Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 6–15% of women in the United States and up to 20% of women who struggle with their weight. As part of PCOS Awareness Month, PCOS Challenge hosted a webinar on September 3, 2024, about research-driven innovations in PCOS care. It focused on educating the general public on PCOS and the latest research developments, advancements in treatment, and future research needs for PCOS and women’s health. The webinar also provided specific insights into cardiometabolic health in relation to PCOS, the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in enhancing PCOS diagnosis and care, the NIH grant application process for PCOS research, and the role of patient advocacy and education in advancements for PCOS.
The webinar featured an esteemed panel of speakers that included ORWH Associate Director for Clinical Research, Sarah Temkin, M.D., who spoke about PCOS as a priority area in women's health research at ORWH. She highlighted ORWH’s PCOS booklet as part of its U3 Interdisciplinary Research and provided information about the NIH-wide Notice of Special Interest for Women's Health Research for those interested in applying for PCOS research funding. “We are really working hard to encourage people in this [PCOS] space and we're delighted with the enthusiasm people have. A lot of work has been done and there is a lot of work to do,” said Dr. Temkin.