Lady Gaga has shared that she is finally “pain-free” after a long battle with fibromyalgia, and has even stopped self-medicating with marijuana. The 38-year-old singer and actress made these revelations in the October 2024 issue of Vogue.
In her cover story for the fashion magazine, Gaga reflected on her recent experiences and noted that her 2022 Chromatica Ball tour was the first time she had performed without experiencing pain in years. “It was the first time I’ve performed not in pain in…I don’t even remember,” Gaga said.
Fibromyalgia, a condition Gaga has publicly struggled with, is characterized by widespread muscle pain and tenderness, as well as fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood swings. According to the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia alters the way the brain and spinal cord process pain signals, intensifying both painful and nonpainful sensations.
In her 2017 documentary, Gaga: Five Foot Two, the “Born This Way” singer gave an intimate look into her battle with the disorder. The film highlighted her reliance on marijuana as a means to manage her pain. That same year, Gaga was forced to cancel a performance in Brazil due to severe pain that led to hospitalization.
The onset of her fibromyalgia issues began in 2013 after a hip fracture, which led to the cancellation of several tour dates and necessitated surgery. However, Gaga’s recent interview with Vogue underscores a significant turning point. The Chromatica Ball tour and her relationship with her now-fiancé, Michael Polansky, played crucial roles in her journey to overcoming chronic pain.
“Michael and I did that tour together,” Gaga told Vogue. “I did it pain-free! I haven’t smoked pot in years. I’ve, like, changed.” She described the transformation as substantial, noting that her current phase of life is marked by significant personal and professional growth.
Gaga also hinted at the direction of her upcoming seventh studio album, suggesting that it reflects her recent experiences from a place of happiness rather than misery. “I feel like this new album, in a lot of ways, is about that time but from a place of happiness instead of misery,” she said. She and Polansky are excited about organizing their lives and marriage around their creative projects as a couple.
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Lady Gaga’s personal growth and new outlook on life are evident as she navigates this new era. “For a long time, for most of my career,” she told Vogue, “my life was controlled by this business: what people wanted from me; what they hoped I could achieve; how to keep me going. And that can be a lot of pressure and it’s scary. But I feel like I’m finally coming out on the other side.”
In addition to her personal achievements, Gaga’s renewed sense of well-being and her relationship with Polansky are pivotal as she prepares to release new music. The shift from managing chronic pain to embracing a more balanced life has infused her with a fresh perspective, which she is eager to share with her fans.
As Gaga continues to evolve both personally and professionally, her upcoming album promises to be a reflection of her journey from pain to triumph. Her candid revelations offer a glimpse into her transformative process, marking a new chapter in her storied career.
