One woman suffering from excessive hair growth throughout her body is speaking out about the cruel nickname Chewbacca, which her childhood bullies gave her for her affectionate name.
Samantha Allen, 28, from New York, was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a hormonal disorder that affects how a woman’s ovaries work – and Hirsutism – excess hair growth – at an early age.
At eight years old, she began shaving her legs. By age 11, she had begun growing hair all over her body.
I was bullied through middle school and high school. People called me Chewbacca, fat b***h, a man. “I didn’t even get to know half of those bullying me, and I wasn’t certain that I did,” she said.
Samantha Allen, an American 28-year-old, has excessive hair growth on her entire body.
At an early age, she was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic-ovary syndrome) and Hirsutism (excessive hair growth).
Samantha recalls how Chewbacca, the name that bullies gave her by referring to Star Wars characters with hairy faces, was nicknamed Chewbacca by some of her classmates
“However it began more people joined it including family and close friends.
PCOS, a condition that can affect the function of a woman’s ovaries, is common. The ovaries become larger and develop small cysts around the outside edges.
Around 10% of pregnant women suffer from the disorder. It can lead to irregular periods, weight gain or hair loss and oily skin.
PCOS is the most prevalent cause of Hirsutism among young women.
Samantha, pictured at middle school. Samantha started shaving her legs when she was eight years old. By the age of 11, she had begun growing hair all over her body.
‘I was bullied in throughout middle and high school,’ said Samantha (pictured in 2006)
Samantha was also struggling with her weight, in addition to excessive body hair.
Samantha was almost unable to lose weight due to her PCOS.
Samantha struggled with excessive body hair and obesity.
Despite her passion for sports and active lifestyle, losing weight was nearly impossible due to her PCOS. Her heaviest weight was 275 pounds
“When someone is overweight, they subconsciously comment on it,” she stated.
“I have always been told how to lose weight by my friends and family, which medications to take for PCOS.
“Even though PCOS may be unique in every woman’s case, their symptoms can vary as well as what works for them.
Samantha began sharing her journey on Instagram when she was researching weight loss surgery.
She admitted that she has had people make hateful remarks about my photos or use the “puke” emoji to see pictures of her body hair.
Samantha decided at 25 to have weight loss surgery. She was close to death when she went into the emergency department.
Samantha, who was 275 lbs at her largest (left), has lost 100 pound (right).
Samantha, two years after her operation is over, is now nine months pregnant for her first baby.
Samantha decided that she would undergo weight loss surgery at the age of 25 after being placed in an emergency room near death.
She explained that she felt weak and like I would pass out. My liver enzyme levels were 127, which is between 0 and 40.
She said that her EKG had gone completely haywire and they could have been early warning signs of kidney failure or pre-diabetes.
“This was an alarming realization for me. I realized that no one could lose weight or improve my health.
Samantha began sharing her story via Instagram when she was researching weight loss surgery. She was also curious to hear about others’ experiences.
She stated, “I’m familiar with the vast community that exists on the platform. And I have some questions about bariatric surgeries.”
She lost 100 pounds after having bariatric surgery on August 2019.
She admitted that she has had people make hateful remarks about my photos or use the “puke” emoji to see pictures of her body hair.
“I don’t let it bother me because I receive private messages from many women with their stories about PCOS.
“I am proud to have heard from many women that I am courageous. Seeing my photos and stories out there can help them on their own journey.”
Samantha, two years after her operation, is now nine months pregnant.
“I was shocked and concerned because it is so difficult with PCOS to have a baby,” she stated.
“It can sometimes be difficult to bring a baby to term even after conceiving. But, it was an amazing pregnancy.
“At the beginning, I had to consult a specialist, and I asked a million more questions. But, now I’m in pre-labor and have no complications. I couldn’t be happier.