Julianne Hough
The dancer and actress announced in 2008 that she had been diagnosed with endometriosis. She had suffered from an ovarian cyst, making it necessary to undergo surgery. She explains that at age 15, she experienced endometriosis symptoms, but as she had never heard of the disorder, she didn’t know what was going on.
Julianne Hough has since joined AbbVie’s “Get in the Know about ME in EndoMEtriosis” program. This program helps in spreading the word about what people can do regarding the debilitating condition.
Dolly Parton
During a 1982 tour covering 35 days, the globally celebrated country singer, songwriter, actress and author was taken to the hospital for a partial hysterectomy as a result of endometriosis.
She was 36 years old at the time. Dolly says that after learning that she would be unable to have children because of endometriosis, she suffered from episodes of severe depression.
Besides depression, she had suicidal thoughts—all because of this medical condition. Today, Dolly Parton is also actively involved in awareness-raising activities and education.
Padma Lakshmi
Lakshmi was diagnosed with endometriosis at 36. She is an outspoken advocate when it comes to educating people about the disease. In addition, she is the co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America.
Recently, Lakshmi told Entertainment Weekly that there is a possibility that the medical condition could have contributed to her separation and divorce from well-known author Salman Rushdie.
It took over 20 years for her to get a diagnosis as little was understood about the disease at the time. The top chef now looks at Krishna, her daughter, as a “miracle baby” as she never thought she would ever be able to conceive.
Whoopi Goldberg
Actress, talk show host, comedian, and singer, Whoopi Goldberg, was diagnosed with endometriosis over 3 decades ago.
Although she has known about her own endometriosis for many years, she thought that all women knew about the medical disorder and was shocked on discovering that somehow, the majority of women were not even aware of it.
After that discovery during the 2009 Endo Foundation’s Blossom Ball, she has become very active in spreading awareness and educating people about the disease.
Cyndi Lauper
The famous musician who has millions of global fans had her rise to international fame followed hard on the heels by a grave illness and a diagnosis of endometriosis.
In her memoir, Cyndi shares that it is only after fame came in the 80s that she was diagnosed with endometriosis.
She never hid her condition and she let her true self shine through by revealing her condition in her autobiography. The singer, actress, and songwriter had her son, Declyn, when she was 44. She is now in her 60s.
Lena Dunham
In early 2018, an article appeared on Vogue, stating Lena Dunham’s decision to get a hysterectomy to relieve excruciating endometriosis symptoms.
Dunham, now 31, had been living with the disorder for about a decade. She had undergone 8 surgical procedures in an effort to treat the condition.
Although she can not carry a child anymore, Lena Dunham, who only recently separated from Jack Antonoff after 5 years together, says she is now exploring surrogacy as an option.
Endometriosis is a very complex medical condition and can potentially affect anyone, including the rich and famous.
In most cases, celebrities are known for keeping quiet about issues revolving their health, but for endometriosis, several famous personalities have publicly talked about how it has affected their lives.
