At 36, Julianne Hough, the multi-talented performer and co-host of Dancing With the Stars, recently shared a deeply personal chapter of her life: undergoing her third round of egg freezing. In a candid Instagram video, she offered fans an intimate glimpse into the 10-day journey—complete with hormone injections, doctor visits, emotional moments, and even a few moments of levity.
The Process Unfolded
Julianne began her share with a confident “Here we go,” signifying the start of her third fertility cycle. The video documents her administering hormone injections at home, tracking the physical changes over time, and attending frequent monitoring appointments. She spoke openly about how, by day six, the hormones were putting her system into overdrive—her body even experienced noticeable breast enlargement and bloating. She smiled and joked about her “cute little pregger belly” as a side effect of the treatments.
The Physical and Emotional Roller Coaster
Egg freezing, Julianne noted, is not just a physical challenge—it’s an emotional and hormonal one as well. Between managing the injections and enduring uncomfortable side effects like bloating, her vulnerability shines through. She described this stage as “one of the most vulnerable experiences” she’s ever faced, acknowledging both the physical strain and the courage it took to share such a personal journey publicly.
Bringing Endometriosis into the Conversation
Julianne has been an open advocate for addressing fertility struggles, especially given her long-term experience with endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing pain and fertility complications. Diagnosed in her twenties, she’s been proactive in preserving her fertility—beginning this process years ago, not because she was trying to conceive immediately, but as a form of preparation for the future.
Why Transparency Matters
Her candid approach isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. Julianne highlighted that many women quietly undergo such medical procedures without discussing them. By posting her journey, she hopes to dismantle silence around fertility and inspire more open dialogue. She emphasized how, for some women, sharing even a small part of her story could offer reassurance, spark critical questions, or provide emotional support. Her goal is clear: create comfort and empowerment for others navigating similar paths.
Gratitude Toward Her Medical Team
Throughout her posts and updates, Julianne expressed deep gratitude for her medical providers. She credited a Los Angeles fertility specialist and team—including Dr. Carolyn Alexander and staff at her clinic—for providing consistent, compassionate care since her endometriosis surgery in 2017. She described them as feeling more like family, praising their support, professionalism, and the secure environment they provided during each cycle.
The Big Picture
This third round of egg freezing marks more than just another procedure—it represents Julianne’s commitment to intentionally navigating her fertility journey. At this stage in her life, she’s balancing her desire for motherhood with the reality of her health condition, her personal timeline, and her career commitments. By choosing to preserve her eggs, she’s claiming control over her future options—on her own terms and for her own readiness.
Why It Matters
Julianne Hough’s openness carries powerful implications:
- It destigmatizes reproductive care, showing that these procedures are valid, courageous choices.
- It normalizes discussion about women’s health and fertility, encouraging empathy and solidarity.
- It inspires action: those considering egg freezing may now feel seen, informed, and motivated to ask questions or begin their own journey.
- It reminds us all that vulnerability is strength, and that sharing one’s personal story can lead to connection and empowerment.
In Her Own Words
In her heartfelt caption, Julianne wrote about her evolving understanding: fertility preservation had always been a future-focused precaution rather than a last resort. She reminded her followers that every woman deserves access to informed, respectful care—and that breaking the silence could make a real difference.
Final Reflection
Julianne Hough’s third egg-freezing journey is both personal and universal—an elegant combination of openness, courage, and thoughtful preparation for motherhood. Her experience speaks volumes: transforming a deeply intimate and complex medical process into a beacon of awareness, support, and empowerment for countless women who face similar decisions.
