Kate Tolo’s $2.6M biohacking quest to diagnose endometriosis

Kate Tolo, co-founder of wellness company Immortals, is leading a $2.6 million self-tracking project to optimize her health and develop noninvasive diagnostics for endometriosis, a condition she suspects she has. Funded by Immortals and supported by her partner Bryan Johnson, the initiative aims to address a critical gap in women’s health research.

A personal mission to diagnose endometriosis

Kate Tolo, co-founder of wellness company Immortals and partner of technologist Bryan Johnson, suspects she has endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting an estimated 10% of women of reproductive age. According to WIRED, Tolo is undergoing an intensive self-tracking protocol to optimize her health and develop noninvasive diagnostic methods for the condition.

Endometriosis is characterized by symptoms such as heavy and painful periods, pelvic floor dysfunction, bowel issues, and pain during sex. It is notoriously difficult to diagnose, often requiring invasive surgery like laparoscopy.

Tracking biomarkers to unlock noninvasive diagnostics

Tolo and Johnson are using $2.6 million in funding from Immortals to track over 1,500 biomarkers in Tolo’s body, including samples from blood, urine, and stool, throughout her menstrual cycle. The goal is to identify patterns that could lead to noninvasive diagnostics for endometriosis, as reported by WIRED.

The couple claims to have diagnosed Tolo with endometriosis in 42 days using methods such as saliva tests and endo-specific ultrasounds. However, their research is still ongoing, and they estimate it will take another 8 to 12 months to conclude their findings.

If successful, their work could contribute to the growing endometriosis diagnostic test industry, which is projected to be worth $2.5 billion by 2034.

Expanding into women’s health products

Immortals, the wellness company founded by Tolo and Johnson, has begun developing women’s health products. These include topical estradiol for postmenopausal women and tretinoin cream for anti-aging. The company is also working on a menstrual blood diagnostic test for endometriosis, though it remains in the research phase.

Tolo’s background includes fashion marketing and later roles as Johnson’s executive assistant and special projects director for Kernel, his neurotechnology company.

Shifting perceptions through public health advocacy

Tolo’s public advocacy for endometriosis research, supported by Johnson, has reportedly improved his public image. According to WIRED, social commentary about Johnson shifted from 80% negative a few years ago to 70-75% positive today.

This shift demonstrates how high-profile figures can leverage their platforms to advance health research and reshape public perception.

What this means

LazyFounders analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Tolo and Johnson’s project highlights a critical gap in women’s health: the need for better, noninvasive diagnostics for conditions like endometriosis. For founders and operators, this story is a case study in how biohacking and personalized medicine can intersect with underserved markets. The potential $2.5 billion endometriosis diagnostic industry is a clear signal for startups to explore innovative solutions in women’s health, but success will depend on scientific rigor and collaboration with medical experts.

However, this initiative also raises questions about accessibility. Biohacking and self-optimization are often expensive, and solutions developed through these methods may not be immediately available to the broader public. Founders should consider how to balance cutting-edge research with scalability and affordability.

Finally, Johnson’s improved public image demonstrates the power of aligning with meaningful causes. For founders in polarizing or niche fields, supporting health initiatives can humanize their work and build goodwill—without detracting from the science or mission.

Key takeaways

• Endometriosis affects an estimated 10% of women of reproductive age but remains difficult to diagnose without invasive procedures.
• Noninvasive diagnostic methods for endometriosis, such as saliva tests and ultrasounds, are being explored but are not yet validated.
• The endometriosis diagnostic test industry is projected to reach $2.5 billion by 2034, reflecting demand for better solutions.
• Biohacking and self-optimization efforts are increasingly intersecting with women’s health research.
• Public support for health initiatives can shift perceptions of high-profile figures involved in controversial or niche fields.

FAQ

What is endometriosis, and why is it difficult to diagnose?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing symptoms like painful periods, pelvic pain, and bowel issues. It is difficult to diagnose because it often requires invasive surgery, such as laparoscopy, to confirm its presence.

How are Kate Tolo and Bryan Johnson trying to diagnose endometriosis noninvasively?

Tolo and Johnson are tracking over 1,500 biomarkers in Tolo’s body, including blood, urine, and stool samples. They claim to have diagnosed endometriosis in 42 days using noninvasive methods like saliva tests and endo-specific ultrasounds, though their research is still ongoing.

What products is Immortals developing for women’s health?

Immortals is developing women’s health products, including topical estradiol for postmenopausal women, tretinoin cream for anti-aging, and a potential menstrual blood diagnostic test for endometriosis.

Why is the endometriosis diagnostic test industry projected to grow?

The endometriosis diagnostic test industry is projected to be worth $2.5 billion by 2034 due to the high prevalence of the condition and the lack of noninvasive diagnostic options currently available.

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