Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
PCOS is a complex hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive disorder that affects between 5 and 10 million women in the United States and is a leading cause of infertility.
Washington, DC – United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) are reintroducing a bipartisan resolution recognizing the seriousness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and expressing support for the designation of September as PCOS Awareness Month. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Shelley Capito (W.Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), James Lankford (R-OK), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) Krysten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass) are co-sponsoring the resolution.
“Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects the lives of millions of women and girls across the United States and it is imperative that we bring greater awareness to the disorder and support those impacted,” said Senator Warren. “For the past four years, my colleagues and I have introduced this resolution to raise awareness about the need for further research, improved treatment, and a cure, so that women and girls can lead healthier lives.”
“PCOS affects millions of women across the country and it is the most common cause of female infertility. By designating September 2021 as PCOS Awareness Month, the Senate can show support for improved diagnosis, treatment, and research. Through this important work, fewer American women will need to face this health problem and the complications it can cause,” said Senator Fischer.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a complex hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive disorder that affects between 5 and 10 million women and girls in the United States. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among women and is a leading cause of infertility. Women with PCOS often suffer from psychosocial disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders and have a higher risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease. Some studies have shown that suicide attempts are up to 7 times more common in women with PCOS than other women due to the disorder’s anxiety and depression symptoms. There is currently no cure for PCOS, and half of the women and girls living with the syndrome are undiagnosed.
The resolution, which highlights the symptoms and prevalence of PCOS, resolves that the Senate expresses support for increasing awareness of the disorder, improving PCOS diagnosis and treatment, and improving the quality of life of women and girls living with PCOS. The resolution also recognizes the need for further research on PCOS and urges medical researchers and health care professionals to advance their understanding of the disorder.
Senators Warren and Perdue (R-Ga.) first introduced this bipartisan resolution in November 2017 along with Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.).