Huge Boost for Women Suffering from PCOS

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PDF printable version of Huge Boost for Women Suffering from PCOS (PDF 16 KB)

9 September 2011

Australian women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) will benefit from more effective diagnosis and treatment as a result of new world leading PCOS evidence based guidelines.

In launching the Jean Hailes for Women’s Health education and awareness campaign that will put the guidelines into practice, Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon said this was a significant milestone in addressing an increasingly common health issue for women.

“These guidelines are the result of ground-breaking work by Australian experts that will lead to better health outcomes for the one in seven Australian women that suffer from PCOS”, Minister Roxon said.

“The new guidelines will be backed by an extensive Australia-wide awareness and education program starting today that includes translating the guidelines into various languages, developing consumer and health professional information tools and seminars.

“We know that guidelines themselves won’t change behaviours, that’s why the education and awareness campaign is essential to their success.

“Many women will be assisted by the guidelines in managing their lifestyle and infertility which are key to managing PCOS.

“The guidelines and accompanying educational tools will become an essential reference tool to help GPs, nurses, endocrinologists, Indigenous healthcare workers, obstetricians and gynaecologists and allied health professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS.

“Up to 21% of reproductive aged women suffer from PCOS yet up to 70% of these women remain undiagnosed so these guidelines are a huge step forward in the timely and effective diagnosis and management of this common condition.

“PCOS is a poorly understood yet many women would know someone who suffers from PCOS - these guidelines will improve understanding and promote consistency of care for women.

PCOS is a chronic condition faced by women of reproductive age which can cause infertility and other medical problems. Almost 30% of women with PCOS are obese with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

The evidence-based guidelines were developed over two years by the PCOS Australian Alliance in collaboration with researchers, clinicians and community organisations, and supported by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.

The Gillard Government provided funding of more than $1.1 million over three years to the Jean Hailes for Women’s Health for the development of these guidelines.

In the 2010-11 financial year, the Gillard Government through the National Health and Medical Research Council funding for research supported 290 grants in the area of reproductive health for a total of more than $49 million.

For a copy of the guidelines please visit www.jeanhailes.org.au

For more information, contact the Minister's Office on (02) 6277 7220