X Factor star reveals she's been diagnosed with debilitating condition and had surgery after years of pain
The singer, who rose to fame on the hit ITV talent show, bravely opened up about her hidden health battle - telling fans she was left in 'chronic pain' before finally getting answers from doctors.
5
Ella Henderson, who shot to fame on The X Factor in 2012, has been diagnosed with endometriosis - a condition that affects 1 in 10 women and can cause intense pelvic pain, fatigue, and fertility issues.
The 29-year-old revealed she kept her agony private for years before finally undergoing secret surgery to manage the condition.
Taking to Instagram, she told fans: "After years of struggling with confusing and challenging health problems including stomach bloating, bowel pain and heavy periods, plus countless GP appointments leading to scans, tests and the feeling that maybe the pain was all in my head, I was officially diagnosed with Endometriosis in January this year.
"The revelation came after a laparoscopy, which found severe endometriosis behind my uterus and scar tissue affecting my
bladder and bowel.
"For those who are unfamiliar with this condition (just like I was only months ago) - endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body.
"The diagnosis was a difficult one to swallow but on the other hand it feels validating and empowering. It meant I wasn't imagining things after all, and 1 could finally find a way forward and take control of my body.
"My long journey to an endometriosis diagnosis is not unique. It takes on average up to 9 years in the UK, which for many like me, can put an immense mental and physical toll on you.
"Living in chronic pain, not being believed, and constant misdiagnosis led to periods of depression, isolation and anxiety. If health practitioners had recognised my endometriosis symptoms sooner, I might all that have been spared.
"Although it took a long time (like many women out there) to finally get a definitive diagnosis, it has allowed me to receive appropriate and life-changing support. Which, in my case, was surgery, that so far helped to significantly reduce my symptoms.
"Unfortunately, there is no actual cure for endometriosis, So ongoing management will likely be part of my life, whether that's
through lifestyle changes, pain management, or other treatments. More research is still needed to understand the condition and ultimately find a cure.
"Having now officially become among the one in 10 women in the UK with endometriosis, l am so aware of how many aspects of my life were significantly being impacted.
"As a teenager, I remember there were times I missed school due to severe period pain and fatigue. And more recently, I've needed time off work due to health issues which I've found difficult to explain.
"I love my job and feel so lucky and grateful to be able to do what I do, so the thought of cancelling shows is something l've battled with.
"I often pushed through intense pain just to maintain appearances, not wanting to be judged or let anyone down including myself.
"So why am I telling you all this? Put imply, I don't want future generations of women to go through what I did. I know that my situation isn't unique, and too many women unnecessarily suffer with
undiagnosed endometriosis for far too long.
"That's why I am partnering with the charity Endometriosis UK. I want to raise awareness of this condition and campaign for real change.
"My hope is to be a voice for those still searching for answers and show those living with endometriosis that they're not alone.
"Endometriosis UK is working to reduce the shockingly long diagnosis time, calling on Governments across the UK to ensure menstrual wellbeing education is implemented in all schools as well as improving education and awareness of endometriosis for all healthcare practitioners, including GPs, pharmacists and A&E doctors.
"Without this education, those with the disease will continue to
face challenges in getting a diagnosis and accessing the right care at the right time.
"As part of their mission to reduce diagnosis times, Endometriosis UK has an endometriosis symptoms checker. In just 60 seconds you can find out if your symptoms could be a sign of the condition, and if they are, then an automated personalised letter is created
with your symptoms to give to your GP.
"And whether you have a diagnosis or not, the charity's experienced nurse-led support helpline team is ready to provide expert information and guidance.
"Those are two really fantastic resources that I would definitely have benefited from when I was on my diagnosis journey & l wish I'd known about them sooner!
"My ultimate goal here, like Endometriosis UK, is that want anyone living with this condition to feel a sense of empowerment and be enabled to take back control of their lives by knowing what is actually
going on with their bodies.
"I believe it is so important that we begin to have more open conversations about menstrual health and endometriosis.
"Spreading awareness and knowledge by having wider discussions on the matter is key. The only way we can feel more comfortable and in control is by sharing our own experiences.
"For me, I have found a lot of healing and comfort within talking more openly about my own personal journey. Even if me using my platform can help even just one other person - it's worth it! E xx"
Many thanked the Ghost hitmaker for speaking out, with one writing: "Thank you so much for sharing your story, it helps so much!"
Dozens more hailed her as an 'inspiration,' with fans sharing their own stories in solidarity.
