PCOS Challenge

Download the @pcoschallenge 2025 IMPACT REPORT - pcos.ch/impact-2025 | View highlights from a year of progress closing gaps and elevating care for those affected by #PCOS. SPECIAL THANKS We are deeply grateful to the patients, clinicians, researchers, industry partners, and policymakers who joined and supported us in this work. Join us throughout 2026 as we continue to advance research, policy, and care.

The @who has introduced a landmark #infertility guideline, now including updated recommendations for #PCOS. View the summary of recommendations at: pcos.ch/who-infertilit… It was an honor for Sasha Ottey, Executive Director @pcoschallenge, to serve on the WHO External Review Group for this guideline. This involvement is part of PCOS Challenge’s ongoing efforts to strengthen PCOS-related guidance and practice in ways that close gaps, elevate standards, and ensure patient-centered perspectives are integrated into care. We recognize that some recommendations may not be fully feasible or affordable in all settings, and PCOS Challenge is committed to advancing solutions that balance evidence, access, and affordability. Looking ahead, we will continue working to ensure that future guidelines more fully reflect these principles.

Here’s wishing everyone a #HappyThanksgiving full of warmth and gratitude. We are thankful for you all. We realize that for many people, this year and this season can be a lot to carry. Know that you are not alone and that your friends at PCOS Challenge support you. #thanksgiving #pcos

Thank you to @aepcossociety and everyone who joined us on Sat, Oct 25, for the #PCOS Awareness Symposium 2025 in San Antonio, for helping make the event a success and impactful for the PCOS community. We look forward to continuing this work together to close gaps and elevate care for people with #PCOS.

REGISTER NOW: pcos.ch/register-2025 | Join us on Saturday, October 25th, for PCOS Awareness Symposium 2025 - San Antonio, presented by @pcoschallenge, in partnership with @aepcossociety. Gain deeper insight into the lived experiences of patients and discover the most current, evidence-based approaches for PCOS diagnosis, treatment, and management. #pcos

Thank you to @washingtonpost and @akjohnson1922 for spotlighting the real impact of #PCOS, through the voices of patients like Alexis King and the work being done to close gaps and elevate care. Read Article: pcos.ch/washington-pos…

Join us for the global #WaveofLight tonight at 7 PM (regardless of time zone) to remember all babies gone too soon by lighting a candle. #pcos #waveoflight2025

Teens with #PCOS may notice symptoms like irregular periods, which is the most common, acne, or weight changes. While some experience mild symptoms, others may see more significant changes over time. Hormone imbalances from PCOS can also affect mood and energy levels, which can impact how teens feel emotionally. They may also lead to unwanted hair growth in some teens. Early intervention can help manage PCOS symptoms and reduce long-term health risks like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. #pcosawarenessmonth #teens

Irregular periods in teens can sometimes signal PCOS: ▪️ First year after first period: Irregular cycles are normal. ▪️ 1–3 years after first period: Cycles less than 21 or greater than 45 days should be checked. ▪️ More than 3 years after first period: Cycles less than 21 or greater than 35 days, or fewer than eight per year, should be checked. Consult a healthcare provider familiar with PCOS and track cycle patterns to guide care. #pcos #careforpcos #pcosawarenessmonth

Understanding Your Signals: How Food, Sleep and Stress Affect #PCOS x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

PCOS can lead to insulin resistance, raising the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Medications like metformin and supplements such as myo-inositol improve insulin sensitivity, helping to reduce long-term health risks. Research shows that myo-inositol is as effective as metformin in managing insulin resistance in PCOS (Kazemi et al., 2022). Discuss with your healthcare provider to explore treatment options. #pcos #careforpcos #pcosawarenessmonth

Insulin resistance is a common but often overlooked feature of PCOS that can affect overall health. Our PCOS Challenge Critical Conversation Series continues with Dr. Ali Chappell, founder and CEO of Lilli Health, who discusses how healthcare professionals can better identify and address insulin resistance in PCOS, particularly when screening is challenging. Follow us @pcoschallenge and visit PCOS.org to learn more. #pcos #pcosawarenessmonth

PCOS AWARENESS MONTH - LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT WEEK Exercise can be a great way to manage PCOS symptoms. Strength training (like squats or push-ups) and vigorous activity (running, cycling) have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity by 36% and lower androgen levels. The key is intensity, not just duration. Starting with activities that feel right and working with a trainer or healthcare provider experienced with PCOS can make it more effective. REFERENCE: doi.org/10.3389/fphys.… #pcos #pcosawarenessmonth #exercise

PCOS IN THE NEWS We are grateful to @_lori_harvey for bravely sharing her experience, @ness_atn for amplifying this crucial story, and @people for shining a light on the challenges faced by many in the PCOS and endometriosis communities. These stories, still far too common, underscore the need for increased provider awareness and education, as well as healthcare policies that ensure guidelines are effectively integrated into care. This is essential for timely and accurate diagnosis and better outcomes for all. View Article: pcos.ch/people-lori-ha… #pcos #people #pcosawarenessmonth #pcosawareness

“Closing Gaps, Elevating Care” is the theme of PCOS Awareness Month 2025. This week highlights lifestyle management as a cornerstone of PCOS care. Gaps remain in evidence, consistency, and patient-centered approaches. Elevating care means working together to close these gaps. Follow @pcoschallenge and share your thoughts in this week's Critical Conversation on Lifestyle Management for PCOS. #pcos #pcosawarenessmonth

PCOS is often diagnosed when women are trying to conceive. Yet once pregnancy is achieved, many stop receiving care or follow-up. For #PCOS Fertility, Family Building, and Maternal Health Week during #PCOSAwarenessMonth, our Critical Conversation series continues with @drmarktrolice, Director of The IVF Center, who discusses how fertility specialists can help address gaps by supporting continued care for people with PCOS. For more information on PCOS care and support, follow us @pcoschallenge and visit PCOS.org.

Irregular periods are a key symptom of #PCOS and can occur when cycles are shorter than 21 days, longer than 35 days, or absent for several months. PCOS causes hormonal imbalances that can disrupt ovulation, leading to inconsistent cycles in some people. If irregular periods persist, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Early detection can help guide appropriate care. To learn more about PCOS and reproductive health, follow us @pcoschallenge and visit PCOS.org. #pcos #pcosawarenessmonth

Many women with PCOS still face barriers to accessing fertility and maternal health care, even as workplaces begin to expand reproductive health benefits. For PCOS Fertility, Family Building, and Maternal Health Week during PCOS Awareness Month, Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer @Progyny, discusses how employers can better support women’s health by improving access to comprehensive fertility and family-building benefits. Watch this Critical Conversation to learn how expanding workplace benefits can help close gaps in care. Follow us @pcoschallenge and visit PCOS.org to learn more. #pcos #pcosawarenessmonth #pcosawareness #fertility #careforpcos