Media Alert: Common Endocrine-Related Condition Costs $4.36 Billion Annually

What: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – the most common endocrine-related condition of reproductive-aged women – affects nearly 4 million women in the U.S. and costs $4.36 billion annually, according to a new report released today by The Endocrine Society. The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, shows that increased screening for PCOS may reduce the overall economic burden associated with the condition. Following are highlights from the study:

• Costs from PCOS-associated diabetes = $1.77 billion 
• Costs from treating menstrual dysfunction/abnormal uterine bleeding associated with PCOS = $1.35 billion
• Costs from treating hirsutism (excessive hair growth), a side effect of PCOS, = $622 million 
• Costs from providing infertility care for PCOS patients = $533 million 
• BUT, the costs of the initial evaluation of PCOS are just $93 million.

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What is PCOS?

1. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormone imbalance that interferes with normal ovulation.

2. The condition gets its name because there are often an increased number of small painless cysts in the ovaries (polycystic ovaries).

3. PCOS effects between five and 10 percent of reproductive aged women.

4. An individual with PCOS may have irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, ovarian cysts, acne and excessive hair growth (hirsutism). Individuals with PCOS are at an increased risk for diabetes, obesity, heart and blood disease and cancer of the uterus.

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Leading endocrinologists are available for comment: Contact media@endo-society.org

Learn how The Endocrine Society is combating obesity and its related conditions at www.ObesityInAmerica.org

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Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society's membership consists of over 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Md. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit our web site at www.endo-society.org.