"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" breakout star Daisy Ridley opened up about her years of struggle with endometriosis. Although an often-enough-heard term, not many realize the impact of endometriosis on a female.
Endometriosis is a condition that results from tissue that is supposed to line the womb growing outside of the uterus instead. This causes pain in the pelvic area, often debilitating, especially during menstruation and has been linked to infertility.
New York Daily News reports that according to Daisy Ridley, her journey to finding the cure for endometriosis was not an easy one. Daisy Ridley had to go through numerous consultations across the eight years since she was diagnosed with endometriosis.
Daisy Ridley also underwent laparoscopy, which for other endometriosis patients result in more pain than before the procedure, but luckily seems to have lessened the pain for the star. According to the "Star Wars" actress, however, her skin is also badly affected by endometriosis so that Daisy Ridley is unable to leave her house without makeup.
More than anything, though, Daisy Ridley made the revelation encouraging fans to take care of their health. Daisy Ridley also said not to feel any shame for wanting to care for one's health.
"Don't worry about sounding like a hypochondriac," Daisy Ridley said. "From your head to the tips of your toes we only have one body, let us all make sure our working in tip top condition, and take help if it's needed."
Daisy Ridley is not alone in her battle against endometriosis. Endometriosis News reports that recent studies found exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) among the leading causes of endometriosis and other reproductive health problems.
Pesticides, cosmetics, toys, food containers were named among the common sources of EDC exposure. Endometriosis News cites findings of the study "Female Reproductive Disorders, Diseases & Costs of Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in the European Union" in stating that health problems and loss caused by EDC costs the EU 157 billion euros annually.
The body uses natural hormones to signal how cells should grow and develop; EDCs interfere with this signal system. According to the study, an estimate of 145,000 cases of endometriosis is connected to EDC exposure.