Another added: "Welcome to the Endo Warrior crew 💛 I'm so happy you found Answers. When I first got diagnosed I felt defeated but also happy they found a reason for my pain."
A third penned: "Thank you for highlighting the fight we have as women to be heard and taken seriously about the pain that we go through on a monthly basis. Keep fighting & raising awareness."
5
5
5
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
41 minutes ago
- The Guardian
‘Changed my life': hepatitis treatment offers hope but not enough receiving care, report finds
In 1989 David Clune was a young dad with four children when he was diagnosed with hepatitis B and C. Being told he wouldn't get to see them grow up 'was like a spear went through my heart', he remembers. Clune is not sure how he contracted the virus. However, entering state care in New Zealand at the age of 10, he experienced abuse and neglect as he was cycled through eight different homes, three youth detention centres, one adult remand centre and a psychiatric hospital, and was exposed to shared needles for tattooing and drugs. Clune quit drugs when he was 17 after meeting his long-term partner Grace and focused on their young family and working in a farming community. But life in the community became untenable after the stigma of Clune's diagnosis came at the same time as the Aids epidemic. 'They didn't have the understanding as they do now. It was that horrific that the children that used to play with my children in the community were no longer allowed to.' Clune progressively became sicker. 'I was a dying young dad – my organs were all failing, my kidney, my liver, my heart was under stress, everything. I was in really bad shape.' Sign up: AU Breaking News email In 1992, in the face of stigma, Clune's family emigrated to Brisbane with only $180. When he got to Australia his doctor referred him to the hepatology unit at Princess Alexandria hospital. 'Those guys changed my life,' he says. 'They knew what I'd been through and they built my trust. And when they built my trust, they built my health.' Clune is among the 300,000 people in Australia who live with hepatitis B and hepatitis C – viruses that affect the liver and which, without treatment, can lead to liver disease and liver cancer. For Clune and others, life has become significantly better now there is a cure for hepatitis C and treatment for hepatitis B, but a new report shows many people aren't receiving this care because they don't realise they are at risk or are disconnected from care. Released by Hepatitis Australia on Monday, it shows how hepatitis of all types is distributed among a typical 100 people affected. It concludes that 69 of those 100 people are living with hepatitis B, which is overwhelmingly the most prevalent blood-borne virus in Australia. The remaining 24 are living with hepatitis C, four are living with both hepatitis B and D, and three are living with hepatitis B and hepatitis C. However, only one in three people living with hepatitis B know they have it, and more than half are not receiving the care they need to appropriately monitor their liver health and viral load, and determine if and when antiviral treatment should commence, the report found. Most people (70 out of 100) with hepatitis B were born overseas, according to the report, titled 'If hepatitis was 100 people'. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion 'While people born in Australia since the year 2000 (when hepatitis B vaccinations began being routinely offered) are protected, people born before then, or those born overseas could be living with the virus and not know it because the symptoms often aren't obvious until the liver is severely damaged,' Lucy Clynes, the chief executive of Hepatitis Australia, said. The number of people living with hepatitis C has more than halved since 2016 when unrestricted access to direct-acting antiviral cures became available, but the uptake of the cure has declined 'significantly' since then, the report found. Stigma and discrimination associated with injecting drug use remains a barrier for all people living with hepatitis C in accessing treatment, the report stated. Out of 100 people with hepatitis C, 84 no longer inject drugs or contracted the disease in other ways. Clynes said the work to ensure people who inject drugs are receiving the cure has been effective, 'which is why we're seeing a change in the population'. The people who contracted hepatitis C in other ways – which could be unsafe tattooing, receiving a blood transfusion before 1990 (when screening was introduced) or getting a medical or dental procedure in a country with poor blood safety regulations, are less likely to be interacting with medical services, Clynes said. The report says population-wide testing should be carried out urgently, along with targeted education, and culturally safe care pathways – otherwise Australia will not meet its commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030, in line with global WHO targets.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
I lost seven stone WITHOUT Mounjaro – here's three very simple things I've done that have helped me slim down & tone up
