Florence Pugh has opened up about the life-changing decision to freeze her eggs at 27 after being diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. These conditions, which can significantly affect fertility, prompted the actress to take proactive steps to preserve her chances of becoming a mother in the future.
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Speaking on the SHE MD podcast, the We Live in Time star shared how an instinctive feeling led her to get a health check. “I had some strange dreams. I think my body was trying to tell me something,” she explained.
During her consultation with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, a Beverly Hills gynecologist, the suggestion to check her egg count came as a surprise. “I thought, ‘Why would I need an egg count? I’m so young,’” Pugh recalled.
Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi (aka, Dr. A).Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty
After undergoing the tests, Pugh was diagnosed with PCOS and endometriosis, conditions she hadn’t previously considered might affect her. PCOS, a hormonal disorder, and endometriosis, which causes tissue similar to the uterine lining to grow in other areas, can both lead to fertility challenges. Despite coming from a family where women had children into their forties, the diagnosis forced her to face a stark reality.
“It was a mind-boggling realization,” Pugh admitted. “I’ve always wanted kids, and to suddenly learn I needed to act quickly to freeze my eggs was a shock. I’m so grateful I found out when I did.”
Pugh also reflected on symptoms she had ignored, such as acne, hair growth in unexpected places, and weight fluctuations. “I thought these were just parts of being a woman or living a stressful life,” she said. The diagnosis prompted her to reevaluate her lifestyle and take steps to manage the conditions while planning for the future.
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She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about PCOS and endometriosis, which are common yet often misunderstood. “We need to be educated about these things early, even in school. It could define whether you can have children or not,” she said.
The actress also noted how her diagnosis resonated with her role in We Live in Time, where her character faces a life-altering decision about motherhood. “It mirrors the real struggles women face—balancing ambition, personal goals, and the pressure to think about starting a family,” she explained.
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By sharing her experience, Pugh hopes to shed light on these conditions and encourage women to take control of their health. “If you dream of becoming a mother, these conversations are as vital as learning about any other health issue,” she said.
Florence Pugh’s candid reflections highlight the importance of awareness and early action when it comes to fertility and reproductive health, offering hope and insight to others facing similar challenges.
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