U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Historic Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Resolution

WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, December 21, 2017 the U.S. Senate passed by unanimous consent S.Res.336, a resolution recognizing the seriousness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and expressing support for the designation of the month of September 2018 as "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month." This historic and bipartisan resolution represents the first time there has been a central focus on PCOS in the U.S. Senate.

PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association worked with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), David Perdue (R-GA) and five other leaders in the U.S. Senate to introduce S.Res.336. The resolution encourages States, territories and localities to support the goals and ideals of PCOS Awareness Month which are to: increase awareness of, and education about, the disorder among the general public, women, girls and healthcare professionals; improve diagnosis and treatment of the disorder; and to 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 as well as  acknowledges the struggles affecting all women and girls afflicted with PCOS residing within the United States. S.Res.336 follows the introduction of H.Res.495, the PCOS resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives, which is currently the leading Health resolution in the 115th Congress with 66 cosponsors.

"We are extremely pleased that the U.S. Senate passed S.Res.336," says Sasha Ottey, Executive Director of PCOS Challenge. "It is an important first step to improving outcomes for millions of women and girls affected by PCOS across the country. As the world's largest polycystic ovary syndrome patient advocacy organization, PCOS Challenge sees the broad adverse impact that the lack of awareness about PCOS is having on quality of care, research and health outcomes. Many women go decades exhibiting clear signs and symptoms of PCOS without a diagnosis or receiving adequate care, which impacts their quality of life and puts them at risk for other serious conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and endometrial cancer. PCOS affects an estimated 10-15 percent of women. Despite being the most common endocrine (hormone) disorder in women, PCOS is one of the most underserved areas of health. There are significant gaps regarding PCOS education, treatment options, research and research funding. A number of leaders in Congress have expressed interest in working on subsequent legislation around PCOS. We are excited to work with them to address these critical healthcare gaps and improve outcomes for women and girls battling the disorder."

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) says, "Polycystic ovary syndrome is a health issue that affects millions of women in the United States. I am encouraged by my bipartisan work with Senator Perdue to raise awareness for the syndrome and will continue to push for the investments in biomedical research and the improvements to our healthcare system necessary to solve the challenges posed by PCOS."

"Polycystic ovary syndrome affects more than 200,000 women in the state of Georgia and can lead to other serious conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Raising awareness for this syndrome is the first step in preventing further health risks. I am proud to be part of this effort in the Senate to bring greater awareness to the need for improved care and more research," says U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA).

Additional cosponsors of S.Res.336 include U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Deb Fischer (R-NE).

Some of the leading organizations also supporting S.Res.336 include the American Academy of Nursing; American Academy of Sleep Medicine; American Association of Nurse Practitioners; American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; American Electrology Association; American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; The American Liver Foundation; American Medical Women's Association; American Society for Nutrition; American Society for Reproductive Medicine; Black Women's Health Imperative; Dermatology Nurses' Association; Endocrine Society; International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses; Jewish Diabetes Association; National Stroke Association; March of Dimes; Obesity Action Coalition; Pediatric Endocrine Society; Preeclampsia Foundation; Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association; RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association; Society for Health Psychology; and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

For more information about PCOS Challenge, S.Res.336, H.Res.495 and how to get involved, visit http://www.pcoschallenge.org/prioritize-pcos.

Contact:
William R. Patterson
PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association
(404) 855-7244

SOURCE PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association

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