I think — nay, I know — a lot of us push ourselves way too far in terms of our bodies (see: yesterday I worked from bed with a hot water bottle on my stomach because my cramps made me want to die — hello, how are you), but Lena Dunham is having none of it.
In fact, the creator and star of Girls took to Facebook yesterday to explain that she’d be taking some time off because of her endometriosis.
“I just wanted you to know that, while I am so excited for Girls to return on February 21, I won’t be out and about doing press for the new season,” she wrote. “As many of you know, I have endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women’s reproductive health. I am currently going through a rough patch with the illness and my body (along with my amazing doctors) let me know, in no uncertain terms, that it’s time to rest. That’s a hard thing to do, but I’m trying, because all I want is to make season 6 of Girls the best one yet.”
“I’m lucky enough to have the support and backup from Jenni, Judd and the whole Girls gang,” she continued. “So many women with this disease literally don’t have the time or option of time off and I won’t take it for granted. Wishing you all health and happiness, in whatever form suits you.”
So here’s hoping she feels better soon — but more importantly, here’s hoping this means we can talk more about the realities of endometriosis and how terrible women’s reproductive health can make us feel. (Not joking: we’re all grown-ass women and many of us still talk about it in very hushed voices, which is ridiculous, since we are half the population and this is the way our bodies work.
It’s a bummer we need a celebrity to bring light to a disorder like this, and even more that women who aren’t famous have to navigate the realities of endometriosis without the ability to tap out and take time off. (Like my Mum, who had a hysterectomy for her endometriosis when I was eight.) So may more awareness stem from this. And from that, more time off for women who need it.
