A resolution recognizing the seriousness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as "PCOS Awareness Month".

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 937 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 937

  Recognizing the seriousness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 
  expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as ``PCOS 
                           Awareness Month''.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 30, 2026

   Ms. Warren (for herself and Mrs. Fischer) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
  Recognizing the seriousness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 
  expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as ``PCOS 
                           Awareness Month''.

Whereas polycystic ovary syndrome (referred to in this preamble as ``PCOS'') is 
        a common health problem among women and girls involving multiple systems 
        of the body, including hormones, metabolism, and mental and reproductive 
        health;
Whereas there is no universal definition of PCOS, but researchers estimate that 
        10 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 follicles, pelvic pain, and 
        mental health problems;
Whereas research has found that women with PCOS have higher rates of mental 
        health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and 
        eating disorders, and are potentially at greater risk for suicide;
Whereas up to 70 percent of women with PCOS are undiagnosed;
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 the cause of PCOS is unknown, but researchers have found strong links to 
        a genetic predisposition, significant insulin resistance and 
        cardiometabolic issues (including prediabetes and type 2 diabetes), high 
        blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, metabolic dysfunction-
        associated liver disease (formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver 
        disease), and heart disease (the leading cause of death among women);
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, metabolic dysfunction-
        associated liver disease (formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver 
        disease), heart disease, and endometrial cancer at a young adult age;
Whereas research suggests PCOS may be associated with increased risk for breast 
        and ovarian cancer, and the risk of developing endometrial cancer is 4 
        times higher than for women who do not have PCOS;
Whereas PCOS negatively alters metabolic function independent of, but 
        exacerbated by, an increased body mass index (commonly referred to as 
        ``BMI'');
Whereas there is no known cure for PCOS; and
Whereas, in 2026, ``polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome'' (or ``PMOS'') was 
        selected as the new name for PCOS through an international 
        multistakeholder process that provides for both terms to remain in use 
        during a multiyear transition: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes polycystic ovary syndrome (referred to in 
        this resolution as ``PCOS'') as a serious disorder that impacts 
        many aspects of health, including cardiometabolic, 
        reproductive, and mental health, and quality of life;
            (2) expresses support for the designation of September 2026 
        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, 
                metabolic dysfunction-associated 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, metabolic dysfunction-
                associated 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.
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