Ella Henderson has urged people to have “more open conversations” about menstrual health as the X Factor star revealed she suffers with endometriosis.
The pop star, 29, recently told Instagram fans she was diagnosed with the condition back in January after years of painful symptoms.
One in 10 women live with endometriosis in the UK – and can take years for medics to identify it. But having needed to take time off work “due to health issues I’ve found difficult to explain”, Ella has now partnered up with a charity to help raise awareness.
Ella Henderson health news
“I often pushed through intense pain just to maintain appearances, not wanting to be judged or let anyone down including myself,” Ella explained in a Insta post address.
And in a video message, the Ghost hitmaker also shared how the last few years have been “a little bit of a rollercoaster”.
Ella added: “I’ve really been struggling, not only with stomach bloating, physical pain but also with my mental health on the basis that I thought at one point this was all just in my head.”
I thought at one point this was all just in my head.
The agonising condition occurs when cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow beyond the uterus.
Diagnosis was ‘difficult to swallow’
Ella also insisted she was determined to learn more about endometriosis and assist with facilitating further discussion.
“I don’t want future generations of women to go through what I did. I know that my situation isn’t unique and too many women unnecessarily suffer with undiagnosed endometriosis for far too long,” she said.
Ella also wrote in her social media upload how she wasn’t even familiar with endometriosis until a few months ago.
“The diagnosis was a difficult one to swallow,” she added. “But on the other hand it feels validating and empowering. It mean I wasn’t imagining things after all. And I could finally find a way forward and take control of my body.”
She also acknowledged how “there is not actual cure” and so “ongoing management will likely be part of my life.” Ella added: “More research is still needed to understand the condition and ultimately find a cure.”
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How fans reacted
Ella’s followers applauded her for her frankness and determination, with many sharing their own experiences of endometriosis.
“So glad you’ve had answers,” one fan told her in a post’s comments section.
“You are so brave for sharing this,” said a second.
And a third chipped in with: “Your story matters so much for many who are still misdiagnosed and dismissed.”
Meanwhile, the chief executive of Endometriosis UK Emma Cox hailed the singer: “Ella’s willingness to share her story will no doubt help others in their diagnosis journey, helping them access the care they need.”
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