Sasha Pieterse Speaks Up on Health Issues

Sasha Pieterse has spoken openly about certain health issues that she has had in the past few years.

In this week’s episode of “Dancing with the Stars,” the “Pretty Little Liars” star said that she has the hormonal disorder Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Pieterse, 21, said the dance show helped her deal with issues brought about by the condition.

The actress said that she gained about 70 pounds over a period of two years as a result of having the disorder. She said she had to put up with negative comments about her appearance, especially her weight, because of this.

It was really, really hurtful the way people reacted,” Pieterse said. “People were staying stuff like, ‘She’s pregnant.’ ‘You’re fat.’ They were angry or mad that I looked like this. It was one of the hardest things I have ever been through.”

Rehearsing regularly for the show helped her get back into shape little by little, and she said she felt happier and healthier after just a few weeks of this routine.

“I’m feeling like me again,” the actress said. “Being on the show, I’ve lost over 15 pounds. It’s not an easy road, but being able to focus on getting myself healthy again, and the fact that I’m seeing results, getting better is all I can ask for.”

“I feel like I’ve always been a happy person, and I’ve been so blessed with and amazing family and friends,” she said to co-host Erin Andrews.