What do you do when your body starts changing at just ten years old? Harnaam Kaur was waxing her face to avoid schoolyard bullies before she even hit her teens. Today, she’s a Guinness World Record holder and one of the most recognisable voices challenging global beauty standards.

In this episode, Claire sits down with Harnaam to unpack her journey after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) at just ten. She opens up about years of bullying, the toll on her mental health, and the pivotal moment that led her to stop hiding and start embracing who she is.

They also explore what it means to live with a condition that challenges traditional ideas of femininity, Harnaam’s evolution from religious motivations to personal liberation, and her reflections on the future of her advocacy. 

EPISODE RESOURCES

If this episode has raised concerns for you, the following resources are available:

• Lifeline: If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, please call 13 11 14.

• Butterfly Foundation: Support for eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673.

• Jean Hailes for Women's Health: A leading resource for PCOS, hormones and women’s health.

And, if you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links:

• MOVE by Mamamia

• Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines

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CREDITS

Host: Claire Murphy 

Guest: Harnaam Kaur

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.