Lili Reinhart is using her platform to shine a light on a deeply personal health journey — and, in doing so, advocating for countless others navigating similar pain.
The Riverdale star revealed that she recently underwent laparoscopic surgery and was officially diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Her path to diagnosis, however, was long and filled with misdirection.
“Last week, I was officially diagnosed with endometriosis following laparoscopic surgery,” Reinhart shared on Instagram. “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. Three hospital visits. Multiple urologists and gynecologists. And not one of them seriously considered endometriosis as the underlying cause of what I was experiencing.”
She continued, detailing how the answer finally emerged. “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. I pushed for an MRI on my own, which led to a diagnosis of adenomyosis. 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.”
Reinhart emphasized the importance of trusting one’s instincts. “I’m glad I trusted my body and listened to my gut and will continue advocating for others to do so.”
She also shared critical context around the condition itself. “(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.)”
By speaking openly, Reinhart joined a growing chorus of voices challenging the normalization of pain and dismissal within women’s healthcare — turning her personal experience into an act of advocacy.
