Girls creator Lena Dunham has pulled out of publicity ahead of the season five premiere of her HBO show, citing an ongoing battle with endometriosis.

Sharing a photo from bed on Facebook on Wednesday, the 29-year-old actress said she was going through a "rough patch" with her health.

The outspoken campaigner used the opportunity to highlight awareness of the disease which causes uterus tissues to grow outside the uterus

"Hey beloved pals, 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," she wrote.

"As many of you know I have endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women's reproductive health. I am currently going through a rough patch with the illness and my body (along with my amazing doctors) let me know, in no uncertain terms, that it's time to rest."

The New York-born writer thanked producers Judd Apatow and Jennifer Konner for their understand and support, along with the cast of Girls.

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

The post has been flooded by comments from women also suffering from endometriosis and thanking the actress for her message.

The television series rocketed Dunham to international fame following its premiere in 2012 and has won a swag of Golden Globe and Emmy Awards.

In January, Dunham confirmed the series, based loosely on her own life, would come to an end following season six in 2017.

"I conceived of Girls when I was 23 and now I'm nearly 30," she said in a statement. "The show has quite perfectly spanned my 20s, the period of time that it's about – and so it feels like the right time to wrap our story up."

Girls season 5 premieres in the US on February 21 on HBO. The series airs in Australia via Foxtel's Showcase channel. 

Hey Beloved Pals,I just wanted to let you know that, while I am so excited for Girls to return on Feb 21, I won't be...Posted by Lena Dunham on  Monday, 8 February 2016