Meet Bianca Zouppas: mum, actor, and entrepreneur. From performing in Brisbane, New York, and LA to running a successful Airbnb business, Bianca’s life is dynamic and inspiring. But it’s her candidness about endometriosis and fertility struggles that truly sets her apart. Discover why she’s advocating for menstrual health awareness.

 

Name: Bianca
Pronouns: She Her
Day job: Mum, Actor, Air bnb host
Location: Bris Vegas

 

Describe what you do in one sentence.

It’s hard to describe in one sentence as I do lots of different things! However, currently, I am a cow to my gorgeous son, Jagger.

 

And the backstory? Tell us about your career.

I have always loved performing. I was a dancer turned actor and studied acting after school in Brisbane and then New York. I have always loved the stage, but in 2018, I won the green card lottery for the States, which had me travel to Los Angeles and focus more on-screen acting. Now, I would consider myself a creator. I act, write, and direct.

My husband and I also started The Bulimba Hotel. We own multiple properties, which we rent on Airbnb. This allows us to do what we love in the entertainment industry.

Share your earliest menstrual memory… how did it impact your life?

I remember I was late to the period game - I didn’t get my period until I was 16. The first few years were uneventful as I was on the pill and didn’t have any pain. It wasn’t till I decided to go off all forms of contraception that I started experiencing some pretty hectic pains. But to be honest I thought everyone had horrific cramps. It wasn’t until I explained my symptoms to my fertility doctor back in 2019 that he assured me that it was not normal and that it was likely I had endo.

 

Can you describe your endo journey?

I was suffering with debilitating pain for about 5 years. It wasn’t until I saw Dr Anush that I was made aware this could be endo, confirming stage 3 after surgery in August 2022.

I haven’t had a period in about a year due to fertility treatments and pregnancy so that’s a win! However, before that, the pain definitely affected my day-to-day life.

How do you navigate the downs of a chronic illness?

Support from my incredible husband, exercise, and pain relief.

 

You went through IVF. What were ‘just some’ of the challenges?

I don’t like taking drugs and I had to take multiple during my fertility treatments: the intense hormones and the challenges of trying to explain to those who haven’t been through it.

 

And what helped?

My support system, talking about it, creating my podcast ‘What your Mumma went through’. It’s important to find someone who has been through it to lean on. Or listen to a podcast that talks about the rollercoaster. There are so many people going through this, and the more we can talk about it, the less taboo it becomes.

How do we change the conversation around menstrual health?

First, we need to teach men that it is not disgusting. It is an incredible thing that allows women to bring life into this world.

And if your periods are painful, go talk to someone!!

 

MY CYCLE

• My period in 3-words: Really fucking inconvenient

• Gynae: EVE HEALTH in Spring Hill - Dr ANUSH YAZDANI

• Natural therapist: Dr Andrew Orr in Toowong

• Endo unknown fact: It can make intercourse REALLY painful!

• Endo must-have: Before trying to conceive, CBD oil and balm helped ease the pain.

• Period self-care means: Warm showers, hot water bottles, nourishing foods