Barbara Palvin, the Hungarian model and actor widely admired for her glamour and charisma, recently showed a different kind of strength — by publicly sharing her private health journey with endometriosis. In an emotional and candid post on Instagram, she revealed that after years of suffering from severe menstrual pain, fatigue, irregular flow, and sleepless nights, she was diagnosed with endometriosis and has undergone surgery to treat it.
“For some years now, I’ve been dealing with the difficulties that can come with my periods,” Barbara wrote. “Fatigue, severe pain, heavy and irregular flow, sleepless nights on the bathroom floor. I thought this was just how it works for me.”
She shared that despite regular visits to her gynecologist, her symptoms were never attributed to endometriosis — a condition that often goes undiagnosed due to the limitations of general medical exams. “I thought if I had endometriosis, I would have known about it by now, but as it turns out, endometriosis can’t be diagnosed with general examinations,” she said.
Three months ago, Barbara finally received the correct diagnosis from a specialist and was advised to undergo surgery — a common treatment option for managing the condition. Now on the path to recovery, she reflected on her first pain-free period in years. “Since then, I finally experienced a period that was easier, and now I know the difference,” she shared.
Barbara’s transparency brings much-needed awareness to endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Caused by tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside it, endometriosis can lead to debilitating pain, infertility, and significant disruption to daily life. According to the CDC, symptoms can include intense pelvic pain, painful periods, painful intercourse, and even bowel or urinary complications.
Her story highlights the importance of trusting one’s intuition when it comes to personal health. “If you suspect that you could have endometriosis, I encourage you to find out. It helped me a lot, and I’m grateful I did it.”
She also emphasized the value of early diagnosis and rest. “Early diagnosis and treatment are very important to prevent long-term complications. That’s also why I took the past three months to rest and fully heal. I’m excited about this new chapter of my life and now ready to get back to work.”
Alongside her post, Barbara shared photos from her hospital stay — including one in a hospital gown and another with visible bandages following her surgery — humanizing a condition that often remains invisible.
Married to actor Dylan Sprouse and admired for her beauty, Barbara’s decision to publicly speak about her health is an act of both courage and solidarity. In doing so, she not only sheds light on the silent struggles of millions of women but also empowers them to seek answers, advocate for their health, and, ultimately, heal.
