Lady Gaga has postponed the 18-date European leg of her world tour because of health problems.

The Joanne World Tour was schedule to start in Barcelona on September 21 and then run for six weeks. There were also dates in Italy, Belgium, Denmark, France, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK, including two nights at the O2 Arena.

"Lady Gaga is suffering from severe physical pain that has impacted her ability to perform," Live Nation said. "She remains under the care of expert medical professionals who recommended the postponement."

The promoter said the singer "plans to spend the next seven weeks proactively working with her doctors to heal from this and past traumas that still affect her daily life, and result in severe physical pain in her body."

Lady Gaga pulled out of a performance last week in Brazil after being hospitalised with "severe physical pain”.

Lady Gaga posted a statement on social media today (September 18) about her "physical and mental health struggles".

To my fans, I love you so much. pic.twitter.com/g2BmmSx02v

— xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) September 18, 2017

"As I get stronger and when I feel ready, I will tell my story in more depth, and plan to take this on strongly so I can not only raise awareness, but expand research for others who suffer as I do, so I can help make a difference," she wrote.

Rescheduled dates have yet to be confirmed. Live Nation said the North American leg of the tour would go ahead as planned in November.

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