Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley took to Facebook on Thursday and opened up about a medical condition which afflicts millions of women around the world – and many are applauding her for it.
The 24-year-old Londoner, who is currently shooting Star Wars: Episode VIII, is living with endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – a condition that can lead to fertility issues.
In her Facebook post, Daisy revealed she was diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 15. This condition, which is also shared by Girls star Lena Dunham, means cells like the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body. Symptoms can include heavy or painful periods and bleeding between periods.
Daisy Ridley has opened up about a medical condition (Jordan Strauss/Invision)
The Londoner also movingly details how the discovery of her polycystic ovaries made her feel.
“I can safely say feeling so self-conscious has left my confidence in tatters,” she said. But she also stressed that “progress is being made” and advised people to visit their doctor.
At 15 I was diagnosed with endometriosis. One …
Daisy added: “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.”
She concluded: “From your head to the tips of your toes we only have one body, let us all make sure ours is working in tip top condition, and take help if it’s needed. #wasthispostlongenough #maybethesehashtagscanbulkitupabit #alsohowmanybracketsdoesonewomanneed #ifyourereadingthisiapplaudyou #thisisaclaymaskincaseyourewondering.”
On social media, the response has been overwhelming, with many praising the young star.
We love you, Daisy!
I love Daisy Ridley so much. She's just so real and genuine and pure. 🌸🌸🌸
— alyssa (@sippinbluemilk) June 10, 2016
@_DaisyRidley_ Thank you so much for sharing your endo and PCOS struggle! I have both and they are not fun 😞
— Jenny Horner (@jennylynh) June 10, 2016
@veritypcos thank you #DaisyRidley :) living with PCOS can be a struggle but reading things like this make me feel so much more positive
— Holly Lucy Rose (@hollytotoro) June 10, 2016
Daisy Ridley's post is the first time I've read about someone's experience with PCOS and it didn't make me MORE anxious about my condition
— Emily Lemur (@emilemur) June 10, 2016
Daisy Ridley could hit me with a sledgehammer and I'd thank her
— Mark Buffalo (@Tis_Hannah) June 10, 2016
DAISY RIDLEY is amazing!
— Lorna Craigie (@LornaCraigie15) June 10, 2016
Where can I sign to adopt Daisy Ridley or have her adopt me ?
— #S (@me_loves_karmy) June 10, 2016
As someone who suffered from both illnesses, thank you, Daisy! #endometriosis #PCOS daisyridley's photo https://t.co/GoK9ugCUb2
— JoeyJ (@Nu_Age_Girl) June 10, 2016
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