Florence Pugh has opened up about the emotional journey she faced when discovering she had to freeze her eggs at 27. The star of We Live in Time shared that learning she had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis was a “mind-boggling” experience, especially since these conditions can significantly impact fertility.
In a candid conversation with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, known as “Dr. A,” and women’s health advocate Mary Alice Haney on the SHE MD podcast, Pugh discussed the moment she realized the importance of acting quickly on her fertility preservation.
The Shocking Realization
Pugh, now 28, described how she first began to feel something was off. “I had this sudden feeling that I should go and get everything checked. I’d had a few weird dreams; I think my body was telling me,” she explained. After visiting Dr. A, she was asked if she had ever had an egg count done. “I was so young, I didn’t think I needed one,” Pugh admitted. However, the results were life-changing: Dr. A diagnosed her with PCOS and endometriosis, two conditions that can impact fertility.
More Read
“I’ve always wanted kids,” Pugh shared, expressing her shock. “I come from a family where making babies is no big deal—my mom had children into her forties, my gran had babies throughout her life. So learning I needed to freeze my eggs at 27 was a mind-boggling realization.”
What Are PCOS and Endometriosis?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility among women. This hormonal disorder can cause irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth. In fact, it is one of the most significant factors leading to difficulty conceiving.
Endometriosis, another condition Pugh was diagnosed with, occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. This can cause severe pelvic pain, heavy periods, and infertility. According to experts like the Cleveland Clinic, both PCOS and endometriosis require women to be proactive in managing their health, especially if they plan to have children in the future.
The Importance of Education and Awareness
Pugh emphasized how crucial it is for young women to learn about these conditions early on. “It’s not something that most young women think about in their twenties,” she said. “When you’re 20-something, you’re not really focused on your future fertility. But if you have dreams of becoming a mom one day, it’s something to be aware of.”
She also pointed out the lack of education on fertility health and how it can impact women’s choices. “Learning about PCOS and how it affects your fertility should be part of school education, just like how we’re taught about finding lumps in our breasts,” she explained. “Knowing what’s going on in your body is key to making informed decisions about your future.”
