PCOS Awareness Month

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Awareness Women
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every September
Holiday emoji:: 💜

PCOS Awareness Month dedicates the entire month of September to educating the public about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This vital observance promotes further research and knowledge of a condition affecting millions of women worldwide. Learn more about PCOS, share resources, and support advocacy efforts to improve diagnosis and care.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected PCOS Awareness Month Deals

Throughout PCOS Awareness Month, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial fundraising and advocacy efforts. Organizations like the PCOS Awareness Association and PCOS Challenge, Inc. often partner with corporate sponsors for donation-matching programs and virtual events. Look for health and wellness brands, such as Theralogix and Ovasitol, to offer educational content and special bundles on their PCOS-specific products. Many healthcare providers and clinics will host free webinars, screenings, or informational sessions. We encourage you to visit the official websites of leading PCOS organizations for verified ways to contribute and participate in this important cause.

Platform Guide for PCOS Awareness Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PCOSAwarenessMonth. Share personal stories, educational infographics, or healthy lifestyle tips to foster community and understanding.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PCOSAwarenessMonth. Join or host a local support group, share reliable health articles, and participate in virtual events.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #PCOSAwarenessMonth. Engage with healthcare professionals, advocates, and researchers to amplify the latest news and research findings on PCOS.

PCOS Awareness Month Hero

Dr. Irving F. Stein and Dr. Michael L. Leventhal

In 1935, American gynecologists Dr. Irving F. Stein and Dr. Michael L. Leventhal published a groundbreaking paper describing the syndrome that would later bear their names: Stein-Leventhal syndrome, now known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Their work was crucial in identifying the cluster of symptoms associated with the condition, including irregular periods, hirsutism, and enlarged ovaries. Their initial observations laid the foundation for decades of research into PCOS.

PCOS Awareness Month timeline

2010

PCOS becomes widespread

The World Health Organization estimates that PCOS affects 116 million women worldwide.

1990

Formal diagnostic criteria proposed

At a National Institute of Health (NIH) sponsored conference on PCOS formal diagnostic criteria were proposed and afterwards largely utilized from then on.

1935

PCOS officially described

The condition was first described in 1935 by American gynecologists Irving F. Stein, Sr. and Michael L. Leventhal.

1721

First known case of PCOS

The earliest published description of a person with what is now recognized as PCOS was in 1721 in Italy, by Italian scientist Antonio Vallisneri.

PCOS Awareness Month FAQs

When is PCOS Awareness Month?

PCOS Awareness Month 2026 runs throughout September, bringing a full month of education and advocacy for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

How many women are affected by PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affects as much as 20% of women between the ages of 18 and 44 in the United States, making it one of the leading causes of poor fertility.

What are the common symptoms of PCOS?

Common symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, excess androgen (leading to acne and hirsutism), and polycystic ovaries visible on ultrasound. Early diagnosis is key for effective management.

Is there a cure for PCOS?

Currently, there is no known cure for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

How to Observe PCOS Awareness Month

Talk to your friends
Due to its nature, PCOS is not the most comfortable thing to speak to others about. Don’t be afraid to verbalize any concerns you may have, and find out for sure if you need to speak to a doctor. Do not let a potential problem be ignored.
Check for symptoms
PCOS symptoms are quite noticeable. If you experience irregular cycles, excessive adult acne, unusual hair growth or hair loss, unexpected weight gain, cannot get pregnant, or are pre-diabetic or have type 2 diabetes, see your doctor.
Talk to your doctor
If you've noticed multiple symptoms, especially missed periods, acne, and hair growth, check in with your doctor or endocrinologist for a blood test.

5 Facts You Should Know About The Causes Of PCOS

Excess insulin
Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use sugar, your body's primary energy supply. If your cells become resistant to the action of insulin, then your blood sugar levels can rise and your body might produce more insulin. Excess insulin might increase androgen production, causing difficulty with ovulation.
Low-grade inflammation
This term is used to describe white blood cells' production of substances to fight infection. Research has shown that women with PCOS have a type of low-grade inflammation that stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens, which can lead to heart and blood vessel problems.
Genetics
Research suggests that certain genes might be linked to PCOS.
Excess androgen
Production of abnormally high levels of androgen in the ovaries, resulting in hirsutism and acne.
Unknown
While doctors and researchers continue to search for the exact cause of PCOS, the sad truth of the matter is that, as of today, we still do not know the direct link to the cause of PCOS.

Why PCOS Awareness Month is Important

PCOS is manageable
The primary treatments for PCOS include lifestyle changes and medications. With these treatments, there are four goals that are considered realistic: lowering of insulin resistance levels, restoration of fertility, treatment of acne, and restoration of regular menstruation.
The main medication is self-prescribed
Diet is considered the best form of treatment for PCOS. Reducing the intake of simple carbohydrates, coupled with successful weight loss, is the most effective method of restoring normal ovulation/menstruation.
Simple prescriptions can go a long way
Birth control is the most common PCOS treatment for women who don't want to get pregnant. Hormonal birth control, such as pills, a skin patch, vaginal ring, shots, or a hormonal IUD (intrauterine device), can help restore regular periods.