Lena Dunham Won’t Attend Girls Press Tour Due to Health Concerns

Lena Dunham announced on Monday that she won’t be doing press for the upcoming season of Girls due to complications related to her endometriosis. The 29-year-old actress shared a post on Instagram and Facebook detailing the reasons behind her decision and expressing her disappointment.

“As many of you know I have endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women’s reproductive health,” she wrote. “I am currently going through a rough patch with the illness and my body (along with my amazing doctors) let me know, in no uncertain terms, that it’s time to rest. That’s a hard thing to do, but I’m trying, because all I want is to make season 6 of Girls the best one yet.”

Read More: Watch the New Trailer for Girls Season 5

Dunham first opened up about her illness in her Lenny Letter newsletter this past November, where she explained that the condition causes “pain, fatigue, nausea, gastrointestinal problems, and a host of other physical symptoms.”

She wrote on Monday that she was thankful to be able to put her health first. “I’m lucky enough to have support and backup from Jenni [Konner], Judd [Apatow] and the whole Girls gang,” she said. “So many women with this disease literally don’t have the option of time off and I won’t take it for granted.”

Season five of Girls will premiere on Sunday, Feb. 21 on HBO.