Keke Palmer Just Revealed PCOS Diagnosis And Acne Scars In No-Makeup Photos
Keke Palmer, 27, opened up about her polycystic ovarian syndrome in an unfiltered Instagram post.
She revealed acne and acne scars from PCOS in no-makeup photos.
Keke says she struggled to get an accurate diagnosis and did her own research to help doctors understand her symptoms.
Keke Palmer, 27, is not afraid to show herself to the world. Whether it's addressing systemic racism or personal health concerns and acne, she's used her platform to spread the word. She took to Instagram to share her struggles with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in a lengthy caption and three unfiltered, no-makeup photos.
Keke starts with a disclaimer: "Hey you guys, for some of you this may be TMI, but for me my platform has always been used for things much greater than me. Poly Cystic Ovarian syndrome has been attacking me from the inside out my entire life and I had no idea."
The actress shared up-close, no-makeup selfies to reveal acne and scarring on her cheeks. There were no filters in her caption, or on the photos.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder in which levels of reproductive hormones such as estrogen and testosterone are imbalanced. It can trigger a wide range of symptoms, including (but not limited to) irregular periods, migraines, facial hair growth, weight gain, insulin resistance, painful periods, ovarian cysts, and fertility problems. PCOS affects as many as one in 10 women, and is the leading cause of infertility in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Keke went on to detail her visible symptoms and severe acne. "My acne has been so bad that people in my field offered to pay for me to get it fixed. I tried EVERYTHING. I did Accutane TWICE. People say drink water, have a better diet, but I did all that, I ate all the 'right' things, my blood tests were fine. But it took ME taking a personal look into my family that has a history of diabetes and obesity, to understand what was ACTUALLY happening with me. And unfortunately doctors are people and if you don’t 'look the part' they may not think that’s your problem. They may not even suggest it if you 'look healthy' whatever that means! I came to a doctor in tears once and all they offered was a measles vaccine... Exactly."
She continued with an empowering message: "I’m posting this to say that it’s okay and we can help ourselves. My skin has made me sad many nights but I do not give up on myself. I know this is not me and my body has been looking for help. I do not have a medical degree but I did the research and took what I learned to a doctor and that led them to a proper diagnosis. I’m not saying trust web md for everything haha but what I am saying is no one can help us like we can help ourselves."
Keke says it's not only the current physical symptoms that hurt. "This especially makes me sad because my family struggled for years and no doctor could help them, they actually mislead them and just took their money. It’s only because of what my family sacrificed that allows me to even have the resources to share the information I’m sharing with you! Their fight out of poverty gave me a better life and I just want to share what I learn ????"
But, none of the symptoms are slowing her down. "The least harmful thing PCOS can bring is acne. To all the people struggling with this please know you’re not alone and that you are still so fucking fine! MY ACNE AINT NEVER STOPPED ME. But we don’t have accept this. Now I can really help KEKE! And I love her so it’s ON."
Keke ended on an encouraging note: "Pray for me on this journey and I will pray for you too. I’m not afraid to show myself to the world and you shouldn’t be either ??"
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