undiagnosed, with estimates suggesting that up to 70% of women with the condition are unaware they have it. After receiving her diagnosis, Chamberlain began treatment to regulate her hormones, which she says has significantly improved her health. “My periods are so much more chill now. My skin is more predictable, and my hair is getting thicker. I feel like I’m coming back to myself,” she shared.
Allison Ackerman, a mental health therapist, highlighted the challenges many women face when dealing with PCOS, pointing out that many look to supplements and hormone-balancing strategies for relief. Ackerman also emphasized the importance of mental health support for those navigating reproductive health issues.
PCOS is characterized by irregular periods, excessive androgens (which can lead to facial or body hair), and cystic ovaries. Symptoms include acne, weight gain, and infertility, and it affects approximately one in ten women of childbearing age. For many, the condition’s symptoms are subtle and may require blood tests or ultrasounds to confirm the diagnosis.
Chamberlain first publicly discussed her diagnosis in March 2024, revealing on her Anything Goes podcast that PCOS was behind her long-standing struggles with irregular periods, cystic acne, anxiety, and depression. “It could impact my fertility, which is upsetting, but I know a lot of women with PCOS and I think I have a milder version of it,” she explained. While she expressed concerns about her future fertility, Chamberlain remains hopeful that she will be able to have children when the time is right.
The social media mogul also reflected on her struggles with mental health, particularly anxiety, burnout, and perfectionism. “I’ve struggled with anxiety ever since I can remember,” she confessed, recalling how severe separation anxiety as a child set the stage for ongoing mental health challenges. She emphasized how her perfectionist tendencies lead to overwhelming pressure, especially when she feels the need to do everything “right” and avoid mistakes.
Chamberlain’s openness about her mental health struggles, including body dysmorphia, has resonated with many of her fans. The YouTuber admitted that her job, which involves hours of self-editing while watching herself on screen, has contributed to negative body image, particularly in regard to her weight. “I’ve thought I was obese multiple times,” she admitted, despite her family’s concerns about her health.
To combat these feelings, Chamberlain has made a conscious decision to avoid photo-editing apps like FaceTune, refusing to alter her appearance to fit unrealistic beauty standards. “I look the way I look,” she said, embracing her natural self.
Chamberlain’s candid discussions about both her physical and mental health continue to make an impact, encouraging others to address their own challenges and seek support when needed.
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