British actress Daisy Ridley recently racked up amazing attention for her portrayal of Rey in the first movie of the Star Wars sequel trilogy. She had already worked in minor television roles, but suddenly her name was shot like a meteor into worldwide recognition.
Diagnosed at age 15 with endometriosis, Ridley, now 24, is using her fame to raise awareness for the disease.
Ridley is not the first Hollywood actress to publicly disclose and then speak out about personal health struggles but the actress recently took to Instagram to share her battle with endometriosis.
The painful disorder of the female reproductive system is diagnosed when tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus into other female organs such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes; and into ligaments that connect the uterus to the abdomen, the bowels, or other organs in the pelvic region.
Severe pain, urinary and bowel problems and fertility issues are common and often have devastating side effects.
“At 15 I was diagnosed with endometriosis,” wrote Ridley with a photo in which she appears wearing facial cream. “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.”
After many efforts to deal with the disease resulted badly, the actress was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS occurs when ovaries – where eggs are made – have an over-abundance of otherwise harmless fluid-filled follicles that grow enlarged, forming larger follicles or cysts. Ovulation can not occur, or is disrupted in most cases because the follicles hinder the release of the egg into its normal reproductive flow.
Polycystic ovary syndrome brings irregular periods or no periods at all, difficulties in getting pregnant, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), weight gain, thinning hair and hair loss from the scalp, and oily skin or acne.
“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,” said Ridley.
But progress is being made in her personal struggle, because Ridley is working with a specialist in the field of dermatology.
“(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 realize 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.”
Learn more about endometriosis here: http://bit.ly/learnEndometriosis
Endometriosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.