A MOTHER has revealed that she lost seven stone without using Mounjaro. According to Lucy, instead of injecting herself with fat jabs, she swears by three very simple and straightforward things to slim down and tone up. 2 2 Posting on social media, the mum, who is from the UK, gave her followers a before and after look at her weight loss, leaving many totally stunned. Rather than forking out the cash and travelling abroad for weight loss surgery, this mother swears by eating right and exercising to get a body of dreams. And not only does she look incredible, but people are struggling to believe she is the same person as the woman in her 'before' photos. The stunner, who has slimmed down and is now '7 stone lighter' attributes her weight loss to three healthy habits - eating in a calorie deficit, walking and weight lifting. Lucy explained that she is breastfeeding, so isn't able to use Mounjaro. As a result, she took matters into her own hands on a mission to slim down and when it comes to her diet, rather than eating nothing but fruit and vegetables, she swears by a big focus on protein. She confirmed that she consumes 180g of protein every day, as well as 27g to 30g of fiber. When it comes to walking, the savvy mum stressed the importance of doing 10,000 steps every single day, which she has been doing since 1st September 2024. And when she's not walking, she's exercising in the gym. According to this content creator, who believes strongly in being consistent, if you want to feel your best and lose weight, lifting weights is key. I'm a 'former fatty' who lost 12 stone WITHOUT jabs - being slim means I don't have to eat in the car to avoid judgement This mother confirmed that she goes to the gym four times a week and does two glute focused sessions, one catered to full body exercises and another on her upper body. After putting the effort in, less than a year since kicking off her health and fitness journey, Lucy has now reached her goal weight and doesn't want to lose any more. The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss. But burning fat can be easy and mostly free. In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all... Don't skip breakfast Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. Eat regular meals Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. Eat plenty of fruit and veg Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Get more active Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. Drink lots of water People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. Eat high fibre foods Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. Read food labels Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. Use a smaller plate Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. Don't ban foods Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. Don't stock junk food To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. Cut down on alcohol A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. Plan your meals Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list. Social media users gush Her TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ lucy52915, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 844,000 views, 21,600 likes and 1,169 comments. Social media users were gobsmacked by Lucy's weight loss and many eagerly flocked to the comments to express this. One person said: 'You can tell this is natural too. No Mounjaro and excuses here! Well done for creating new habits and not cheating. This will set you up for life.' Another added: 'That is an amazing achievement. You should be so proud of yourself.' How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight - and this is why Reduced alorie intake: Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss. Lower Insulin Levels: Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat. Decreased Cravings: Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet. Improved Satiety: Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption. Better Nutrient Intake: When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts. Reduced Fat Storage: High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect. Enhanced Metabolism: Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss. By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being. A third commented: 'Wow you look amazing!! Well done.' At the same time, one user gushed: 'Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done.' Meanwhile, someone else gasped: 'If that's the same person fair play.'
Sky News
2 hours ago
- Sky News
Conservatives vow to ban doctor strikes - as Kemi Badenoch hits out at 'militant' union
The Conservatives would ban strikes for doctors, Kemi Badenoch has said. The Tory leader said she would treat doctors the same as the army and police in order to bring the walkouts to an end. Under UK law, police officers, members of the armed forces and some prison officers are banned from striking. Resident doctors - previously known as junior doctors - began their five-day strike across England on Friday as part of an escalating row between NHS bosses and the British Medical Association (BMA) over pay. Last July, they were awarded a raise of 22% over two years, the highest public sector award in recent years. But the BMA has argued that pay has declined significantly since 2008 when adjusting for inflation and is calling for a pay rise of 29.2% to reverse "pay erosion". The latest deal saw doctors given a 4% increase, plus £750 "on a consolidated basis" - which comes to an average rise of 5.4%. Speaking to reporters, MS Badenoch said it was now Tory policy to ban strikes for resident doctors, arguing the BMA had become "too militant". "We have seen 11 strikes in the last sort of 18 months, two years," she said. "People are dying and it's costing the NHS billions. We need to bring these strikes to an end." She said she would also introduce minimum service levels for strikes - something that was brought in under Liz Truss's short tenure as prime minister before being repealed by the current government. The Conservatives argue their proposals would bring the UK in line with other nations across the world, including Australia and Canada, where restrictions on doctors striking are tighter. Meanwhile, Greece, Italy and Portugal have laws ensuring minimum service levels are in place across their health services. Speaking to Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Dr Tom Dolphin, the chair of the BMA, said doctors "don't want to be on strike" but felt they had no choice. "The reason that we are worried about the NHS and we're worried about the workforce in the NHS, is because doctors are being undervalued," he said. "They're leaving the NHS in large numbers, and what we're trying to do is make sure that the offer that's there from the NHS, the pay, the total reward package, is enough to recruit and retain the best doctors that the patients deserve in the NHS."
