Lili Reinhart has shared a deeply personal journey, revealing that she has been diagnosed with endometriosis. The Riverdale actress unfolded her path to this diagnosis on Instagram, disclosing that she learned the news "following laparoscopic surgery."
"Last year, I consulted a urogynecologist and was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. I was informed that there was no cure – and no lasting relief – for my symptoms," Reinhart wrote poignantly. "Three hospital visits. Multiple urologists and gynecologists. And none of them seriously considered endometriosis as the underlying cause of what I was experiencing."
Despite the lack of recognition from some medical professionals, Reinhart persevered. After working with "two different pelvic floor therapists" and "pushing for an MRI on my own," she was initially diagnosed with adenomyosis. However, when she met with an endometriosis specialist, they helped her decide that laparoscopic surgery was the next step. Despite a separate gynecologist telling her she "probably didn't have endo," Reinhart trusted her body and continued to advocate for herself.
Reinhart concluded, "I'm glad I trusted my body and listened to my gut, and I will continue advocating for others to do the same."
Mayo Clinic defines endometriosis as "an often-painful condition in which tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus." The Clinic also notes that "endometriosis can cause pain, especially during menstrual periods" and "fertility problems may develop," while treatment can aid in managing the condition.
Reinhart's career has been on an upward trajectory since her seven-season stint on Riverdale. She recently appeared in Uta Briesewitz's drama American Sweatshop and Cooper Raiff's comedy Hal & Harper. As she moves forward in her career, the actress told The Hollywood Reporter that she has been "very intentionally picky and selective" about the projects she wants to take on.
"I'm pivoting what I'm doing with my career. I'm moving away from network television and into indie movies, which is a big change and takes time," she explained. "I've been patient, and I'm grateful to my fans who have also been patient and sometimes wondered where I was. It's like I want to make sure that I'm doing this until I'm 80 years old, so each project has to have something special about it."
Reinhart will next star in the film adaptation of Ali Hazelwood's The Love Hypothesis; Meredith Alloway's horror-comedy Forbidden Fruits; and Brian Swibel's feature directorial debut, The Very Best People.
