A 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—

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