Representatives David Scott (GA-13), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) reintroduced a bipartisan measure recognizing the seriousness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and supporting the designation of the month of September as “PCOS Awareness Month.”
“There is an urgent need to increase education, research, and public awareness for PCOS to help millions of women and girls living with the disease,” said Rep. David Scott. “PCOS remains a leading cause of infertility, metabolic disorders, and increased risks for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health conditions, yet federal funding for research and treatment lags behind other similarly common conditions. Congress must allocate increased funding for PCOS research and support services—precisely what our bipartisan resolution calls for. New funding will help improve early diagnosis, advance treatment options, and provide better resources for those affected. It is past time we prioritize PCOS as the public health crisis it has always been and ensure that those living with the condition receive the care and support they deserve.”
“PCOS impacts millions of women and girls, yet remains one of the most misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and underfunded health conditions. Despite its well-documented links to infertility, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, research and medical training have not kept pace with the urgency of this issue,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan resolution serves as a call to action, demanding increased investment in research, enhanced medical education, and improved access to care. It’s long past time we give this disease the attention and resources it deserves.”
“Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects as many as one in seven women, and half go undiagnosed, especially African Americans. Worse, there’s no cure for PCOS and health care providers often misdiagnose it, leaving critical gaps in our understanding around its severe comorbidities, like infertility, heart disease, diabetes, and more,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “Like so many disorders that affect women, PCOS has gone ignored and undetected for far too long. But we’re working to change that. I’m proud to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan resolution to change that narrative and offer hope to all women facing PCOS.”
“Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a serious and often overlooked condition impacting over 10 million women in the United States. PCOS is frequently underdiagnosed, yet it carries significant symptoms, including insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, weight gain, thinning scalp hair, and depression during puberty and throughout a person’s life,” said Rep. Don Bacon. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan measure to designate September as PCOS Awareness Month. We must bring more awareness to address PCOS and ensure women affected by this condition receive the recognition and support they need.”
“For decades, women of all races, ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic groups have been underrepresented in biomedical research. Millions of women across the United States live with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which can lead to pregnancy complications and infertility, among many other serious health issues. There is currently no cure for this condition and that is why it is crucial that we raise awareness and invest in research to discover new treatments,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution because we must do all we can to support women’s health and promote PCOS awareness, education, and innovation.”
PCOS affects over 10 million women and girls in the United States, yet it remains widely underdiagnosed and misunderstood. Too few healthcare providers are adequately trained to recognize symptoms, leading to frequent misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. According, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 50% of women with PCOS develop Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes by age 40, with increased risks for cardiovascular disease, uterine cancer, liver disease, and mental health challenges–including higher risk of suicide.
Beyond its immediate health impacts, PCOS is a major contributor to female infertility and maternal health disparities. Women with PCOS are at higher risk of pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia and emergency C-sections.
The bipartisan PCOS Awareness Month Resolution recognizes the seriousness of PCOS, urges health care professionals to increase their understanding of PCOS, and calls on states, territories, and localities to support the goals of PCOS Awareness Month, which include:
· Increasing awareness and education about PCOS and its connection to comorbidities,
· Improving diagnosis, treatment, and care of the disorder,
· Disseminating information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and management of PCOS, and
· Improving the quality of life and outcomes for women and girls with PCOS.
