Beauty Counter's Gregg Renfrew and her daughter, Phebe's journey with PCOS: Navigating Diagnosis, and the Path to Wellness

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is often overlooked, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses. In this week’s episode, Gregg Renfrew and her daughter Phebe, join us to talk about Phebe’s inspiring five-year journey from experiencing symptoms to finally receiving a diagnosis. We explore the complexities of PCOS, including its links to insulin resistance, eating disorders, and endometriosis, while emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms early. Phebe and Gregg also discuss the crucial role of self-advocacy in healthcare and disease prevention.

Additionally, Gregg Renfew, Founder & CEO of Beautycounter, talks about her mission aimed at eliminating harmful chemicals from personal care and cosmetic products. 

Sponsors: 

Knowing your family's history of cancer is the first step to understanding your own cancer risk and may qualify you for the MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test with RiskScore hereditary cancer test. It's easy, accurate and covered by most insurers. Learn more at https://myriad.ws/getmyrisk

Redefine learning with play! Get 50% off your first month on ANY crate line at KIWICO.com, promo code SHEMD. 

Get proactive with your vaginal care and maintain your balance with VS-01 from Seed. Go to Seed.com/SHEMD and use code 25SHEMD to get 25% off. 

Visit equelle.com and use code SHEMD20 at checkout for 20% off your first month with your first subscription. And the best part: their 90-day money back guarantee so you've got nothing to lose! 

Go to dermstore.com/SHEMD and use code SHEMD for 15% off select items, Brand exclusion apply. 

Get 15% off Boka toothpastes on Amazon or boka.com with code BOKASHEMD15

Go to Qualia.com/SHEMD for up to 50% off and use code SHEMD at checkout for an additional 15% off. 

IN THIS EPISODE:    

• [1:02] Phebe Hancock shares her PCOS story
• [10:44] Phebe enters a treatment center
• [18:26] How to diagnose PCOS
• [30:05] Phebe gets the proper diagnosis and emotionally shares her recovery
• [38:00] Gregg provides an update on Beauty Counter  

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

1. To Diagnose PCOS You Need Two Out Of Three: Irregular cycles, finding abnormalities looking at ovaries on an ultrasound, elevated testosterone symptoms or elevated testosterone in the blood.
2. Common Symptoms To Look For: Women are often moody, struggle with depression and usually have a family history of diabetes or insulin resistance; they tend to gain weight even though they are eating healthy and exercising, and could have endometriosis.
3. PCOS and Eating Disorders: Women who have PCOS have insulin resistance, and can result in an eating disorder. However, not all girls with an eating disorder have PCOS.
4. What to Watch Out For When Dealing With Each Symptom One At a Time: Many doctors treat a patient's symptoms one at a time, never getting to the root of the problem.
5. Be Your Own Health Advocate: By actively participating in your health decisions, asking questions, and seeking second opinions when necessary, you ensure that your well-being is prioritized and that you receive the best possible care. 

Gregg Renfrew, Founder & CEO of Beautycounter

Gregg Renfrew is the Founder & CEO of Beautycounter, and the true pioneer of the clean beauty movement for more than a decade. Since founding Beautycounter in 2011, she's charted an innovative path for clean beauty and created a seismic shift in the industry.

Gregg continues to