'Girls' Star Lena Dunham Taking Time Off for 'Chronic' Illness

— -- The acclaimed HBO show "Girls" is back for a new season this month, but its biggest star will not being making press appearances due to a "chronic condition."

Lena Dunham took to Instagram today to write, "I just wanted to let you know that, while I am so excited for Girls to return on Feb 21, I won't be out and about doing press for the new season. As many of you know I have endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women's reproductive health."

The writer and creator of the show, 29, added that she's going through a "rough patch" with the illness and that doctors told her to rest.

"That's a hard thing to do, but I'm trying, because all I want is to make season 6 of Girls the best one yet," she said.

According to the Mayo Clinic, endometriosis can result in "severe" pain and fertility problems due to tissue that grows outside the uterus instead of inside, which is normal in most women.

Usually, a star of a show would be on tour prior to the start of a new season, giving interviews and meeting with the media.

"So many women with this disease literally don't have the option of time off and I won't take it for granted," she added with the closing, "Back soon."

Dunham has starred on "Girls" since she helped create the show in 2012.