PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association

This week, the New York Stock Exchange hosted PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association alongside the incredible Olympic women’s volleyball team, who proudly won Silver in Paris. PCOS Challenge extends our heartfelt congratulations to the USA Volleyball Women's National Team and our deepest gratitude to the NYSE for their unwavering support of PCOS awareness and PCOS Awareness Month. Follow PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association as we launch the largest PCOS Awareness Month yet this September, featuring PCOS Tour events, and over 400 landmarks across 33 countries turning teal in solidarity for the cause. Special thanks to Ashley Levinson, PCOSgurl, for organizing the events. Learn more at PCOSAwarenessMonth.org #pcos #pcosawareness #pcosawarenessmonth #nyse

Happy Father's Day from PCOS Challenge (Showcase) to all fathers. A special acknowledgment to the resilient fathers of angel babies, whose spirits shine forever, and to those battling infertility. We stand with you in your journey! 🩵 #fathersday #fathersday2024 #happyfathersday #pcos #pcossupport

We are grateful to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to their families. We will always remember and be thankful. We honor you this Memorial Day! #memorialday2024 #memorialday #armedforces #army #navy #airforce #marinecorps #veteran #veterans #USA

Today, we celebrate the act of mothering, which lives inside us all. We honor and celebrate you no matter where you are in your life or journey. Happy Mother's Day to each and every one of you. #MothersDay #HappyMothersDay #PCOS #PCOSSupport

For PCOS patients, the journey toward parenthood may include unique challenges. Gaining insight into infertility evaluations and family planning options empowers you to make informed decisions aligned with your health and goals. Depending on where you live, if you are experiencing infertility, there are multiple options for family-building, including adoption, gestational carriers, and infertility treatments by specialists. This post discusses infertility evaluations and treatments. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ◼️Infertility Evaluations: These are comprehensive, typically involving several tests over multiple menstrual cycles and a semen analysis to identify why conception hasn't occurred. ◼️ Timing for Evaluation: See your doctor after 1 year of trying to conceive, or after 3-6 months if you're over 35 or have PCOS, to address potential fertility issues promptly. WHAT YOU CAN DO ◼️ Choose the Right Specialist: Consult an OBGYN or a reproductive endocrinologist who specializes in infertility to guide you through your options. ◼️ Explore Treatment Options: If infertility is diagnosed, your doctor may discuss lifestyle factors and applicable infertility treatments such as ovulation induction medications (e.g., Letrozole, Clomiphene) or advanced techniques such as Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), which includes IVF and IVM. Each step you take is a move towards understanding your body and exploring viable paths to parenthood. For more insights into your options and to further your understanding of infertility evaluations, visit https://lnkd.in/dWqs_NNR. Join the FREE PCOS Challenge: The National Ovary Syndrome Association Support Network with nearly 60,000 members at PCOSChallenge.com. #NIAW2024 #NationalInfertilityAwarenessWeek #LeaveYourMark #pcos #pcoschallenge #pcosawareness #pcossupport #health #womenshealth

During this year’s National Infertility Awareness Week (#NIAW2024), we invite everyone to speak up and share their journeys. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is recognized by the CDC as the leading cause of infertility in women. It’s time to shift the narrative, raise awareness, and increase support and access for those in our community. Share your experience and leave your mark on the path to understanding and overcoming infertility challenges. Follow PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association for the evidence-based information you need to know about PCOS and for helpful insights for better health. Follow RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association for information about National Infertility Awareness Week and ways to get involved. -------- ABOUT THE NATIONAL INFERTILITY AWARENESS WEEK -------- Since its inception in 1989 by RESOLVE, National Infertility Awareness Week has been breaking the myths and misinformation that often surround infertility issues. This week is dedicated to empowering individuals and couples with knowledge and a platform, urging the public and policymakers to better support families in their journeys to parenthood. This year’s theme, “Leave Your Mark,” encourages everyone to contribute their voices to change perceptions and policies surrounding infertility. REFERENCE pcos.ch/cdc-infertility #NIAW #NationalInfertilityAwarenessWeek #LeaveYourMark #pcos #pcoschallenge #pcossupport #health #womenshealth

PCOS IN THE NEWS - https://lnkd.in/e4vNn_Ab Have you been taking Ozempic or Wegovy? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW Some women using GLP-1 medications for weight loss, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have reported unexpected pregnancies. While these medications are primarily for managing obesity and diabetes, emerging anecdotes suggest they might also affect fertility. Given the lack of comprehensive data on their safety during pregnancy, this topic is garnering attention among researchers and healthcare providers. WHAT YOU CAN DO If you are taking GLP-1 medications and considering pregnancy: - Consult with Your Doctor: Discuss the timing for possibly stopping the medication based on current medical guidance and your health status. - Follow Drug Labels and Medical Advice: Adhere to specific instructions about medication use relative to pregnancy planning, such as discontinuing the drug a recommended period before trying to conceive. - Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest studies and FDA updates regarding the use of these medications during pregnancy. Consider participating in registries or studies that track pregnancy outcomes among users of GLP-1 medications to help gather vital data. Navigating the unexpected implications of GLP-1 medications on fertility underscores the importance of informed medical consultation and active participation in new research. Thank you to the PCOS Challenge Scientific Advisory Board members, Drs. Melanie Cree and Ricardo Azziz, who contributed to this article. STAY CONNECTED Follow us and join the FREE PCOS Challenge Support Network with over 60,000 members at PCOSChallenge.com. #pcos #pcoschallenge #pcossupport #health #womenshealth #adolescenthealth #mentalhealth #maternalhealth #hearthealth #fertility

