September is PCOS Awareness Month
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a serious genetic, hormone, metabolic and reproductive disorder that affects women and girls. It is the leading cause of female infertility and a precursor for other serious conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer.
PCOS Awareness Month is a federally designated event. The aim of PCOS Awareness Month is to help improve the lives of those affected by PCOS and to help them to overcome their symptoms as well as prevent and reduce their risks for life-threatening related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cancer.
PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association is the sponsoring organization for PCOS Awareness Month and offers supporting resources, information and events.
The goals and ideals of PCOS Awareness Month are to:
- increase awareness of, and education about, PCOS among the general public, women, girls, and healthcare professionals;
- improve diagnosis and treatment of the disorder;
- disseminate information on diagnosis and treatment options;
- improve quality of life and outcomes for women and girls with PCOS;
- promote the need for further research, improved treatment and care options, and for a cure for PCOS;
- acknowledge the struggles affecting all women and girls afflicted with PCOS;
- urge 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;
- encourage countries, states, territories and localities to make PCOS a public health priority.
2023 PCOS Awareness Month Theme
Empowered Patients, Better Outcomes stands as our theme for this year’s PCOS Awareness Month, highlighting the profound impact of patient empowerment in the fight against polycystic ovary syndrome. The core elements related to this theme include patient education and support, improved patient-provider communication, advocacy, patient-centered research, patient-focused drug development, and community-building initiatives. By focusing on these key areas, we aim to strengthen the PCOS community and foster better outcomes.