Florence Pugh is eager to raise awareness about a condition that has significantly impacted her life.

The 28-year-old actress, known for her role in “Little Women,” revealed during an appearance on the “She MD” podcast that she has been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.

She remarked, “Learning about this changed everything for me.”

Pugh’s doctor explained that after age 30, the quality of eggs for those with PCOS diminishes, and endometriosis can also affect the egg count and their quality. Given her diagnosis of both conditions, her doctor advised her to consider freezing her eggs.

Realizing she needed to act quickly to “retrieve my eggs” was quite a shocking moment for Pugh, who was 27 at that time.

She shared that she visited a gynecologist last summer after feeling a sudden urge to get checked, partly due to some strange dreams she was experiencing.

When the doctor inquired if she ever had an egg count done, Pugh was surprised and responded, “No. Why would I need that? I’m still young!”

After undergoing an egg count, Pugh learned she had PCOS and endometriosis, which finally clarified “the ongoing pain I’ve experienced.”

Pugh expressed confusion considering her family background, saying, “It’s strange since my family tends to have children easily. My mother had babies into her 40s, and my grandmother had many kids. I never expected to face any issues.”

Pugh stated she felt fortunate to have discovered her condition early, rather than five years later when she hopes to be ready for motherhood, saying, “I’ve wanted kids since I was a child.”

However, she empathized with women who receive such a diagnosis “far too late” and voiced her belief that there should be more education on these topics in schools.

“These are conversations that should start when girls begin their periods or become sexually active. It really shouldn’t take so long for someone to learn about a diagnosis they know nothing about.”

Understanding PCOS and Endometriosis

As per the Cleveland Clinic, PCOS happens when the ovaries produce an excess of hormones.

Individuals with PCOS may experience irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, and unpredictable ovulation patterns. Notably, it is one of the leading causes of infertility for women and those assigned female at birth. The condition can also result in acne.

On the other hand, endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside the uterus, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can lead to significant pain, particularly during menstruation, and may cause infertility issues.

Pugh mentioned on the podcast that she has dealt with symptoms like acne and weight changes, which she initially thought were just common aspects of womanhood and a slightly stressful lifestyle.

Other celebrities, including Keke Palmer and Bebe Rexha, have also shared their experiences with PCOS.

Keke Palmer revealed in a 2020 Instagram post, “Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome has been impacting my life significantly without me realizing it. I’ve dealt with severe acne, to the point where colleagues even offered to fund my treatment.” The post included a personal photo highlighting her struggles with acne.

Last year, Bebe Rexha shared with Jennifer Hudson that she unexpectedly gained around 30 pounds as a result of PCOS, and it was difficult for her to read negative comments online about her weight.

Daisy Ridley, known for her role in “Star Wars,” disclosed that she has polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, and Graves’ disease.

In a 2016 Instagram post, Ridley encouraged others facing health issues to seek medical help. She said, “For those who are suffering, please visit a doctor; invest in a specialist; have your hormones and allergies checked. Stay informed about how you feel. We only have one body, so let’s ensure we take care of it and seek assistance if needed.”