Daisy Ridley Shared Her Personal Struggle With Endometriosis and How She's Fighting It

By Eleanor Sheehan

At 15 I was diagnosed with endometriosis. One laparoscopy, many consultations and 8 years down the line, pain was back (more mild this time!) and my skin was THE WORST. I've tried everything: products, antibiotics, more products, more antibiotics) and all that did was left my body in a bit of a mess. Finally found out I have polycycstic ovaries and that's why it's bad. 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)). 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. #wasthispostlongenough #maybethesehashtagscanbulkitupabit #alsohowmanybracketsdoesonewomanneed #ifyourereadingthisiapplaudyou #thisisaclaymaskincaseyourewondering

A photo posted by @daisyridley on

For anyone who suffers from endometriosis, you know how cripplingly painful it can be. Daisy Ridley understands your agony, as well. In an Instagram post, the Star Wars actress shared how she first struggled to be diagnosed correctly, only to eventually find out she has polycystic ovaries, which caused the endometriosis. Daisy went on to describe her routine to combat the skin problems that can accompany the disorder (no dairy, less sugar) and how her symptoms have improved.

Her inspiring message wasn't just about endometriosis; she also encouraged people to seek out specialists and to listen to their bodies — even if it means feeling like a hypochondriac. You're not wrong to want to fix something your body is telling you to fix. As she says, and we agree, you only have one body. Take care of it.