health

Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley says her self confidence is "in tatters" after battling endometriosis.

British actress Daisy Ridley, 24, has long been open about her battle with low self-esteem.

And today, in a raw and honest Instagram post, the Star Wars alumni has highlighted the cause of her problems: Acne-riddled skin, stemming from polycystic ovaries. “I can safely say feeling so self conscious has left my confidence in tatters,” she wrote to her two million followers. “I hate wearing makeup but I currently don’t want to leave the house without it on.”

When she was just 15 years old, the popular celebrity was diagnosed with endometriosis. The next eight years of her life were riddled with appointments and treatments, including a laparoscopy and various medications. Daisy says despite all of her efforts, she was still left with persistently temperamental, adolescent-like skin.

At 15 I was diagnosed with endometriosis. One laparoscopy, many consultations and 8 years down the line, pain was back (more mild this time!) and my skin was THE WORST. I’ve tried everything: products, antibiotics, more products, more antibiotics) and all that did was left my body in a bit of a mess. Finally found out I have polycycstic ovaries and that’s why it’s bad. I can safely say feeling so self conscious has left my confidence in tatters. I hate wearing make up but I currently don’t want to leave the house without it on. HOWEVER PROGRESS IS BEING MADE! (With some help from a dermatologist and cutting out dairy (waah, except for spontaneous ice creams) and cutting down sugar (bigger waah but gotta do what you’ve gotta do)). Finally. Finally. (Throughout all this I’ve only had people being wonderful and encouraging and occasionally making me realise I’m being ridiculous and there’s more to life)… My point is, to any of you who are suffering with anything, go to a doctor; pay for a specialist; get your hormones tested, get allergy testing; keep on top of how your body is feeling and don’t worry about sounding like a hypochondriac. From your head to the tips of your toes we only have one body, let us all make sure ours our working in tip top condition, and take help if it’s needed. #wasthispostlongenough #maybethesehashtagscanbulkitupabit #alsohowmanybracketsdoesonewomanneed #ifyourereadingthisiapplaudyou #thisisaclaymaskincaseyourewondering

A photo posted by @daisyridley on Jun 9, 2016 at 10:25am PDT

“I’ve tried everything: products, antibiotics, more products, more antibiotics) and all that did was left my body in a bit of a mess,” the star said. “Finally found out I have polycystic ovaries and that’s why it’s bad.”

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For those who are unaware, polycystic ovarian syndrome (or PCOS) affects a woman’s levels of estrogen and progesterone, meaning her ‘sex’ hormones are swung out of balance. In addition to the growth of benign cysts on the ovaries, sufferers may also experience changes in their menstrual cycle, fertility, appearance and heart function.

However, Daisy writes, not all hope is lost, and “with some help from a dermatologist and cutting out dairy and cutting down sugar,” positive progress is being made.

Watch below for an explainer on endometriosis (post continues after video…)

“My point is, to any of you who are suffering with anything, go to a doctor; pay for a specialist; get your hormones tested, get allergy testing; keep on top of how your body is feeling and don’t worry about sounding like a hypochondriac.

“From your head to the tips of your toes we only have one body, let us all make sure ours our working in tip top condition, and take help if it’s needed,” she concluded.

Hear hear, Daisy!

Do you suffer with polycystic ovaries? Let us know in the comments below.