Full Breakdown
Lori Harvey's Health Journey: From Dismissal to Diagnosis of PCOS and Endometriosis
9/17/2025, 1:21:03 PM
Years of Misdiagnosis and Dismissal
Lori Harvey, a prominent model and media personality, has opened up about her long struggle with undiagnosed health issues, specifically polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. In a candid discussion on the “SHE MD” podcast with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney, Harvey recounted her experiences of being repeatedly dismissed by medical professionals despite her persistent symptoms. Since the age of 16, she faced debilitating menstrual cramps, weight fluctuations, acne, and abnormal facial hair growth. Despite her concerns, her gynecologist consistently reassured her, stating, “You’re fine, you’re fine, you’re fine,” leading Harvey to feel gaslit and frustrated.
The Turning Point: A New Diagnosis
Harvey's situation changed when she consulted Dr. Aliabadi, who recognized the seriousness of her symptoms during their first appointment. Dr. Aliabadi diagnosed her with PCOS, a hormonal disorder affecting one in ten women, and endometriosis, a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain. “She literally changed my life,” Harvey stated, emphasizing the relief she felt upon receiving a proper diagnosis after years of suffering.
Impact on Women's Health Awareness
Harvey's experience highlights a broader issue regarding women's health, particularly the stigma surrounding conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. Dr. Aliabadi noted that if a high-profile individual like Harvey struggles to be heard, many other women likely face similar challenges. Harvey echoed this sentiment, stating, “As women, it’s so normalized for us to kind of just suffer in silence.” She emphasized the importance of advocating for one’s health and the need for medical professionals to take women's complaints seriously.
Treatment and Recovery
Following her diagnosis, Harvey began treatment with Metformin, which has significantly improved her symptoms and overall well-being. She expressed gratitude for finally feeling at home in her body, stating, “I feel good in my body, finally, for once.” This newfound health has allowed her to maintain her fitness routine without the fear of sudden weight changes.
Encouraging Others to Speak Up
By sharing her story, Harvey aims to empower other women to advocate for their health and seek proper medical attention. She noted that many of her friends also suffer from PCOS but were unaware of their condition due to a lack of education. “We’re just kind of all living with this thing and nobody’s getting treated for it,” she remarked, urging women to break the silence surrounding these health issues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I've been so frustrated. I've been going to my gynecologist because I've just been feeling like something's off in my body,” — Lori Harvey
- “She literally changed my life,” — Lori Harvey
- “As women, it's so normalized for us to kind of just suffer in silence,” — Lori Harvey
- “Everybody should be able to feel at home in their body.” — Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi
Conclusion
Lori Harvey's journey from misdiagnosis to proper treatment underscores the critical need for awareness and advocacy in women's health. By sharing her experiences, she not only sheds light on her personal struggles but also encourages a broader conversation about the importance of listening to women's health concerns.
