Times when celebrities with endometriosis have shared their stories

Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age–yet many spend years being told their pain is “normal.”

That’s why many find it validating when celebrities share their experiences with endometriosis. It’s a bit of solidarity for others experiencing symptoms like debilitating cramps, pain during sex, heavy bleeding, and unexplained fatigue. 

It’s even more special when these celebrities with endometriosis use their platforms to speak openly about their diagnoses, surgeries, fertility fears, and the emotional toll of living with a chronic condition. Their stories do more than raise awareness — they help dismantle stigma and push women to advocate for real care.

Before we dive into their journeys, let’s ground ourselves in the basics.

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What is endometriosis — and what causes it?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, commonly on the ovaries and fallopian tubes, but it can also spread to the bowel, bladder, or pelvic lining. 

During your menstrual cycle, this tissue responds to hormones just like the uterine lining does, but it has nowhere to go. The result? Inflammation, scarring, adhesions, and often severe pain.

Common symptoms include:

• Painful periods that worsen over time
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Digestive issues
• Fatigue
• Infertility

Doctors classify endometriosis into stages 1-4. Stage 4 endometriosis is considered severe, with deep lesions, large cysts, and significant adhesions. However, stage does not always correlate with pain level — someone with minimal visible disease can still have debilitating pain.

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What causes endometriosis?

We’re still not 100% sure of the cause behind endometriosis; it’s a complex, multi-factorial condition. However, science has found a few possible theories: 

• Retrograde menstruation (menstrual blood flowing backward into the pelvis)
• Immune dysfunction
• Genetic predisposition
• Chronic inflammation

It’s important to note that stress and diet may play a role in disease severity, but they do NOT cause endometriosis. 

Now, let’s look at five famous women who have helped bring this reality into the spotlight.

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1. Daisy Ridley: Learning the hard way that “it’s not normal”

Daisy Ridley revealed her endometriosis diagnosis in a 2016 Instagram post, shortly after rising to global fame in the Star Wars franchise. Like many women, she initially brushed off her symptoms like painful periods, hormonal fluctuations, and skin flare-ups.

In her post, Ridley shared that it took eight years and many “consultations” before she was finally diagnosed with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Her story, sadly, mirrors many women’s experience–it often takes between four and 11 years before receiving a diagnosis. 

Ridley later encouraged women not to ignore persistent pain, reminding fans that if something feels off, it probably is.

Her story reflects a common pattern: young women normalizing severe symptoms because they’ve been conditioned to believe painful periods are just part of adulthood. In reality, early diagnosis can prevent years of unnecessary suffering.

Ridley’s openness reinforces this message: your body is not betraying you, it’s trying to communicate, and you should listen.

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2. Halsey: Getting real about self-advocacy & fertility 

Singer Halsey has been one of the most vocal famous people with endometriosis. She’s shared hospital photos, spoken about miscarriages, and described undergoing multiple procedures before age 23.

She’s publicly talked about living with stage 4 endometriosis and the years of medical gaslighting that came along with it. In a TV interview, the singer shared, “My tour manager had to take me to a hospital. And the whole time I was there, no one knew what to tell me. Dehydration, stress, anxiety, and I was saying, ‘What about my pain?’ A lot of the time, they can make you think it’s in your head.”

Halsey, who was honored at the 2018 Endometriosis Foundation Blossom Ball for her advocacy, was also transparent about freezing her eggs at the age of 23 due to the extent of her condition. 

Halsey’s transparency has helped reframe chronic illness as something that can coexist with ambition and creativity — but not without real challenges.

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3. Jessica Williams: Speaking honestly about living as a woman of color with endometriosis 

Actress and comedian Jessica Williams opened up about her “debilitating pain” that led to her diagnosis in a 2022 interview with Self Magazine.

The TV star and podcaster revealed that she had even been admitted to the emergency room, but “It turns out there wasn’t really much that could be done—because it’s women’s reproductive health, and they don’t know a lot about endometriosis.”

Her journey motivated Williams to advocate for women of color, who, research shows, are often left out of the conversation. One study showed that WOC, particularly Black and Latina women, are less likely to receive an endometriosis diagnosis. Without a proper diagnosis, care is almost impossible. 

Like many others, Williams expressed relief when it was discovered that her consistent pain and other symptoms were caused by “advanced endometriosis lesions.” 

Now, she says that living with pain isn’t normal, and when people doubt you, keep going until you get an answer.

4. Molly Qerim: Navigating fatigue, bloating & migraines while on live TV

TV personality and sports expert Molly Qerim, who first opened up about her endometriosis diagnosis seven years ago, says that managing her stage IV endometriosis is like a “second job.” 

But with her demanding career, Qerim had to learn to manage her condition while appearing live on thousands of TV screens every day, “When you’re on morning television, people want to see happy, positive people, and my job is 24/7.” So many can relate, as endometriosis is largely an invisible condition. You may look “fine” while experiencing debilitating pain, inflammation, and exhaustion.

In 2025, the ESPN First Take host disclosed that she elected to undergo surgery, thanking her surgeon for answering “12 years of prayer.” 

Qerim’s story resonates strongly with women who are used to pushing through meetings, deadlines, and responsibilities — even when their bodies are asking them to slow down.

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5. Barbara Palvin: Surgery, recovery, and speaking up

It was only recently that the world learned that model Barbara Palvin’s endometriosis was so severe that she underwent surgery, sharing candid hospital photos to dispel the stigma around the condition. 

The Hungarian-born Victoria’s Secret Angel said she went for years with severe pain, fatigue, sleepless nights, and irregular periods before someone advised her “seek out an endometriosis specialist.”

A fellowship-trained specialist is often better equipped to identify deep infiltrating disease and perform advanced techniques, such as excision surgery. Within a few months of her first consultation, Palvin was scheduled for her surgery, and since then she’s shared that “finally”  experiencing more comfortable periods.

Surgery can dramatically reduce pain for some women — but it’s not a guaranteed cure. That’s why long-term management often involves a combination of surgical care, hormonal strategies, anti-inflammatory approaches, and lifestyle support.

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Why so many women are misdiagnosed

One common thread you probably noticed in all five celebrities is the delay in diagnosis. It’s one of the most frustrating aspects of endometriosis, often taking years before they get any sort of answers.

But why? There are a few reasons:

• Society has normalized some level of period pain. 
• Similarly, women’s pain is far too often minimized, with some experts coining this phenomenon as the “gender pain gap.” 
• Imaging does not always detect lesions, and the only way to get a confirmed endometriosis diagnosis is via laparoscopic surgery, which isn’t always accessible. 
• Research funding for endometriosis has historically lagged behind other chronic conditions.
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If famous people with endometriosis struggle to be taken seriously, imagine what that means for everyday women without a public platform.

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You are not overreacting and help is on the horizon

These celebrities with endometriosis are successful, driven women with resources, yet they still struggled to find answers. Their openness reminds us that chronic illness does not discriminate based on fame, fitness, or achievement.

Intense period pain, fatigue, constant bloating, and irregular periods aren’t normal, and if these symptoms interfere with work, relationships, or daily life, that is not weakness. It is a signal. Listen to it, and push for answers.

And if you feel like you’ve run out of options, turn to a specialist. At Allara, we’re dedicated to your hormonal health, and we want to support you. Become an Allara patient today and get personalized, evidence-based support that meets you where you are without dismissal, pressure, or shame.