Florence Pugh announces shock diagnosis that ‘completely changed’ her life

Hollywood star Florence Pugh has candidly shared how being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis “completely changed” her life.

The We Live in Time actress, 28, revealed the news during an appearance on the SHE MD podcast, where she also discussed her decision to freeze her eggs to safeguard her dream of having a family. Both conditions can impact fertility.

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Endometriosis is a debilitating condition, affecting one in nine women in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the womb, sometimes moving to other areas of the body.

The nature of the condition keeps many women from talking openly about it or seeking medical advice.

“My life has completely changed since finding out this information, in a great way—it means I have to be on the ball,” Pugh said.

Florence Pugh recalled how a gut instinct prompted her to seek medical advice. Credit: Getty

The British star recalled how a gut instinct prompted her to seek medical advice.

“I just had this sudden feeling that I should go and get everything checked,” she said. “I’d had a few weird dreams, and I think my body was telling me. So I asked my close friends if they knew any amazing gynaecologists.”

During her visit, Dr Shahrzad Aliabadi, a world-renowned OBGYN and co-host of the podcast, suggested an egg count.

“And I was like, ‘No, what do you mean? I’m so young. Why do I need an egg count?’” Pugh said.

The results were eye-opening.

Pugh was diagnosed with PCOS and endometriosis, which she said explained the “daily pain” she had been experiencing.

“It was so bizarre because my family are baby-making machines. My mum had babies into her 40s, and my gran had so many kids. I just never assumed I’d be any different,” she said.

However, the diagnosis was a wake-up call. At 27, Pugh realised she needed to act fast to preserve her fertility.

“Learning that I need to get my eggs out and do it quickly was just a mind-boggling realisation,” she said.

“But I’m really lucky and glad that I found out when I did because I’ve been wanting kids since I was a child.”

Florence Pugh attends A24's ‘We Live in Time’ New York Screening. Credit: Marleen Moise/Getty Images

Aliabadi explained on the podcast that untreated endometriosis could affect egg count and quality, while PCOS patients often have many eggs, but their quality decreases after the age of 30.

Pugh emphasised the importance of speaking openly about PCOS and endometriosis to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help.

“I’ve been able to tell my friends about what I’m going through,” she said.

“Since then, two or three of them have gone to get checked, and they’ve also found out they have the same thing.”

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis affects one in nine people with female reproductive organs.

It can leave those affected in so much pain that they are unable to participate in work, social and other life commitments.

“Endometriosis is a common disease in which the tissue that is similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it in other parts of the body,” Endometriosis Australia said on its website.

“Whilst endometriosis most often affects the reproductive organs, it is frequently found in the bowel and bladder and has been found in muscle, joints, the lungs and the brain.”

There are two main problems that occur with endometriosis, for which there is no cure — pain and infertility.

Other symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Pain that stops you on or around your period
• Pain during or after sex
• Heavy bleeding or irregular bleeding
• Pain with bowel movements
• Pain when you urinate
• Pain in your pelvic region, lower back or legs