Oscar-nominated actress Florence Pugh has shared her personal experience with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, conditions that led her to freeze her eggs at just 27 years old. Speaking on the SHE MD podcast with her gynecologist, Dr. Thais Aliabadi, Pugh described the “mind-boggling” journey of navigating her diagnoses and preserving her fertility.
Pugh revealed she sought medical attention after experiencing symptoms she initially attributed to stress and the natural challenges of womanhood, such as weight fluctuations, acne, and excess hair growth. However, a persistent feeling that “something was off” prompted her to schedule a checkup.
During the appointment, Dr. Aliabadi asked if Pugh had ever considered counting her eggs, a question the actress hadn’t encountered before, given her age. Testing revealed hormone imbalances consistent with PCOS and evidence of endometriosis—two conditions among the leading causes of infertility.
Pugh also recalled a contrasting experience with a London-based doctor who dismissed the diagnoses she received in Los Angeles. Despite sharing the results of her egg count and hormone tests, the UK doctor told her she would likely have no trouble conceiving into her 30s. Dr. Aliabadi, reacting on the podcast, remarked that Pugh’s story is emblematic of what many women endure daily. Both PCOS and endometriosis are frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leaving many women without the support they need to manage their reproductive health.
PCOS occurs when the ovaries produce excess androgens, leading to hormonal imbalances. Symptoms include irregular or painful periods, weight gain, thinning hair, acne, and abnormal hair growth. Endometriosis involves uterine tissue growing outside the uterus, often causing painful periods, bloating, and potential infertility. Both conditions are widespread, with approximately 1 in 10 women affected by PCOS and an estimated 200 million people globally living with endometriosis. Despite their prevalence, these conditions remain underdiagnosed, especially among women of color, who face additional barriers due to racial biases and stigmatization of symptoms like weight gain.
For Pugh, whose family has a history of late pregnancies, the diagnoses were unexpected. “My family are baby-making machines,” she said, referencing her mother’s pregnancies into her 40s. Still, she expressed gratitude for catching the conditions early and taking proactive steps to secure her future plans for motherhood. Recognizing her privilege in accessing early and specialized care, Pugh underscored the importance of broader education and awareness about PCOS and endometriosis. “These conditions can define whether or not someone can have children,” she said, calling for better healthcare education and resources to help others avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Through her candid conversation, Pugh hopes to inspire others to prioritize their reproductive health and seek answers when something feels amiss. Her story sheds light on the challenges many women face while navigating often-overlooked conditions, emphasizing the need for compassionate and informed care in addressing fertility issues.
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