Lady Gaga embraces pain

Lady Gaga has a high tolerance for pain.

The singer says she can handle immense mental and physical discomfort because of her strict upbringing.

The star, real named Stefani Germanotta, trained in performing arts as a youngster, which proved a valuable but brutal experience.

"I have an ability to experience pain for long periods of time – to endure it, whether it's mental pain or physical pain," she told V magazine. "I think it's because of my discipline as a child. I studied piano and then theatre and then dance, so I have this ability to endure long periods of pain."

The 27-year-old is impressed with herself for having such a tough attitude. However, she's aware being strong isn't always a good thing.

"As a result, when I became an adult at 18, I allowed myself to stay in bad situations because I was able to take the pain," she explained.

"Although I was able to withstand a challenge for that period of time in my youth, the results were destructive. I was left a shell. Does anyone really know what I went through to get here?"

Gaga has battled an eating disorder and a drug problem in the past.

She believes her talent and creativity that saved her from complete destruction.

"Art was always the thing that drove me forward in these challenging and painful circumstances," she shared.

Gaga features on four front cover variations of V's September issue, each representing different stages in her life.

One image of the star wearing a sequined jacket symbolises her vulnerable teenage years.

"That look was very hard for me because that is how I looked when I was 19 until I was 21 years old… Maybe longer," she revealed. "I got my hair cut like that when I was 18 and all these really painful things happened during this time."

Gaga's next album, ARTPOP, is scheduled for release November 11.

Her new track, Applause, was released a week early on Monday after it was leaked online.