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Daisy Ridley Opens Up About Her Struggles With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome And Endometriosis On Instagram

by Wendy Stokes September 7, 2018
by Wendy Stokes September 7, 2018

Social media isn’t always about trying to create the illusion of a perfect life (though it often is). Sometimes, it allows people to open up to the public in a way they normally wouldn’t. For instance, Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley revealed her struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis in an Instagram post last week. In the post, she talked about getting diagnosed with endometriosis at 15, finding out about her PCOS and the symptoms of both conditions, and the treatment and support she’s received since then.

Thankfully, Ridley isn’t alone. An increasing number of female celebrities have been speaking out regarding their reproductive health issues. Lena Dunham has been very open about her own struggles with endometriosis; back in March, she used her Instagram to thank her supporters while recovering from surgery for a ruptured ovarian cyst. Other celebs who’ve revealed that they have PCOS include Victoria Beckham and Emma Thompson, while Dolly Parton, Susan Sarandon, and Whoopi Goldberg have openly talked about their problems with endometriosis.

So what are PCOS and endometriosis? PCOS is a hormonal and endocrine condition that affects up to 10 percent of women and maybe more (according to the PCOS Foundation, over 50 percent of women with the condition aren’t diagnosed). Symptoms may include unexpected weight gain, excessive hairiness or hair loss, irregular periods, and acne. Endometriosis occurs when tissue resembling the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body, usually on surrounding parts such as the ovaries or pelvic sidewall. Symptoms include pelvic pain and, in more severe cases, internal scarring. Yeah.

At 15 I was diagnosed with endometriosis. One laparoscopy, many consultations and 8 years down the line, pain was back (more mild this time!) and my skin was THE WORST. I’ve tried everything: products, antibiotics, more products, more antibiotics) and all that did was left my body in a bit of a mess. Finally found out I have polycycstic ovaries and that’s why it’s bad. I can safely say feeling so self conscious has left my confidence in tatters. I hate wearing make up but I currently don’t want to leave the house without it on. HOWEVER PROGRESS IS BEING MADE! (With some help from a dermatologist and cutting out dairy (waah, except for spontaneous ice creams) and cutting down sugar (bigger waah but gotta do what you’ve gotta do)). Finally. Finally. (Throughout all this I’ve only had people being wonderful and encouraging and occasionally making me realise I’m being ridiculous and there’s more to life)… My point is, to any of you who are suffering with anything, go to a doctor; pay for a specialist; get your hormones tested, get allergy testing; keep on top of how your body is feeling and don’t worry about sounding like a hypochondriac. From your head to the tips of your toes we only have one body, let us all make sure ours our working in tip top condition, and take help if it’s needed. #wasthispostlongenough #maybethesehashtagscanbulkitupabit #alsohowmanybracketsdoesonewomanneed #ifyourereadingthisiapplaudyou #thisisaclaymaskincaseyourewondering

A photo posted by @daisyridley on Jun 9, 2016 at 10:25am PDT

You may be wondering why we don’t hear more about these conditions — it’s because they’re women’s health issues involving the reproductive system, and are therefore considered “gross.” Or rather, they were. By speaking out, Ridley and her fellow female celebrities are helping changing that, as well as encouraging women to trust and take care of their bodies.

“My point is, to any of you who are suffering with anything, go to a doctor; pay for a specialist; get your hormones tested, get allergy testing; keep on top of how your body is feeling and don’t worry about sounding like a hypochondriac,” she wrote. “From your head to the tips of your toes we only have one body, let us all make sure ours our working in tip top condition, and take help if it’s needed.”

Hey Beloved Pals, I just wanted to let you know that, while I am so excited for Girls to return on Feb 21, I won’t be out and about doing press for the new season. As many of you know I have endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women’s reproductive health. I am currently going through a rough patch with the illness and my body (along with my amazing doctors) let me know, in no uncertain terms, that it’s time to rest. That’s a hard thing to do, but I’m trying, because all I want is to make season 6 of Girls the best one yet. I’m lucky enough to have support and backup from Jenni, Judd and the whole Girls gang. So many women with this disease literally don’t have the option of time off and I won’t take it for granted. Wishing you all health & happiness, in whatever form suits you. Back soon xxLena

A photo posted by Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) on Feb 8, 2016 at 12:42pm PST

Although endometriosis and PCOS aren’t discussed as much as they should be, they can have hugely negative effects: untreated endometriosis can seriously lower fertility, and untreated PCOS (in the worst-case scenario) can lead to complications such as Type 2 diabetes, infertility, and uterine cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. Endometriosis and PCOS are still all too frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed by doctors, and doctors tend to pay less attention to women’s pain and reproductive health issues in general. That’s why it’s so wonderful that Ridley and other famous women are spreading awareness about these conditions — knowing more now may help to prevent life-changing health problems later.

If you want proof, just look at the comments on Ridley’s Instagram post. They’re full of women and girls thanking Ridley and sharing their own stories; for example, one user wrote, “I have endo and PCOS as well, and at 36 my battle with the pain has been lifelong and hard. Still struggling, but nothing can keep us down if we speak up and advocate for ourselves.”

It doesn’t have to be an “if” anymore. The outpouring of mutual support that greeted Ridley’s post showed that women are ready to speak up — all we need is someone to listen.

Original by Kelly Kanayama

daisy ridleyendometriosisInstagramPCOSpolycystic ovary syndromesocial mediawomen's reproductive healthwomens health
Wendy Stokes

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