Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) introduced H.Res. 972, a resolution to recognize the seriousness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and designate the month of September 2020 as "PCOS Awareness Month." 60 Members of the House have co-sponsored the bipartisan resolution, which represents a continued commitment to making PCOS, the most common endocrine disorder, a central focus in the 116th Congress.
"PCOS is a grave issue that affects hundreds of thousands of women in Georgia and millions more across the country," said Congressman Scott. "It is an honor to lead my colleagues in this resolution and be a champion for women and girls with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. I am grateful to my 60 colleagues for their leadership on this important issue, and I hope that others in the House will join us to advance this bipartisan effort by cosponsoring and supporting this important resolution. For far too long, PCOS has been a prevalent public health concern, threatening the mental and physical health and quality of life of girls, women and their families. It is time to make PCOS a public health priority."
Few healthcare providers are familiar with this condition and women living with PCOS are often misdiagnosed or have their symptoms ignored. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 50% of women with PCOS develop Type 2 Diabetes or prediabetes by the age of 40 and are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Women and girls with this disorder are also at higher risk for uterine cancer, liver disease, and suicide.
Congressman Scott’s resolution encourages states, territories, and localities to support the goals and ideals of PCOS Awareness Month, which are to: increase awareness and education of the disorder among the general public, women, girls and health providers; improve diagnosis and treatment of the disorder; disseminate information on diagnosis and treatment options; and improve quality of life and outcomes for women and girls with PCOS. The resolution also recognizes the need for further research, improved treatment and care options, and for a cure for PCOS; acknowledges the struggles affecting all women and girls afflicted with PCOS residing within the United States; and urges medical researchers and healthcare professionals to advance their understanding of PCOS in order to research, diagnose and provide assistance to women and girls with PCOS.
Background
PCOS affects over 10 million women and girls in the United States. Currently, there is no cure for PCOS, and women living with this disorder experience symptoms like insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, weight gain, thinning scalp hair, and depression during puberty and throughout their lives.
Increasing awareness about polycystic ovary syndrome is critical to our efforts to address the national maternal mortality crisis and prevent pregnancy-related deaths. Pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to develop preeclampsia (pregnancy-related hypertension) and have emergency C-sections. Without access to quality prenatal care, many African American women with PCOS are not diagnosed until they have difficulty getting pregnant or experience dangerous pregnancy complications. PCOS can also cause female infertility. Many women living with the disorder often have miscarriages or premature deliveries.
