Endo Unfiltered: The Hidden Health Struggle Marilyn Monroe Faced That No One Talks About
Marilyn Monroe’s Endometriosis Battle
Marilyn Monroe was one of the most famous beauty icons in history. Yet behind the glamour, the red lips, and the bombshell curves, she was in pain, silently battling one of the most painful diseases known to women.
Severe endometriosis.
She endured excruciating pain, miscarriages, and an ectopic pregnancy, all while being expected to perform, be desired, and embody effortless femininity.
Painting by Grace Woolford
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis (commonly shortened to endo) is a chronic disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in places it shouldn’t: On the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, intestines, and beyond. It affects one in ten women and has no cure. It is one of the most painful diseases, often compared to a heart attack. Diagnosis can take 7-10 years+ because endo is still widely misunderstood and women’s pain is so often dismissed.
Marilyn’s suffering was ignored, erased, and overshadowed by her sex symbol status.
Despite being one of the most famous women in history, she suffered in silence, just like so many endo warriors do today.
I know firsthand how brutal endometriosis can be.
I’ve lived with this disease since my teens, endured multiple surgeries, and there were times when even the strongest painkillers barely took the edge off.
This invisible disease takes years from us. Sometimes, it takes everything.
While I am able to advocate for myself in the digital age, Marilyn had to endure constant public scrutiny about her painkiller use, her tardiness on set, and even the breakdown of her marriages. All of which may have been influenced by her battle with endometriosis.
She lived in an era where medical misogyny was even worse than it is today. If women with endometriosis are still dismissed in 2025, imagine what she endured in the 1950s and 60s.
Credit: Philippe Halsman / Magnum
Endometriosis is NOT new. It has always existed.
Marilyn Monroe suffered in silence. So did millions of other women before and after her. But we don’t have to.
It’s time to break the silence. It’s time to make endometriosis visible!
VIEW SOCIAL MEDIA POST
→ On Instagram
NEW BOOK RELEASE
We’re thrilled to announce that our founder Katya Karlova’s debut book “Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power” is now available for pre-order!
Visit InvisiblePainUnstoppablePower.com to reserve your copy of her book and be part of a movement to make invisible illnesses impossible to ignore.
About The Book
“Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power” takes you through Katya Karlova’s courageous journey through the depths of body dysmorphia, chronic pain, and endometriosis—a path defined by invisible struggles that impacted every aspect of her life. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Katya shares the painful battles that shaped her, offering readers a window into the often unseen realities of living with these challenges.
However, this book is more than just a story of struggle. It is a powerful guide that shows you how to rise above adversity. Through Katya’s own transformation, she reveals the tools and strategies that helped her persevere, heal, and ultimately create the life she had once thought impossible. Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power provides actionable insights on how to navigate health challenges, reclaim your power, and build a life that aligns with your deepest desires.
Katya’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-acceptance, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. Her story will inspire anyone facing their own struggles, encouraging them to rise above their pain, embrace their truth, and create the life their heart truly desires.
This book isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. It is a call to anyone who feels trapped by their own invisible battles to reclaim their strength, transform their reality, and unlock the unstoppable power within.
Follow @Endo_Visible on Instagram
For more content, powerful stories, and updates on all of our upcoming projects follow us on social media! Join our growing community of endo warriors and advocates making endometriosis visible.
RECENT ARTICLES
What is Endometriosis and Adenomyosis? The Important Facts You Need to Know.
Ten Medical Myths: Endometriosis Facts vs. Fiction
Your Free Guide to Eating for Endo: Katya’s Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Plan
Endo Unfiltered
Endo Unfiltered is the official blog of the Endo-Visible Foundation and is a space for honest conversations about life with endometriosis. Here, we share personal stories, helpful resources, and updates from the Endo-Visible Foundation — all with the goal of raising awareness, breaking the stigma, building community, and making endo visible.
Empowering Endo Empresses
⚔︎
Empowering Endo Empresses ⚔︎
We want to feature YOU—because the more we share, the more we realize we are not alone.
When we come together in truth and vulnerability, we break the stigma and amplify the strength of our community. Your story has the power to inspire, connect, and heal.
Want to share your journey with us for a chance to be featured?
Please email inquiries@katyabkarlova.com with a photo of yourself and your story to be featured on our page.