ACTRESS Daisy Edgar-Jones has spoken about a crippling health diagnosis – and going through ‘years of unexplained pain’.
The Normal People star, 27, opened up for the first time about suffering from a chronic disease.
The Golden Globe-nominated star told Vogue in a YouTube video: “I have endometriosis, so my hormones are kind of all over the place.
“I had extremely bad acne for most of my teenage years.
“When I had terrible acne, it was all I could see when I looked in the mirror.”
The Twisters star added: “For so long, I had such painful periods and really volatile skin.
“I was diagnosed when I was, I think I was 24. I was definitely relieved to find out why I was going through it.”
The chronic disease causes inflammation, scarring and – in many cases – excruciating pain.
According to the NHS, it affects around one in ten women of reproductive age in the UK – an estimated 1.5 million people – and there is no cure.
Daisy, who is in a relationship with photographer Ben Seed, said she has found ways to manage the condition’s hormonal effects through diet and skincare.
She explained: “I’ve found over the years skincare that really works for me.
“But I also find drinking lots of water and when I eat well – especially when I try and not eat as much dairy – that really helps.”
She also offered a heartfelt message to others struggling with breakouts.
“When I had terrible acne, it was all I could see when I looked in the mirror.
“But actually when I look back at photos and videos, it’s funny that so much of the beauty of you is inside and the confidence that you wear can really help.
“So I would say to anyone with acne – I know it’s all you can see, but it’s not what everyone else can see.”
The actress was born in Islington, North London, and grew up in the world of entertainment.
Her dad Phil is head of entertainment at Sky TV while her mum Wendy is a former film editor.
The actress was catapulted to fame thanks to her debut lead role in BBC lockdown smash-hit Normal People, alongside Paul Mescal.
The Bafta and Golden Globe-nominated actress trained with the National Youth Theatre from the age of 14 before landing her first professional job at 17, appearing in a Christmas special of BBC sitcom Outnumbered.
Daisy then joined the cast of Cold Feet as Olivia, the on-screen daughter of actress Hermione Norris – shortly before starring in the raunchy drama Normal People, an adaptation of the best-selling Sally Rooney novel.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body.
Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding.
Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape.
This can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.
In the UK, around 1.5 million women and people assigned female at birth are currently living with the condition.
Not everyone with endometriosis experiences symptoms.
Symptoms can vary in intensity and the amount of endometriosis does not always correspond to the amount of pain and discomfort people have.
The classic endometriosis symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain
- Painful periods that interfere with everyday life
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain when having a poo
- Pain when peeing
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Fatigue
Source: Endometriosis UK