Florence freezes eggs after surprise endometriosis and PCOS diagnosis
Florence Pugh – known for her roles in Don’t Worry Darling, Dune Part Two, and Little Women — has shared an update about her health, revealing on a podcast this week that she’s been diagnosed with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). As a result, the Oscar-nominated actor said she’s opted to freeze her eggs, something which she hadn’t expected to do as a 28-year-old woman.
Speaking on the SHE MD podcast — hosted by Dr Thaïs Aliabadi (a world-renowned OB-GYN) and women’s advocate and influencer Mary Alice Haney — Florence said the surprise diagnosis came about after a routine check.
“I had this sudden feeling that I should go and get everything checked,” she said. “I’d had a few weird dreams, I think my body was telling me [something].”
Florence admitted to previously noticing symptoms like “acne [and] hair that shouldn’t be in certain places,” but had put all that down to “part of being a woman” who leads a “slightly stressful life.”
To that, her doctor asked if she’d ever had an egg count. “‘No, what do you mean? I’m so young. Why do I need an egg count?’” Florence had replied. Following the egg count, the 28-year-old’s doctor diagnosed her with endometriosis and PCOS, conditions which can make getting pregnant (or having a healthy pregnancy) more difficult. This news was a shock to Florence, who comes from a large family and has always dreamed of having her own children.
“It was just so bizarre because my family are baby-making machines. My mom had babies into her forties,” she said. “And then of course, I learned completely different information, at age 27, that I need to get my eggs out, and do it quickly, which was just a bit of a mind-boggling realisation, and one that I’m really lucky and glad that I found out when I did because I’ve been wanting kids since I was a child.”
As for how the diagnosis has impacted her, the free-the-nipple advocate said she’s had to change her lifestyle. “You have to be proactive and think ahead into the future.”
“I think [for] lots of young women, that’s not really necessarily what you’re thinking of doing when you’re in your twenties.”
Elsewhere in the podcast, Florence highlighted how little is known about both conditions. “It wouldn’t be that hard to educate everybody on this when you’re at school,” she said, noting how she hopes to use her platform to raise awareness. “It’s something that will be the defining factor of whether you can have children or not.”
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a long-term and often painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in the body. Symptoms can include: painful and/or heavy periods; pelvic pain; painful sex; bowel issues; urinary symptoms; and infertility.
Despite affecting at least one in 10 people of reproductive age, as well as up to 70% of people who are undergoing investigation for chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis diagnosis times in the UK are at an all time high at nine years.
More on endometriosis.
What is PCOS?
Like endometriosis, PCOS affects around one in 10 women (and those with ovaries) in the UK. The cause is unknown, but it is linked to abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high levels of insulin.
Symptoms typically start to appear during the late teens or early twenties and can include: irregular periods (or no periods at all); excess facial or body hair; difficulty getting pregnant; weight gain; oily skin; acne; and enlarged ovaries. However, many people experience no symptoms at all, meaning the condition can go undiagnosed well into adulthood.
More on PCOS.
What is egg freezing?
Egg freezing is an option for women (and those with a uterus) hoping to preserve their fertility so they can have children in the future. It involves collecting eggs, freezing them, and thawing them later so that they can be used in fertility treatment — like IVF.
More on egg freezing.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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