Lena Dunham’s Endometriosis Battle: The Common Health Issue You Know Nothing About
The actress has revealed she’s suffering from endometriosis before, but is currently experiencing a flare-up of the symptoms. [Photo: Getty]
Lena Dunham has cancelled the press for her hit show “Girls”, revealing that she’s suffering from a health issue called endometriosis.
The actress and feminist activist took to her Facebook page to announce the news, writing that she’s going through a “rough patch” and she needs some R+R.
“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,” she wrote. “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.”
The post Dunham shared on Facebook, explaining her decision. [Photo: Facebook]
As Dunham rightly explains, endometriosis is fairly common and affects around two million in the UK alone. It’s a condition that involves the lining of the womb spreading to other organs – which can lead to fertility problems down the line. No one seems to be exactly sure what causes is, but some experts believe it’s due to the womb lining failing to clear properly during your period and so the cells get trapped in other organs and continue to bleed each month like they would in the womb.
Most commonly, the endometrial tissue gets stuck in the fallopian tubes and ovaries, but it can also be found in the bladder and bowl. It’s a condition that can go unnoticed and some women only realise they’ve got it when they struggle to conceive.
The symptoms aren’t fun, so it’s easy to see why Dunham needs time to recuperate. While some women suffering from endometriosis have no symptoms whatsoever, others will find themselves bedridden with painful or heavy periods and pain in the bottom of the stomach and pelvis, too. Painkillers can help and some women swear that the Pill offers relief, too.
You can get more information and guidance on endometriosis from the NHS website.
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