Sasha Pieterse Opens Up About Her Health Struggles with PCOS

The “PLL” actress bravely shared the story of her health journey on “DWTS.”

Sasha Pieterse has made it no secret that she’s not here for body-shaming. After the “Pretty Little Liars” star was previously publicly attacked for her appearance and weight, she took to social media to explain that while she doesn’t owe bullies an explanation, she wanted true fans to know she was going through a hormone imbalance that caused her to gain some weight. Now, she has bravely shared more about what has been going on behind the scenes.

On “Dancing with the Stars” last night, Sasha shared that the specific song she would be performing to, Hailee Steinfeld’s hit single “Most Girls,” actually had a special meaning to her because of this journey she has been through.

“I love this song because it really resonates with me about what I’ve been through and what I’m still going through,” she shared on the show, opening up about her recent health struggle and body changes.

“I gained 70-ish pounds over two years,” the actress shared in her pre-show package. “It was really, really hurtful the way people reacted. People were saying stuff like, ‘she’s pregnant, you’re fat.’ They were angry, they were mad that I look like this.”

Nobody should have to deal with body-shaming remarks regardless, but it is especially painful to hear rude words when you’re going through a scary illness you don’t fully understand.

Sasha called the experience “one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through.”

“I had no idea what was going on and I didn’t have any way of solving it,” she shared. “Very recently I was diagnosed with PCOS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a hormone imbalance. Finally, I knew why this was happening to me. Now, I’m seeing results. I think most importantly, I’m feeling like me again. Being on the show, I’ve lost over 15 pounds.”

Having some answers about what is really going on with her health and seeing results from treatment and dancing clearly feels wonderful, because Sasha has been out there looking radiant and giving it her all in the ballroom.

We’re so proud of her for bravely sharing her story too: it is a great reminder that you can never truly know what someone is experiencing in their life behind the scenes.

To see Sasha’s latest incredible DWTS performance, check out her dance video below:

Written by Kristine Hope Kowalski