Riverdale Actress Lili Reinhart Diagnosed With Endometriosis, Recalls Doctors Dismissed Her Pain
Lili Reinhart, the 29-year-old actress best known for her role as Betty Cooper in the CW series "Riverdale," has revealed her recent diagnosis of endometriosis. In a candid Instagram post on Thursday, December 11, 2025, Reinhart shared a series of photos from a hospital bed, detailing her journey to receiving an accurate diagnosis. She highlighted the challenges she faced and the importance of advocating for oneself in the face of medical dismissal.
Reinhart's post revealed that she was officially diagnosed with endometriosis last week following laparoscopic surgery. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing pain, inflammation, and potential complications.
The actress's journey to diagnosis was a long and frustrating one. Reinhart explained that she had been experiencing symptoms for quite some time and had sought medical help from numerous doctors. "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," Reinhart wrote in her Instagram caption. She added that she had "three hospital visits. Multiple urologists and gynecologists. And not one of them seriously considered endometriosis as the underlying cause of what I was experiencing".
Reinhart revealed that it wasn't until she worked with two different pelvic floor therapists that endometriosis was even mentioned as a possible source of her pain. She pushed for an MRI on her own, which led to a diagnosis of adenomyosis, a type of endometriosis that occurs in the uterus. Following this, she consulted with an endometriosis specialist who recommended laparoscopic surgery. Ironically, even at this stage, another gynecologist told her she "probably didn't have endo" and suggested she just go on the pill.
Reinhart's experience is not uncommon for women with endometriosis. Experts note that endometriosis affects as many as 1 in 10 people with uteruses and often involves a 4–11 year gap between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Those affected are also 16 times more likely to have interstitial cystitis.
Despite the challenges she faced, Reinhart expressed gratitude for trusting her own instincts and persevering in her search for answers. "I'm glad I trusted my body and listened to my gut and will continue advocating for others to do so," she wrote. She also shared a note that read, "Believing women's pain shouldn't be REVOLUTIONARY".
By sharing her story, Reinhart hopes to raise awareness about endometriosis and encourage other women to advocate for themselves when seeking medical care. She tagged the Endometriosis Foundation of America in her post to provide resources for those seeking more information. Her courage in speaking out about her experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to one's body and seeking answers, even when medical professionals dismiss concerns.
