A woman who goes by Torri Sunshine on social media went viral on TikTok for sharing about her health struggles. Like many women, Torri struggles with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS. PCOS is a metabolic and hormonal condition, and one of the challenging symptoms Torri and other women deal with is facial hair.
The video on TikTok has received more than 5,000 comments and has been viewed 20 million times. Torri is the wife of a travel nurse and shares plus-size style and travel as well as PCOS content on both TikTok and Instagram, using her platform to spread awareness about an all-too common women's health issue.
Facial hair is a frustrating symptom of the syndrome.
In her video, Torri educates people about what it’s like living with PCOS. She is seen removing facial hair, specifically chin hairs, after taking a shower. In the video she says, “I’m gonna hop in the shower but then I’m gonna zap my face."
She continues sharing that the facial hair growth she has in the video is from just “three days." She continues using the hair removal tool on different parts of her face and says, “Today it’s not hurting that bad. It’s crazy.”
Torri captioned the TikTok video with, “Session 14 of Zapping my face with the Smooth Skin Pure” and used hashtags related to PCOS problems: #athomeipl #pcos #pcosawareness #pcosproblems #pcosfacialhair #pcoshairyface #pcoshairremoval #pcosfacialhair #athomeiplhairremoval.
PCOS is a common health problem for women.
Torri is not the only woman to struggle with the condition of its accompanying symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, PCOS affects as many as 6 to 12% of women of a reproductive age in the US, accounting for as many as 5 million women affected by the syndrome.
The Office on Women’s Health states that facial hair growth, often referred to as “hirsutism,” affects up to 70% of women with PCOS. Other common symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, thinning hair, acne, and it can be linked to other health problems such as diabetes, depression, and anxiety.
TikTok users felt seen and flooded the comments section of the video.
Many women and TikTok users inundated the comments section of Torri’s TikTok video, sharing how they felt seen and how this frustrating issue has affected other areas of their lives.
“I have PCOS and have facial hair," one user commented. “I wish I could find a man who could love & accept this about me.”
Another person wrote, “i have pcos and this is scary the process of having to do this all the time is crazy.”
“Thank you for doing this!! I haven’t seen anyone else do this to help us take care of our pcos facial hair,” another TikTok user commented.
The video and comments point to the need for better education about the syndrome and to representation for women
Though PCOS is a common health issue for many women, it is often misunderstood and undiagnosed. According to Mayo Clinic, no single test exists to point to or diagnose PCOS, but your health care provider may recommend several starting points such as a pelvic exam, blood tests, or an ultrasound.
It is always recommended you speak with a gynecologist or other health care professional if you have irregular or painful cycles or any concerning symptoms. With the help of a health care provider, a treatment plan can be made that may involve medications and/or lifestyle changes.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
