Endometriosis is serious, and the diagnosis — quite tricky. Heidi Lynch, actress, producer, and just a multi faceted human being, is someone you do not want to miss. Starting as a young actress in musicals, she has truly made a name for herself. She is quirky, sweet, and fun to know! Her performance in Avocado Toast’ s newest season is based on her own Endometriosis diagnosis story, and brings to light the importance and the problems with the disorder. She is also working on a docuseries “Get Hooked”, which covers the topics of Queer Women fishing and mental health. When Heidi isn’t creating meaningful stories, she is working with Endometriosis Network Canada, a meeting point for fellow endo warriors to support each other and get more information about doctors and more. Jejune Magazine had the pleasure to sit down with Heidi Lynch to learn more about her life as an actress, producer, and life after diagnosis. Read on to know more!

Where are you based?
It feels like I am based all over the place right now. My partner has been filming in Australia and London U.K., and my production company and acting career is largely based in Canada.

What inspired you to get into acting, writing, and producing? Do you have a favorite?
I don’t have a favourite — they are all so different and all fulfill a different part of what I want to contribute to film/tv. The very start of my interest was through singing actually. Choir to musicals as a kid, and then, it just kept evolving.

We’d love to know more about your upcoming docuseries ‘Get Hooked’ – Queer women fishing and mental health… sounds like an interesting mix for a show! What inspired this idea?
It is honestly the best time. The origin of it was experiencing and watching my closest queer friends experience the mental health benefits of fishing/nature and wanting everyone to be able to experience that. Nature and fishing are always marketed towards one demographic. I began searching for figures in the nature/fishing space who we don’t see on the cover of a fishing magazine. The underrepresented JOY this show is going to bring to the world is palpable.

Congrats on all the success of Avocado Toast, which you star in, co-create, and co-produce. What drew you to the storyline of Avocado Toast?
That desire to create stories we haven’t seen before. We really achieved that with Season 1 and Season 2.

The second season of Avocado Toast brings to light the seriousness of Endometriosis. In this light, can you tell us about the journey of your diagnosis and using this narrative in the show?
Yes! My endo story starts like most. Bad periods. Being told it is normal. Taking way too much pain medication to function normally like other people. Asking my doctor about it and being told to "go on the pill" (not a cure). Then in 2020 it really hit a wall for me when I had my period for 29 days straight. My partner urged me to go to the doctor and I was diagnosed on the spot. I had never heard of the word "endometriosis" before despite the fact that 1 in 10 people born with a uterus have it. The pandemic was in full swing so my surgery was delayed a few times, giving me ample time to reflect and write Season 2. I wanted to write a voice for the 1 in 10 waiting so long to be diagnosed and for treatment. I wanted to show how endo warriors lives are affected and how they are forced to just get on with life all around them - while harboring the pain and shame about period problems that no one takes seriously. It's insane to me that we can go to the moon - but still don't talk about periods - and don't fund research and treatment to help the humans born with a uterus in this world to live a normal life.

Do you believe that the diagnosis for endometriosis is often misdiagnosed or overlooked by doctors in terms of symptoms of pain, as seen in Season 2 EP 1?
Statistically yes that's true. It takes on average 8 years to be diagnosed. Through my research in support groups (research and also participation for my own journey) there are countless stories of pain not being believed or being overlooked to horrible consequences.

Why was it important to you to have Endometriosis as a pinnacle part of Avocado Toast's season two storyline?
For representation. Representation in film/tv can truly change lives, start conversations and make people feel seen and validated.

Like you, I think many people don’t know what Endometriosis is until they have it. Can you tell us a little bit about it? What is the biggest challenge with endometriosis and its diagnosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus implants abnormally outside of the uterus to form lesions, cysts, nodules and other growths. (The Endometriosis Network Canada) For me that meant - a 6cm cyst in my right ovary developing, very painful periods, unpredictable periods and pain associated with them. I also had multiple fibroids and an extremely rare condition called atypical polypoid adenomyoma. Most would say infertility I suppose. I want to focus on the human born with a uterus and their quality of life first and foremost. It eats up a lot of the fun we should be having in life. Imagine over two weeks of every month being in pain - having a period and never knowing when it is coming or going. Young people missing school, adults missing work or overmedicating to get there (in my case), missing community events, social gatherings, always being that person on the couch with a water bottle.

What advice do you have for someone diagnosed with Endometriosis?
Find your support system. Get someone you love and trust to go to appointments with you. Hold on tight. The medical system is very hard to navigate while in pain. Medical systems everywhere are extra strapped from covid so things may take a long time. Keep advocating for yourself - and when you can't - lean on your support system to advocate for you.

Not only are you bringing Endometriosis awareness to the screen, but you also work with Endometriosis Network Canada? Can you tell us a bit about this?
Yes. The Endometriosis Network Canada is an incredible resource. It has patient support groups, information about doctors, and educational materials. The most amazing resource for me has been the facebook group, fellow endo warriors respond to you in about five minutes. I did a fundraiser for TENC the March after my first surgery (November 2020) where I ran 101 km in March and raised $1010 for the 1 in 10 diagnosed with endometriosis. It helped connect me to my body again and reclaim it - and also empowered me by helping a charity that helps so many of us.

It has been a rough few years, how have you been staying positive during these times?
Leaning on family so much. I am lucky that my partner worked the entire time - so one of us was always on set and supporting the other one. We also have an adorable whippet named Annie Clark (after St.Vincent) who brings us massive amounts of joy and love.

What is your motto in life?
It is all made up. It’s never too late to start over.

To know more about Heidi Lynch, please follow:
www.avocadotoasttheseries.com
Instagram: @heidilynchfilm and @bonevaultinc

Heidi Lynch Is All the Power