Endometriosis sets up home in famous bodies too!
Beyond the lavish lifestyle and fame, celebrities are just like you and me.
They may have a fancy car, a big house and an enviable wardrobe, but their uterus works the same.
We’ve listed the brave celebrities who face the challenges of endo…
Emma Bunton, 45, singer, TV presenter and radio personality
Who would’ve thought that while dancing on stage in her platforms, Baby Spice was suffering with endometriosis? Emma was diagnosed in her 20s and was told she would struggle to conceive. She has been open about her struggles with fertility and told Stella Magazine: “That nearly broke me.
I knew I had the right partner and that I wanted to be a mum. I didn’t give up hope; it just wasn’t happening.”
Emma found out she was pregnant during her time on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2006.
She phrases her level of fitness during the show for helping her get pregnant naturally.
Emma is the mother of two sons.
Alexa Chung, 37, TV presenter, model and fashion designer
Alexa was diagnosed with endometriosis via laparoscopy in 2019 after she felt something wasn’t quite right while filming a TV show in LA. She has since spoken publicly about her diagnosis and helps to raise awareness for the condition.
Lena Dunham, 35, actress, writer and producer
Perhaps one of the most famous activists for endometriosis, Lena faced a decade of pain and eight surgeries before making the brave decision to have a hysterectomy in 2018 at the age of 31.
She wrote a deeply moving essay about her choice in the March 2018 issue of Vogue.
Susan Sarandon, 74, actress
Diagnosed at the age of 36 following years of symptoms, the actress told the Endometriosis Foundation of America: “It’s not okay to miss a part of your life because of pain and excessive bleeding.”
The mother of three, and grandmother of two, was once told by doctors she would never have children.
Molly-Mae Hague, 22, former Love Island contestant and influencer
Molly-Mae has opened up to fans about her ongoing battle with “unbearable” pain.
She recently sought advice from a private doctor who confirmed endometriosis after her concerns were ignored by her GP.
She is currently waiting for her first laparoscopy.
Whoopi Goldberg, 65, actress
The Oscar-winning actress was diagnosed with endometriosis almost 40 years ago.
She created Whoopi & Maya, a line of cannabis products to help with menstrual pain, however, the company has ceased trading. Whoopi is the mother of one.
Halsey, 26, singer-songwriter
The singer described the condition as making her feel like a “prisoner” in her own body and has spoken about how she would be “doubled over” backstage and faint or vomit from the pain.
She underwent surgery to relieve endometriosis symptoms in 2017 and later revealed her plans to freeze her eggs to protect her fertility in 2018. Halsey is currently pregnant with her first child.
Cyndi Lauper, 68, singer-songwriter
The Grammy award-winning singer was diagnosed with endometriosis in her 30s.
She has previously spoken openly about her struggles which included hospital admissions between recording albums.
Following a visit to a fertility doctor specialising in alternative therapies, she conceived her son naturally at the age of 44.
Amy Schumer, 40, comedian and actress
Despite her funny persona, Amy battles severe endometriosis and adenomyosis. Her first son was conceived naturally, but she shared details of her complicated c-section due to endometriosis.
She documented her journey of IVF for a second child on her social media. In 2020, she announced she is quitting IVF.
Tia Mowry, 42, actress
The 90s sitcom star of ‘Sister, Sister’ suffers with endometriosis and has undergone multiple surgeries to help with symptoms.
She was diagnosed in her late 20s and follows an anti-inflammatory diet to help manage the condition. In 2018 she wrote an article for Women’s Health to highlight the importance of endometriosis education, awareness and diagnosis in the black community.
She has two children conceived naturally.
Emma Roberts, 30, actress
Like many women, Emma’s concerns about painful periods were initially dismissed by doctors. In her late 20s, she switched to a female doctor and she was diagnosed with endometriosis which had been undetected since her teens.
Emma was scarily told the condition had affected her fertility. She later froze her eggs.
Emma conceived her son naturally and he was born in 2020.
Sarah Hyland, 30, actress
The ‘Modern Family’ actress was born with kidney dysplasia, a condition that means the kidneys do not develop normally and grow cysts which impacts their function.
She has bravely undergone two kidney transplants, dialysis and 16 surgeries.
In her late 20s, she was diagnosed with endometriosis which was treated by laparoscopy. In 2017 she went from the Emmys to the set of Modern Family to dialysis and the next day, a kidney transplant – what a woman!
The petite star is a role model for women facing health challenges and openly talks about her conditions.
Olivia Culpo, 29, model
Within the tanned toned body of the gorgeous model lies endometriosis.
After years of painful periods, the former Miss USA and Miss Universe celebrity underwent surgery for endometriosis in 2020.
She showed her recovery and heart-shaped bandages on her Instagram.
Chrissy Teigen, 35, model and author
In 2020, Chrissy and her husband John Legend lost their baby, Jack, at 20 weeks. On what would’ve been their son’s due week, Chrissy underwent surgery for endometriosis.
Jack was conceived naturally, however, the couple’s two other children were IVF.
Dolly Parton, 75, singer, songwriter and actress
The superstar struggled with endometriosis during her career and even wrote the song ‘PMS Blue’ about her menstrual problems.
In 1982 at the age of 36, she was admitted to hospital with severe pain, mid-way through her America and Canada tour.
She underwent a partial hysterectomy which led to a battle with depression.
The surgery meant Dolly was unable to have children.
Daisy Ridley, 29, actress
The Star Wars actress was diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 15 via laparoscopy, a considerably early diagnosis compared to the average 25-35 years.
She revealed she still struggles with symptoms and also PCOS which affects her skin. She uses her social media platforms to raise awareness about gynaecological conditions, positive body image and self-esteem.
