Lili Reinhart Opens Up About Latest Endometriosis Surgical procedure
Actress Lili Reinhart is opening up about her difficult health journey.
In a new Instagram post, the star shed some light on what her life has been like living with endometriosis as well as how the diagnosis process went.
She shared a series of photos of herself preparing for surgery with a lengthy caption detailing her experience.
“Last week, I was officially diagnosed with endometriosis following laparoscopic surgery,” Reinhart shared in the caption of the post. “Last year, I saw a urogynecologist and was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. I was told there was no cure—and no lasting relief—for my symptoms.”
Reinhart then detailed the exhausting series of appointments she had to endure to push for more answers about the symptoms she was experiencing.
“Three hospital visits. Multiple urologists and gynecologists. And not one of them seriously considered endometriosis as the underlying cause of what I was experiencing,” Reinhart continued in the caption. “It wasn’t until I worked with two different pelvic floor therapists that the word endometriosis was even mentioned to me as a possible source of my pain.”
Even after all of that, her journey was far from over and she was still consistently invalidated by various medical professionals she encountered, Reinhart said.
“I pushed for an MRI on my own, which led to a diagnosis of adenomyosis,” Reinhart explained. “From there, I met with an endometriosis specialist who helped me decide that laparoscopic surgery was the next step I wanted to take—while, at the same time, another gynecologist told me I ‘probably didn’t have endo’ and should just go on the pill.”
In the end, Reinhart was glad she stuck with the daunting process and continuously advocated for herself. She hopes her candor will encourage others to do the same.
“I’m glad I trusted my body and listened to my gut and will continue advocating for others to do so,” she said. “Endometriosis is an extremely misunderstood disease, leaving often a 4-11 year gap between symptoms and a definitive surgical diagnosis. It’s estimated 1 in 10 people with uteruses have endo according to the World Health Organization.”
The comments were flooded with support for Reinhart as well as other women sharing their stories of reproductive health struggles.
Fellow actress Rachel Zegler commented her support, saying, “the medical gaslighting of women in particular is so crazy!!!! thank you for sharing your story!!!!!!!”
Isabela Merced, another fellow actress, also chimed in to say, “Proud of you for sharing. As someone who struggles with PCOS, I admire your strength ❤️”
The Endometriosis Foundation of America also commented, saying, “Thank you for being so open about your endometriosis journey, Lili. Speaking out takes courage — and it changes lives. Your story will bring awareness, validation, and hope to so many. 💛”