Olivia Munn Opens Up About Hair-Pulling Disorder and Cancer Battle With Honesty and Strength

Actress Olivia Munn recently revealed her struggle with trichotillomania, a lesser-known mental health disorder characterized by uncontrollable urges to pull out one’s hair. Speaking on the “Armchair Expert” podcast, Munn described how the condition affects her daily life, often involving an impulse to pull out hair from her scalp or eyelashes. She noted the momentary pain, followed by fleeting satisfaction and immediate regret, which captures the cycle many individuals with this condition experience.

Public Scrutiny Sparked Olivia Munn’s Struggle With Trichotillomania and Mental Health Awareness

Munn traced the origin of her trichotillomania to a distressing moment in her past when she was dating actor Chris Pine. The couple was photographed by paparazzi, and the photos quickly circulated online. What deeply affected her, however, were the cruel and accusatory online comments suggesting she staged the event. Reading those negative remarks triggered the beginning of her hair-pulling compulsion, marking the onset of the disorder.

By opening up publicly, Munn is contributing to a broader conversation about mental health conditions that are often misunderstood or go undiagnosed. Trichotillomania, though classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, remains relatively unknown to the public. Munn’s candid reflections on her personal challenges shed light on how public scrutiny and social media commentary can severely impact mental well-being.

Olivia Munn Battles Cancer with Strength, Transparency, and Life-Changing Health Decisions

In addition to her mental health challenges, Munn has been forthcoming about her recent battle with cancer. In 2024, she was diagnosed with Luminal B breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease affecting both breasts. As part of her treatment, she underwent a double mastectomy. This brave decision underscored her commitment to her health and well-being, even as she faced immense physical and emotional trials.

Further emphasizing her resilience, Munn shared that she had a hysterectomy in May 2025. This procedure was part of her strategy to avoid the side effects of a cancer treatment medication that left her exhausted. In an interview with Vogue, she explained that the hysterectomy allowed her to be more present for her family, calling it the “best decision” for her. Olivia Munn’s openness about both her mental and physical health journeys stands as a powerful example of transparency, strength, and self-care.