Lena Dunham withdraws from Girls promo tour for health reasons

Dunham has been advised to rest by doctors

Lena Dunham was diagnosed with stage two endometriosis in 2012 (Getty)

Lena Dunham has been forced to cancel promotional appearances for the new season of Girls because of a flare-up of her endometriosis.

In a post on Instagram, the Girls and Lenny Letter co-founder confirmed she would not be doing press for the sixth season after being advised by her doctor to rest.

“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 six of Girls the best one yet. I'm lucky enough to have support and backup from Jenni, Judd 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.”

Endometriosis is a long-term condition affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, womb and abdomen. It is caused by tissue similar to the lining of the womb building up outside of the womb. Endometriosis affects two million women in the UK, most of whom are aged between 25 and 40, and symptoms mimic those experienced by menstruating women, making it difficult to diagnose. Symptoms include painful periods, pain during and after sex and problems with fertility.

The sixth season of Girls premieres on HBO on 21 February.