September 16, 2021

Bipartisan Resolution Designating September 2021 as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month Passes Senate Unanimously

PCOS is a complex hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive disorder that affects between 5 and 10 million people 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.) today applauded the unanimous passage of their bipartisan resolution to designate September 2021 as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness (PCOS) Month.

“Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects the lives of millions of people across the United States, and 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,” Senator Warren said. “I'm glad that my Senate colleagues agree and recognize the need to bring greater awareness to the disorder and the need to support those impacted by PCOS.”

“I’m pleased the Senate unanimously passed our bipartisan resolution designating this month as PCOS Awareness Month. Far too many women nationwide are diagnosed with this condition, which is a leading cause of infertility. Showing our support for increased awareness, treatment, and research, will reduce the number of women and girls who face this health issue in the future,” Senator Fischer said. 

PCOS is a complex hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive disorder that affects between 5 and 10 million people in the United States. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder among women and is a leading cause of infertility. People with PCOS also 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 people with PCOS due to the disorder's anxiety and depression symptoms. There is currently no cure for PCOS, and half of those living with the syndrome are undiagnosed.

The resolution (S.Res. 325), 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 people 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 Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), 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.

Senator Warren and then-Senator David Perdue (R-Ga.) first introduced this bipartisan resolution in November 2017, along with Senators Fischer, Baldwin, Blumenthal, Booker, Feinstein, and then-Senator Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.).

###