Sasha Pieterse Reflects on Seventy-Pound Weight Gain and Epilepsy Diagnosis at 17

Sasha Pieterse is shedding light on her hidden health battles, revealing that behind her years on "Pretty Little Liars," she was quietly facing seizures, weight changes, and a long road to a PCOS diagnosis.

Sasha Pieterse says that while viewers knew her as Alison DiLaurentis, the glamorous "it girl" of "Pretty Little Liars," she was privately facing health challenges that doctors struggled to explain for nearly a decade.

Her symptoms began early. She had irregular periods starting at age 10, and by her teens, she was also dealing with unexplained seizures. At just 17, while starring on the ABC series, she experienced significant weight gain as well as acne and hair loss.

Seeking answers, Pieterse visited 17 different gynecologists over the years, but most dismissed her concerns, attributing her struggles to overeating or lack of exercise. She recalled feeling increasingly frustrated, knowing she was doing everything she could to stay healthy.

The turning point came when she was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that can cause a wide range of symptoms. Pieterse said the diagnosis was a relief because it validated what she had been experiencing and gave her a path toward managing her condition.

Beyond providing clarity, the actress explained that opening up about PCOS has connected her with other women going through the same challenges. She called it a "silent epidemic" and emphasized the importance of breaking the stigma around the disorder.

Still, years without answers took a toll on her mental health. Pieterse admitted that she battled body dysmorphia and periods of disordered eating, hoping to control her weight, but the efforts only worsened her struggles. She also described facing waves of depression as she worked through the pressures of both her health issues and the spotlight.

Now 29, Pieterse says advocating for herself was the only way she eventually got answers. She and her husband, Hudson Sheaffer, share a 4-year-old son, Hendrix, and she hopes her story helps others seek the support and persistence needed to find proper care.