PCOS IN THE NEWS - Thank you to NBC News for shedding light on the urgent need for better PCOS diagnosis and treatment. Millions of people struggle with this complex disorder without FDA-approved medications specifically for the condition. Read the article now at pcos.ch/pfdd-nbc-news WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association is leading the Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD) efforts to accelerate the development of new FDA-approved treatments for PCOS through engagement with the FDA, U.S. Congress and medical product developers. A special thank you to the more than 1,000 patients, investigators and other leaders who have supported this effort by participating in our PCOS Externally-Led Patient-Focused Drug Development Meeting and research study. Your insights are shaping the future of PCOS care. WHAT YOU CAN DO We encourage patients, industry professionals, legislators, investigators, healthcare providers and others to stay engaged and follow PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association as we reveal deeper insights into patient unmet needs and treatment priorities through our upcoming PCOS Voice of the Patient Report and work to increase funding for treatment development and expand expedited pathways for approval of safe and effective new treatments for PCOS.

Our relationship with food is complex. Sometimes, it can veer into unhealthy territory, leading to disordered eating or even full-blown eating disorders. Understanding the differences is key to identifying these potentially dangerous conditions, especially for people with PCOS due to a higher risk for eating disorders. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ▪️Disordered Eating: Disordered eating encompasses a wide range of irregular eating behaviors. This might mean skipping meals, obsessing over "healthy" foods, rigid dieting, or occasional binge eating. While less severe, disordered eating can still be harmful and is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder. ▪️Eating Disorders: Eating disorders are serious mental health illnesses with a defined set of diagnostic criteria. Common eating disorders seen in individuals with PCOS include: 🔹Bulimia Nervosa: Involves recurring episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting, laxative abuse, or excessive exercise. 🔹Binge Eating Disorder: The most common eating disorder. Involves recurrent binging episodes without compensatory behaviors. ▪️The Crucial Difference: Disordered eating encompasses less severe or less frequent behaviors than a formal eating disorder. Think of disordered eating as being on a spectrum, where a clinically diagnosed eating disorder is the most extreme end. WHAT YOU CAN DO ▪️Become Aware: Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of both disordered eating and eating disorders. Resources like the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) website are helpful. ▪️Watch for Warning Signs: Be mindful of your and your loved ones' relationships with food. Notice drastic changes in eating habits, intense fear of weight gain, or obsessive calorie counting. For precaution, take this short screening from NEDA - pcos.ch/ed-screen ▪️Don't Dismiss Disordered Eating: While it may not meet the full diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder, disordered eating deserves attention, as it can worsen over time. ▪️Seek Professional Help: If you're concerned, act early. Speak to your doctor, and a therapist or a nutritionist specializing in eating disorders and PCOS. Early intervention is crucial. ▪️ Join Our Community: If you are struggling with conditions along with PCOS, access resources and engage with our supportive community of nearly 60,000 members at PCOSChallenge.com. Remember, any unhealthy relationship with food warrants attention. If you are struggling, know that help is available, support exists and recovery is possible. You are not alone. 🩵 💜 REFERENCES https://lnkd.in/epqW_69F https://lnkd.in/enXd8hDz #EDAW #eatingdisorderawareness #pcos #pcoschallenge #mentalheallth #diet #nutrition #health #womenshealth

EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK PCOS is associated with a higher risk of eating disorders. A study conducted by researchers at PCOS Challenge and the University of Alabama at Birmingham reveals a 48% increase in risk, highlighting the critical need for integrated mental health support in PCOS care. Moreover, the economic impact on healthcare systems is significant, with costs from PCOS-related eating disorders estimated at $0.644 billion annually—this emphasizes the urgent need for systemic healthcare improvements. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ▪️ Increased Risk: Heightened awareness is essential for patients and professionals about the increased likelihood of those with PCOS experiencing eating disorders. ▪️ Holistic Care: Successful management includes both physical health and mental well-being. ▪️ Economic Impact: The financial strain underscores the need for effective management and early intervention strategies. WHAT YOU CAN DO ▪️ Seek Early Diagnosis: If you believe you have signs of an eating disorder, answer this Screening Tool from the National Eating Disorders Association - https://lnkd.in/dQiyTinB. While it is not a replacement for diagnosis, this can guide you towards resources and support based on your answers. ▪️ Get Professional Guidance: Consult specialists like psychiatrists, psychologists and dietitians who can offer tailored support. ▪️ Join Our Community: If you are struggling with conditions along with PCOS, access resources and engage with our supportive community of nearly 60,000 members at PCOSChallenge.com. You are not alone. 🩵 💜 REFERENCE https://lnkd.in/enXd8hDz #eatingdisorderawareness #edaw #pcos #pcoschallenge #pcosawareness #health #womenshealth