No matter how famous a celebrity becomes, there”s no way to tell really what”s going on in their lives unless they open up. Which is exactly what Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) did today on Instagram.
Posing in a facial mask, a smile on her face, Ridley let the world know she has suffered from ovarian/uterine pain for years.
The candid photo came with an even more candid message. Ridley taught about her struggles with endometriosis and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and how the symptoms have affected her self-esteem and caused her to second guess herself:
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 polycystic 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
According to the PCOS Foundation, the endocrine disorder is one of the most common in women. Millions of women are affected by it. While PCOS has been recognized and diagnosed for 75 years, it can be tricky to nail down. The symptoms vary widely, meaning it can”t be diagnosed using only one test. Statistically, PCOS affects around 5-10% of all women of childbearing age, but less than 50% are diagnosed. Symptoms can include weight gain, strings of “pearl-like” cysts on the ovaries, excessive acne, excessive hair growth, and/or high testosterone levels.
If you”d like to learn more or donate to raising awareness of this disorder, you can head over the PCOS Foundation”s website