Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley has opened up about her ongoing battle with Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Sydrome, in the hope she’ll help others dealing with the conditions.
Although we might think the rich and famous have it easy, British actress Daisy – who hit the big time after being cast in the latest Star Wars movie – has revealed she’s been suffering with a whole host of painful symptoms since she was just 15 years old.
Taking to her Instagram account, the 24-year-old revealed she was diagnosed with Endometriosis 8 years ago, which caused her pain, acne and “left my body in a bit of a mess.”
But all this time later, Daisy discovered she was also suffering with PCOS – that has been causing her skin so many issues.
She admitted: “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)).
Related Content: What is Endometriosis?
Daisy shared a photo of herself in a face mask along with her admission
“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.”
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of the womb grows outside of it and causes intense pain.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome meanwhile is a condition that can cause ovaries to grow small cysts, which can cause problems with periods, excess hair growth, acne and obesity.
“Endometriosis can be a very frustrating and disabling condition,” says professor Kerryn Phelps, in The Australian Women’s Weekly’s Ask the Doctor issue.
And the problem, Professor Phelps explains, is that “Endometriosis is notoriously difficult to diagnose.”
She recommends several treatments to help ease the pain of the condition, these include:
Acupuncture
Reducing dietary fat and caffeine
Eat more fruit and veg
Regular exercise
Levonorgestrel intrauterine device
The right hormonal pill
