Jenniffer González Raises Awareness About Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Press Release

Congresswoman González-Colón, co-chair of the Congress's Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Caucus, is raising awareness about this syndrome that affects so many women as part of the cancer awareness efforts. The congresswoman exhorts all women to prevent annual check-ups.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a genetic, hormone, metabolic and reproductive disorder that has life-changing effects on women. According to the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association, PCOS can cause infertility, anxiety, depression and other psychological disorders. Additionally, symptoms can include obesity, hair and skin issues, endometrial cancer, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and other serious conditions.

PCOS affects 10% to 15% of women in the US. These women are twice more likely to be hospitalized, are at risk of being diabetic before the age of 40 and are three times more likely to develop endometrial cancer.

PCOS affects approximately 150 thousand women in Puerto Rico. Several have sent letters to my office explaining the hardships they face with this disorder. Most struggle with infertility, depression and anxiety, financial burdens due to treatment and have issues with weight management.

Many times, we do not realize with the daily hustle to take care of ourselves or doing preventive checkups and when we do them, it may be too late. That is why I support this initiative to educate and prevent on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

"Our colleague, Representative David Scott from Georgia introduced House Resolution 864, which seeks to recognize the seriousness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and express support for the designation of the month of September 2018 as "PCOS Awareness Month". I am a proud cosponsor of this bill, along with 110 other members, and look forward to working alongside my colleagues to move this resolution forward.", said González-Colón.

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