Julianne Hough first began experiencing the symptoms of endometriosis when she was just 15 years old. Sadly, like many young women, she knew little about the disease and thought the pain was just a normal part of being a woman.

MORE: Why increasing awareness of endometriosis is so important.

According to Longevity, the dancer, actress, and singer is now an advocate for the disease. She is working with AbbVie and is in their Get in the Know About ME in EndoMEtriosis campaign, and hopes that by speaking up, she can help other women in her position.

Hough talks about how she copes with the disease and the importance of taking time out to look after yourself, including ensuring you get enough rest and don’t overdo it (something she admits doesn’t always come naturally as a professional dancer).

As well as exercising, Hough suggests other women living with endometriosis watch what they eat and use heat pads to alleviate pain. For those who have not just been diagnosed, she advises visiting their doctors and demanding answers.

MORE: Twelve fast facts about endometriosis.

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