"Sending a hug out to all those struggling with similar."

Coronation Street star Kate Ford has revealed that she has been dealing with endometriosis throughout the filming of the ITV soap. The 45-year-old, who plays the character of Tracy Barlow on the show, shared the health update on social media. https://www.instagram.com/p/CZSMvndMXdP/?utm_source=ig_embed "Filming #itvcorrie this was a few weeks ago at a time that I was struggling with my #endometriosis, luckily got lots of support" she wrote. "Just sending a hug out to all those struggling with similar." Fans and Coronation Street co-stars took to the comments to wish Kate the best. Shobna Gulati, who previously played Sunita Alahan, wrote: "You are so strong xxx and beautiful." Meanwhile, Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, commented hearts and hugging emojis. Endometriosis is a painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. For many women, the condition can have a significant impact on their life - sometimes leading to depression. The most common symptoms include painful period cramps, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pain during or after sex. It is estimated that one in 10 Irish women suffer with it. Kate first joined the soap in 2002 to play the daughter of Deirdre Barlow and Ray Langton. She was later adopted by Deirdre's second husband, Ken Barlow. She is currently the centre of a new storyline involving on-screen daughter Amy Barlow who has a new love interest to introduce to Tracey and her husband Steve McDonald.