With a new global consensus being that PCOS is now PMOS, there’s a new conversation surrounding what this change means for many Black women and the resources surrounding that. Among celebrities, Mariah the Scientist is using her platform to help fans access laser hair removal.
As part of a partnership with LaserAway, the songstress worked with them on a donation of $10,000 to P[M]OS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association, a leading patient support and advocacy organization for people with P[M]OS. “This partnership means a lot to me personally. Living with PCOS, I’ve dealt with unwanted hair growth firsthand — and laser hair removal changed my life. Partnering with LaserAway lets me share that experience and help other women get access to the same treatment,” Mariah said.
PMOS is a condition that affects hormones, metabolism, and ovarian function, often resulting in irregular periods, elevated androgen levels, and an increased risk of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. “A lot of what PCOS does to you is invisible, the way you feel about yourself, the little things you do to hide, the energy it takes,” she said. “People see the finished version of me on stage, but they don’t see the parts I’ve had to work through. If me being open about it makes even one person feel a little less alone, or a little less ashamed, then it’s worth it. You don’t have to carry it in silence.”
According to the National Library of Medicine, about 70% to 80% of women with PMOS experience hirsutism (excessive, coarse, male-pattern hair growth); hence, the laser removal process that she was able to get a firsthand look at, and it surprised fans while learning. “I know people feel seen knowing that I live with this too, but it works both ways,” she told EBONY. “Being able to share my experience, joke around, and laugh with women who I know won’t judge me, because they’ve been through the same thing, is really affirming. That’s not something I get to feel every day.”
In this condition, community is more vital than ever because it lets people share tips and truly be there for one another. “For many people, greater access to this care can mean real relief from a symptom that may have affected their confidence, relationships, work, and daily life for years,” said Sasha Ottey, Executive Director of PCOS Challenge, in a statement. “We are also grateful for LaserAway’s support of PCOS Challenge and our work to expand access to care, advance research and treatment development, and improve outcomes for people with PCOS.”
As new research emerges, the more access and transparency we have, the more resources and better conversations we can have about the future of PCOS. “You deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin, and you deserve care that actually helps,” Mariah said. “Talk about it, find your people, and know that there are organizations like PCOS Challenge out here fighting for you. I’m living proof that you can go through it and still feel beautiful.”