Discusses Living with Trichotillomania: A Look into Olivia Munn's Experience
In a revealing interview on the Armchair Expert podcast, actress Olivia Munn discussed her experiences with trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder, and her cancer diagnosis.
Munn, who dated actor Chris Pine in late 2009 and early 2010, traced the onset of her trichotillomania to a paparazzi incident that occurred during this period. The negative comments and harsh scrutiny following the release of paparazzi photos of the two together triggered her to start pulling out her eyelashes, a common symptom of trichotillomania.
She described the urge as feeling like an eyelash was about to come out even when it wasn't, followed by a brief moment of pain, satisfaction, and then regret after pulling it. This behavior was intensified by the anxiety she felt due to the invasion of her privacy and the public attention from paparazzi.
Fast-forward to 2024, Munn was diagnosed with Luminal B cancer, which was found in both of her breasts. As part of her cancer treatment, she underwent a double mastectomy. In another challenging turn, the cancer treatment medication she was prescribed was causing her "next-level, debilitating exhaustion." This led her to opt for a hysterectomy as an alternative.
Munn stated that the hysterectomy was the best decision for her because she needed to be present for her family. She emphasised the importance of prioritising her health and wellbeing, especially during such difficult times.
The Armchair Expert podcast, hosted by Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, provided a platform for Munn to share her personal struggles and inspire others facing similar challenges. Her bravery in discussing her mental health condition and cancer battle serves as a reminder for everyone to prioritise self-care and seek help when needed.
[1] Source: Armchair Expert podcast [2] Source: Variety [3] Source: People [4] Source: The Hollywood Reporter
- Olivia Munn, in an interview on the Armchair Expert podcast, revealed her battle with trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder, which she traced back to a paparazzi incident during her relationship with Chris Pine.
- Despite her success in entertainment, Munn found herself facing a significant health challenge when she was diagnosed with Luminal B cancer in 2024.
- The actress, who underwent a double mastectomy as part of her cancer treatment, also had to deal with the side effects of the medication, including "next-level, debilitating exhaustion."
- In an effort to prioritize her health and wellness, Munn opted for a hysterectomy, a decision she felt was best for her and her family.
- Munn's discussions about her mental health condition, trichotillomania, and her cancer battle on the Armchair Expert podcast serve as an inspiration for others dealing with chronic diseases, women's health issues, and mental health challenges.
- The podcast, hosted by Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, provides a platform for celebrities to share their personal struggles, shedding light on various aspects of health and wellness, including fitness and exercise, nutrition, neurological disorders, and more.