Julianne Hough Bravely Shares Her Battle With Endometriosis

“I want the women that are going through debilitating pain to benefit from my story”

We all know that Julianne Hough is an immensely talented singer, dancer, and actress. What we didn’t know is that the Dancing with the Stars judge been struggling with endometreosis since she was a teen. 

According to The Endometriosis Association, endometriosis impacts over six million women in the United States alone. It occurs when the endometrium tissue that lines the uterus is found outside the uterus, which causes growths to develop, resulting in severe pain, and sometimes, infertility. “When I was 15, I had symptoms of endometriosis, but I had never heard of it,” she revealed. “I thought that this was just the kind of pain you have when you’re on your period. For years, for I was just thinking that was normal and never really talked about it.”

Well now, Julianne is speaking up as part of a new campaign called “Get in the Know About ME in EndoMEtriosis.” She wants to raise awareness about the disease so that no one feels alone in their pain – or continues to suffer that pain without knowing they might have endometriosis. Back in 2008, Julianne was rushed to the hospital with severe stomach pain and diagnosed with the disease.  “I don’t care about being private about this anymore because I really want the women that are going through debilitating pain to benefit from my story,” she shares. 

Check out the campaign here – and if you think you might be suffering from endometriosis, talk to your parent, school nurse, or doctor. You’re not alone, and you’re so beautiful now!