Florence Pugh has shared her decision to freeze her eggs at the age of 27 after receiving a surprising diagnosis of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Speaking candidly on the SHE MD podcast with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, the acclaimed actress explained how a routine check-up uncovered health challenges she had never anticipated.
Pugh, now 28, recalled how she sought medical advice after experiencing what she described as a sudden feeling that her body was trying to tell her something. “I’d had a few weird dreams and thought I should go and get everything checked,” she said. While discussing her symptoms with Dr. Aliabadi, she was encouraged to have an egg count, something she had never considered at her age.
To her surprise, the test revealed she had both endometriosis and PCOS—two chronic conditions that can significantly impact fertility. Pugh, who comes from a family she described as “baby-making machines,” said the diagnosis was an eye-opener. “I never assumed that I would be in any way different. Then, at age 27, I learned I needed to get my eggs out and do it quickly. It was a mind-boggling realization.”
Endometriosis and PCOS are conditions that affect at least one in ten people with ovaries in the UK, yet both are underdiagnosed and misunderstood. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body, often causing chronic pain, heavy periods, and fertility issues. PCOS, meanwhile, is a hormonal condition linked to irregular periods, weight gain, and excess hair growth, among other symptoms. Despite their prevalence, many people, like Pugh, are unaware of the risks until they experience significant health concerns.
Pugh also highlighted the lack of education around reproductive health, particularly for young women. She expressed gratitude for discovering her condition early enough to take proactive steps, noting how her diagnosis has already influenced her lifestyle. “If you have a dream of maybe one day being a mum, these things are so important—much like learning how to check for lumps in your breast.”
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 8-13% of women and people assigned female at birth globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite being so common, it is often underdiagnosed, with many waiting years to find out they have it. PCOS is a major cause of infertility and is linked to other serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and mental health problems. The lack of research into PCOS highlights a wider issue of neglect for conditions that primarily affect women. To change this, more funding for PCOS research is needed, along with better training for doctors and education about reproductive health in schools. Early diagnosis and better support would make a huge difference for those living with PCOS, helping to prevent long-term health problems and give people more control over their future.
The actress’s openness about her experience has sparked conversations about the importance of routine gynaecological care and early intervention. It also just emphasises the systemic neglect of women’s health. Reproductive conditions like endometriosis and PCOS are often dismissed, and funding for research remains disproportionately low. This reflects a historic disregard for women’s pain and a failure to prioritise their health in medical curricula and public discourse.
Florence Pugh’s story is a reminder of the need for increased awareness, education, and access to reproductive healthcare.