Washington, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and David Perdue (R-Ga.) this week introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the seriousness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and expressing support for the designation of September 2019 as PCOS Awareness Month. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Debra Fischer (R-Neb.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) cosponsored the resolution. Representative David Scott (D-Ga.) introduced the House companion.

"Polycystic Ovary Syndrome has affected too many women and girls for far too long and should be recognized as a serious disorder," Senator Warren said. "My colleagues and I 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 is a serious condition that impacts more than 200,000 women in the state of Georgia and can lead to other complications, such as diabetes and heart disease. Raising awareness is the first step in preventing further health risks and improving care and research," said Senator Perdue.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which affects between 5 and 10 million women in the United States, is the most common endocrine disorder among women and is a leading cause of infertility. Symptoms of PCOS include infertility, irregular menstrual periods, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, weight gain, excessive facial and body hair growth, and mental health problems. 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. There is currently no cure for PCOS, and millions of women with the syndrome are undiagnosed.

The resolution, which highlights the symptoms and prevalence of PCOS, resolves that the Senate "recognizes the seriousness" of PCOS. It expresses support for increasing awareness of the disorder; improving PCOS diagnosis and treatment; and improving the quality of life of women 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 first introduced this resolution in November 2017 along with Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.).