Hailey Bieber recently shared the medical crises that shaped her life, such as her 2022 mini stroke and a heart defect. the Rhode founder is now leveraging her massive business success to fund research into conditions like PMDD and PCOS.

A 2022 mini stroke and a congenital heart defect

Hailey Bieber experienced a significant medical turning point in 2022 when she suffered a mini stroke. According to the report,this event led to the discovery of a patent foramen ovale, a congenital heart defect she had carried since birth. To correct the structural issue, Bieber underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure through her groin, which allowed her to return home the same day.

While the physical recovery was swift, the experience left a lasting emotional impact. The model noted that the medical crisis triggered heightened feelings of anxiety and a new, intense awareness of her own physical vulnerability. This period of scrutiny has since transformed into a platform for her to advocate for greater transparency regarding women's medical issues and the importance of early detection.

The PMDD struggle following the birth of Jack

The model has also been vocal about her battle with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition that intensified after the birth of her son, Jack. PMDD presents a range of debilitating symptoms that go far beyond standard PMS, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, insomnia, and severe mood swings.. Bieber has highlighted the isolation felt by those living with the disorder due to a lack of public dialogue and scientific research.

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This struggle is not an isolated one within her personal circle. As the source details, Bieber’s advocacy is deeply personal, noting that her sister battles polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and many of her close friends deal with endometriosis. By sharing these connections, she aims to move the conversation from a solitary struggle to a shared community experience, highlighting the systemic need for better funding in gynecological research.

A $5 million pledge and the $1 billion e.l.f. deal

Rhode is committing $5 million to the Foundation for Women's Health over the next three years to turn this advocacy into tangible support . This financial commitment is intended to bridge the gap in medical knowledge regarding conditions like PMDD , PCOS, and endometriosis. The move aligns with Bieber's long-standing interest in medicine and her science-backed approach to skincare.

The scale of this philanthropy is bolstered by a massive professional milestone: the 2025 sale of Rhode to e.l.f. Beauty for $1 billion. This landmark deal has provided the commercial platform and resources necessary to amplify her mission. The partnership with e.l.f. Beauty ensures that Rhode’s growth continues to be tied to values of health, wellness, and ingredient transparency.

Which research areas will the Foundation for Women's Health prioritize?

While the financial commitment is clear,several specific details regarding the impact of the donation remain unverified. It is currently unknown exactly how the $5 million will be distributed among various research projects, or whether the funds will prioritize specific conditions like PMDD over others. Additionally, while the report mentions the sale to e.l.f. beauty, it does not specify how the brand's creative direction or product development will shift under this new corporate ownership.