10 celebs who’ve bravely shared their experiences with endometriosis
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month! You may recognize the term ‘endometriosis’ from your IG or Twitter feed thanks to the many brave celebs who have decided to share their stories and bring more awareness to this chronic disease. If you need a refresher on what endo is all about, check out our recent blog post.
In the meantime, here are a couple of important stats: According to the Endometriosis Foundation of America, endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility. It’s severely under-diagnosed, does not have a cure, and affects 1 in 10 reproductive-aged individuals (aged 12-52) – an estimated 200 million women worldwide.1
Many who suffer through endometriosis symptoms have a hard time reaching a diagnosis, perhaps in part due to the widespread failure of Western medicine to acknowledge and legitimize female pain. There are also known racial disparities in the diagnostic process. For some, this leads to a decade-long delay in getting treatment.1
That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness – and why we want to give a shoutout to these stars who are using their platforms to educate and inform their fans. Take a look at their posts, give ‘em a follow, and then scroll down for more resources and information on how to advocate for continued endometriosis research.
1. Chrissy Teigen (as seen Sports Illustrated, Lip Synch Battle, Cravings by Chrissy Teigen)
The Sports Illustrated model and resident Mayor of Twitter took to the platform to ask her followers about what to expect following endometriosis surgery. She also posted a nude selfie featuring her endometriosis scars from the procedure and reminded followers to “love themselves.”
2. Julianne Hough (as seen in Dancing with the Stars, Footloose, Safe Haven)
Julianne was first diagnosed with endometriosis in 2008 after collapsing during a Dancing with the Stars taping. Since then, she’s become a spokesperson for SpeakENDO, an endometriosis awareness organization, and has posted on Instagram about recovery after endometriosis surgery.
3. Padma Lakshmi (as seen in Top Chef)
Padma is seriously impressive—and not just because she’s an Emmy nominated TV host and cookbook author. After being diagnosed with endometriosis in 2016, she lobbied lawmakers in Washington, DC for more endometriosis education, awareness, and funding.
4. Halsey (as heard on Badlands and Manic)
This singer-songwriter-activist has been really open about the impact of endometriosis on her fertility. While she’s currently expecting her first child, she suffered multiple miscarriages and started the process of freezing her eggs when she was 23 to protect her fertility and make sure that she was able to have children.
5. Olivia Culpo (as seen in Miss Universe, Sports Illustrated)
Olivia recently posted raw photos of her going into endometriosis surgery and pics afterward with heart-shaped bandages over her endometriosis scars. She wrote on her Instagram stories that, while she wouldn’t be posting too much about her endo journey, she is going to release Vlogs about her operative experience on her Youtube channel.
6. Amy Schumer (as seen in Inside Amy Schumer, Trainwreck)
In typical Amy Schumer fashion, she didn’t hold back when describing her experience with endometriosis on the Informed Pregnancy podcast. When she gave birth to her first child with husband Chris Fischer, her C-section took 3 hours (instead of the normal 1.5 hours) because of her endometriosis.
7. Whoopi Goldberg (as seen in The View, The Color Purple, Thoroughly Modern Millie)
This EGOT winner has been at the forefront of endometriosis awareness since she was first diagnosed 40 years ago. Whoopi was lucky enough to have a doctor who recognized her symptoms and spoke of the importance of raising awareness, which is especially for Black + Brown communities so that we can start eliminating the endometriosis diagnosis racial disparity gap.
8. Alexa Chung (as seen in Vogue, Elle, Next in Fashion)
This model and TV presenter posted two pics of herself in the hospital after she underwent endometriosis surgery. Big props for the call for more research to investigate what causes endometriosis.
9. Tia Mowry (as seen in The Game, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Sister Sister)
Today, Tia Mowry-Hardrict is a mom to Cree and Cairo – but before they were born, she was warned that her endometriosis diagnosis could make conceiving difficult. Tia relied on an anti-inflammatory diet to help with her symptoms and released an endometriosis-friendly cookbook in 2017.
10. Jessica Williams (as seen in The Daily Show, 2 Dope Queens)
Jessica suffered from painful periods for 10 years before finally being diagnosed with endometriosis. She recently reminded her followers about how medical systems don’t take women of color’s pain seriously. Let the Incredible Jessica James actress be another example as to why you should practice self-care and, in doing so, advocate for yourself if you’re ever experiencing concerning symptoms.
Endo resources & support
Endometriosis, like any chronic health condition, can be incredibly destructive – but it does not define who you are. If you’re interested in learning more about endometriosis, make sure to check out these resources:
- Support (and donate to) the Endometriosis Foundation of America
- Join the Endometriosis Association
- Donate to the Endometriosis Research Center
- View important information and endo news via Endometriosis.org
- Read the FAQs about endometriosis on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website
- Read Abby Norman’s book, Ask Me About My Uterus (and check out our interview with her)
This article is informational only and is not offered as medical advice, nor does it substitute for a consultation with your physician. If you have any gynecological/medical concerns or conditions, please consult your physician.
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