Emma Chamberlain, the 23-year-old influencer, recently shared a surprising story about how she was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) while sitting in a hair salon. In a new video for Vogue’s Beauty Secrets series, Emma recalled how a random encounter led to her health diagnosis.
While getting her hair washed, a woman sitting next to her turned to Emma and asked, “Do you have PCOS?” Initially taken aback, Emma responded that she wasn’t sure but mentioned that her mother had a history of hormonal conditions, including PCOS and endometriosis.
To her surprise, the woman, who turned out to be a qualified OB-GYN, confidently told Emma, “I think you have PCOS,” explaining that she could tell by the acne on Emma’s cheeks—a common sign of hormonal imbalance. Emma later learned that PCOS, a hormonal disorder that affects how the ovaries function, was indeed the cause of her symptoms.
PCOS is more common than many realize, with symptoms including ovarian cysts, irregular periods, and excessive hair growth on the face and body. However, it can affect individuals in different ways. According to Healthline, up to 70% of women with PCOS are never formally diagnosed and may not receive the treatment they need.
For Emma, the diagnosis has made a significant difference in her life. “My periods are so much more chill, my skin is so much more predictable,” she shared. “My hair is getting thicker. It’s just feeling like I’m coming back to myself in a way.”
Emma first spoke about her PCOS diagnosis in March 2024, during an episode of her Anything Goes podcast. She explained that while she doesn’t have all the symptoms of PCOS, including ovarian cysts, she still struggles with some of the common issues associated with the condition. “It’s common. I know a lot of girls with PCOS, and I think I have a milder version of it,” she said. “But alas, I have it.”
