Lena Dunham is putting her health first.
The Girls star and creator won’t promote her hit HBO show’s new season because of an endometriosis flare-up, she announced Monday.
“As many of you know I have endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women’s reproductive health,” she captioned an Instagram of her hand lying on a bed. “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,” she added. “I’m lucky enough to have support and backup from Jenni [Konner], Judd [Apatow] and the whole Girls gang. So many women with this disease literally don’t have the option of time off and I won’t take it for granted. Wishing you all health & happiness, in whatever form suits you.”
Dunham, 29, opened up about her illness in November, writing about suffering from vaginal bleeding, cramps, exhaustion and mood swings for her Lenny Letter.
She said she treats the condition with monthly injections.
“I am strong because of what I’ve dealt with. I am oddly fearless for a wimp with no upper-body strength,” she said. “And I am no longer scared of my body. In fact, I listen to it when it speaks. I have no choice but to respect what it tells me, to respect the strength of its voice and the truth of my own.”
Girls season 5 premieres Feb. 21 at 10 p.m. ET on HBO.
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