Up to 10% of women and girls worldwide have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a complex hormonal disorder for which there is no cure. If left untreated PCOS can be a precursor to many life threatening conditions including type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney problems. This means PCOS contributes to some of the leading causes of death and disability in women today!
What PCOS is, and what it does to women who have it, is complicated to explain as symptoms and severity of the syndrome can vary from person to person. Some of the classic symptoms are drastic weight gain, hair loss, depression, fatigue, thyroid problems, high cholesterol, panic attacks, headaches, dizzy spells, poor memory or muddled mind, sleeping disorders, constant thirst, extreme cravings, insulin resistance, cystic acne, cystic ovaries, menstrual cycles without ovulation, irregular cycles, severe mood swings, high testosterone levels, infertility problems, excess facial and body hair, not to mention a seven times greater risk than an average woman for four major health concerns affecting women in the United States today including heart disease, diabetes, endometrial cancer and stroke.
Additionally, PCOS treatments for symptoms of PCOS are costing billions!!! PCOS affects nearly 4 million women in the U.S. and costs $4.36 billion annually to treat the symptoms and complications associated with PCOS, according to a report released by The Endocrine Society. According to the Endocrine Society, screening for PCOS may reduce the overall economic burden associated with the condition. PCOS associated diabetes alone costs $1.77 billion dollars alone, according to the study!
Now women who have spent their lives trying to come to terms with living with and understanding PCOS are asking for change, awareness and support with The PCOS Treatment and Awareness Petition. They have not only been adding their signatures but, been expressing the reasons why more involvement from medical professionals insurance companies and the mainstream media are important.
Thankfully this petition is not only raising awareness and gaining support, it is giving women, their families and supporters of PCOS awareness a voice, a strong voice that will hopefully incite, inspire and invoke change for better health, treatment and support of this syndrome.
Ashley Tabeling is a freelance writer specializing in PR for PCOS Awareness. She works with patients and doctors worldwide that are available for interviews, lectures and appearances. | |
