Beloved Australian wildlife warrior Bindi Irwin has described the “indescribable” pain she suffered from a debilitating health condition that took a decade to diagnose.

She is now fighting for other women suffering from the “invisible disease” to be recognised.

For 10 years Irwin lived with undiagnosed endometriosis, with doctors telling her the pain she was experiencing was just “part of being a woman”.

It was not until 2023 that Irwin was officially diagnosed, before more than 50 endometriosis lesions were surgically removed over the next three years.

In an online post highlighting endometriosis awareness month, the Australia Zoo CEO and daughter of the late Steve Irwin said the disease had kept her trapped in her own body.

“In the last three years, I’ve had over 50 endometriosis lesions cut out of my body,” Irwin said, adding a chocolate cyst, a type of fluid-filled sac, adhering an ovary was also removed.

The Dancing With The Stars US winner said she also had an emergency appendectomy in the US and a hernia repair within the last three years.

“I’ve felt indescribable, inescapable pain, trying to keep my invisible illness to myself after being told by doctors it was just ‘part of being a woman’,” she said.

“I spent 10 years being undiagnosed.”

The mother of one said as a teenager and young woman she had felt “weak and deeply insecure”.

“I was trapped in my own body,” Irwin said.

“March is endometriosis awareness month. As this month comes to a close, I urge everyone to remember this invisible disease each and every day.

“To lend support, compassion and grace towards the millions who suffer. It’s up to all of us to raise awareness, not just for endometriosis but for women’s health as a whole. No one deserves to suffer in silence.”

Irwin’s mother, Terri Irwin, said she was “so proud” of her for “sharing your journey”.

“I have learned that it is important for women to seek out a surgeon who performs excision surgery instead of ablation. Everyone deserves to live without pain,” she said.

Irwin’s husband, Chandler Powell, said she was the “strongest person I know”.

“So proud to be your husband,” he said.

Other supporters expressed their appreciation, with some even saying Irwin’s story had helped them get their own diagnosis.

“Thank you for sharing your story. It gave me strength to advocate for my own excision that diagnosed me with stage two endometriosis. Forever thankful for you,” one person wrote.

Irwin, who has been outspoken of her struggles with endometriosis in the past, said she hoped women suffering with similar symptoms would receive answers.

“If you’re in pain, my heart breaks for you. I believe you,” she said.

“Please find answers. And don’t give up on yourself. I know how hard that can be.”