Florence Pugh reveals her decision to freeze her eggs after being diagnosed with PCOS and endometriosis at age 27. The actress emphasizes the need for awareness about these conditions and their impact on fertility, advocating for education among young women.
- THIS is Florence Pugh's fertility journey
- She spoke of the importance of awareness
- Pugh has PCOS and endometriosis
Florence Pugh's Fertility Journey
Florence Pugh, acclaimed for her roles in films like 'Oppenheimer' and 'Thunderbolts,' has taken a significant step in her personal life by freezing her eggs at 27. The decision came after a startling diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, conditions known to affect fertility.
Speaking candidly on Dear Media’s 'SHE MD' podcast with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney, Pugh described the experience as "mind-boggling." She shared how a series of unusual dreams prompted her to get checked, leading to the discovery that she needed to "get my eggs out, and do it quickly."
During her conversation with Dr. Aliabadi, Pugh recounted her initial disbelief when asked about her egg count. "No what do you mean? I'm so young. Why do I need an egg count?" she questioned.
The diagnosis was unexpected, given her family's history of late pregnancies. Despite this, Pugh embraced the reality of her situation, expressing gratitude for discovering these issues early. "I've been wanting kids since I was a child," she admitted, highlighting the importance of taking proactive steps to safeguard her future.
Education is key
"It was just so bizarre because my family are baby-making machines. My mom had babies into her forties. My gran had babies throughout … 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 realization, 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."
Pugh is now using her platform to advocate for greater awareness about PCOS and endometriosis. She emphasized the need for education, stating, "It wouldn't be that hard to educate everybody on this when you're at school." The actress believes that understanding these conditions is crucial for young women who dream of motherhood.
Pugh said she’d heard of PCOS but "didn't think that it was something that is common. I really just thought that it was something that you'd feel and that you'd know you had and that it wasn't really a worry."
“And then of course you find out you do have it, and you realize you have to change your lifestyle, you have to be proactive and think ahead into the future," the Academy Award nominee said. "I think [for] lots of young women, that's not really necessarily what you're thinking of doing when you're In your 20s."
By sharing her story, Pugh hopes to encourage others to take their reproductive health seriously and consider their future options.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a leading cause of infertility, affecting hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive health. Symptoms can include irregular periods, acne, and excessive hair growth. Endometriosis, on the other hand, involves tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus, causing pain and potential fertility issues.
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Pugh noted that she experienced symptoms like "acne… hair that shouldn't be in certain places," which she initially dismissed as typical. Her story underscores the importance of recognizing these symptoms and seeking medical advice early.