For over a decade, Lori Harvey endured her PCOS struggles privately. The esteemed model and entrepreneur recently opened up about a long and challenging journey that medical professionals often dismissed.
In a recent episode of “SheMD,” she described feeling “gaslit” and being told she was “fine” even when she was anything but.
“I’ve been so frustrated. I’ve been going to my gynaecologist because I’ve just been feeling like something’s off in my body,” Lori reflected. Unfortunately, each visit left her feeling unheard, as her symptoms, ranging from unexpected weight fluctuations and acne to crippling menstrual pain, were not taken seriously. Instead, she received advice to use over-the-counter pain relief, further fueling her feelings of dismissal.
Everything changed for Lori when she finally met Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, a respected OB-GYN based in Los Angeles. Dr. Aliabadi listened to Lori’s concerns and quickly diagnosed her with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. For Lori, it was a pivotal moment to be validated after years of being told that her suffering was normal.
Her experience sheds light on a significant issue that many women, especially Black women, encounter within the healthcare system. As Dr. Aliabadi noted, if someone as visible as Lori Harvey had to struggle to have her voice heard, it raises concerns about the challenges other women face. Lori shared that many of her friends have also been “suffering in silence,” amplifying the importance of her courage in speaking out, which resonates with numerous others who have faced similar medical gaslighting.
