Recognizing the seriousness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and expressing support for the designation of September 2023 as PCOS Awareness Month.

Recognizing the seriousness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and expressing support for the designation of September 2023 as PCOS Awareness Month Whereas polycystic ovary syndrome (referred to in this preamble as PCOS Whereas there is no universal definition of PCOS, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 6 and 12 percent of women in the United States are affected by the condition; Whereas, according to a 2023 study, the annual burden of PCOS in the United States is estimated to be in excess of $15,000,000,000, and this estimate does not include (1) the cost of all comorbidities in post-menopause or adolescence; or (2) indirect and intangible costs related to the disorder; Whereas PCOS can affect girls at the onset of puberty and throughout the remainder of their lives; Whereas the symptoms of PCOS include infertility, irregular or absent menstrual periods, acne, weight gain, thinning of scalp hair, excessive facial and body hair growth, numerous small ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, and mental health problems; Whereas women with PCOS have higher rates of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders, and are at greater risk for suicide; Whereas adolescents with PCOS often are not diagnosed, and many have metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, heart disease, and endometrial cancer at a young adult age; Whereas an estimated 50 percent of women with PCOS are undiagnosed and many remain undiagnosed until they experience fertility difficulties or develop type 2 diabetes or other cardiometabolic disorders; Whereas PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility; Whereas PCOS in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, miscarriage, and fetal and infant death; Whereas women with PCOS are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, and heart disease (the leading cause of death among women); Whereas women with PCOS have a more than 50 percent chance of developing type 2 diabetes or prediabetes before the age of 40; Whereas PCOS may be associated with increased risk for breast cancer and ovarian cancer, and the risk of developing endometrial cancer is 4 times higher than for women who do not have PCOS; Whereas research has found an association between depression and PCOS; Whereas research has indicated PCOS shares a genetic architecture with metabolic traits, as evidenced by genetic correlations between PCOS and obesity, fasting insulin, type 2 diabetes, lipid levels, and coronary artery disease; Whereas PCOS negatively alters metabolic function independent of, but exacerbated by, an increased body mass index (commonly referred to as BMI Whereas the cause of PCOS is unknown, but researchers have found strong links to a genetic predisposition and significant insulin resistance, which affects up to 70 percent of women with PCOS; and Whereas there is no known cure for PCOS: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes polycystic ovary syndrome (referred to in this resolution as PCOS (2) expresses support for the designation of September 2023 as PCOS Awareness Month (3) supports the goals and ideals of PCOS Awareness Month, which are (A) to increase awareness of, and education about, PCOS and its connection to comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, endometrial cancer, cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and mental health disorders, among the general public, women, girls, and health care professionals; (B) to improve diagnosis and treatment of PCOS; (C) to disseminate information on diagnosis, treatment, and management of PCOS, including prevention of comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, endometrial cancer, cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and eating disorders; and (D) to improve quality of life and outcomes for women and girls with PCOS; (4) recognizes the need for further research, improved treatment and care options, and a cure for PCOS; (5) acknowledges the struggles affecting all women and girls who have PCOS in the United States; (6) urges medical researchers and health care professionals to advance their understanding of PCOS to improve research, diagnosis, and treatment of PCOS for women and girls; and (7) encourages States, territories, and localities to support the goals and ideals of PCOS Awareness Month.

Summary: This resolution expresses support for designating September 2023 as PCOS Awareness Month. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by a hormone imbalance. Symptoms can include infertility, weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne.