Exploring PCOS: Advancing Solutions through Interdisciplinary Research, Clinical, and Patient Perspectives
- This event has passed.
June 9, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormone disorder occurring during a woman’s reproductive years that causes an excess of the hormone androgen and often, irregular or prolonged periods. PCOS affects 8-13% of women of reproductive age worldwide and nearly 5 million women in the United States. However, 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed. Although it is usually discovered only after women experience highly irregular periods or unsuccessful attempts at pregnancy, this chronic condition impacts more than just ovulation, and its cause is still unknown. Women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing serious health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, depression, and stroke. It is imperative that women living with PCOS are supported by an interdisciplinary care team that works together to effectively manage their uterine health and overall well-being.
The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) convened an interdisciplinary PCOS Working Group of researchers, health care providers, and patient advocates for a closed, roundtable meeting in June 2025. During this closed roundtable event, the Working Group discussed the impact of PCOS on women’s health, with an emphasis on disparities and persistent knowledge gaps concerning PCOS.
Objectives
The objectives of the roundtable are to:
- Review the state of science and explore strategies to address knowledge gaps and unmet needs related to the research, diagnosis, and treatment of PCOS in women across the lifespan
- Identify opportunities to leverage innovation, increase access to equitable care, and reduce disparities and disease burden for women living with PCOS
- Develop materials to expand education, raise awareness, and remove stigma about PCOS for women, health care providers, and policy stakeholders.
Working Group Participants
Jessica Chan, MD, MSCE, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Ali Chappell, PhD, MS, RD, CEO and Founder, Lilli Health
Shruthi Mahalingaiah, MD, MS, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Attending Physician/Director of Clinical Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center
Sasha Ottey MHA, MLS (ASCP), Executive Director, PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association
Phoutdavone “Noy” Phimphasone-Brady, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus
Yolanda Smith, MD, MS, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan
Megan Stewart, Founder & Executive Director, PCOS Awareness Association
Licy Yanes Cordozo, MD, Professor, Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Medicine (Endocrinology), University of Mississippi Medical Center
Sponsor
Support for this educational program has been provided by Abbott Laboratories. SWHR maintains independence and editorial control over program development, content, and work products.
