Health organisations across the United States and Europe intensified public campaigns on Saturday to mark PCOS Awareness Month, urging earlier diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome for the estimated one in ten women of reproductive age affected worldwide. The Endocrine Society and patient advocacy group PCOS Challenge led weekend awareness events.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is among the most common hormonal disorders in women, yet many patients wait years for a diagnosis. The condition raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, infertility, cardiovascular disease and depression. Advocates say inconsistent screening and low physician awareness leave large numbers of women untreated.

September has been designated PCOS Awareness Month, and organisations including PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association scheduled community events, webinars and social media drives through the weekend.

Clinicians highlighted lifestyle management, metformin and newer GLP-1 medications as tools now widely discussed for weight and metabolic control in patients. Endocrinologists said the disorder remains underfunded relative to its prevalence, and campaigners renewed calls for greater research investment and standardised diagnostic criteria.

The Rotterdam criteria, used to diagnose PCOS, continue to draw debate over their application in adolescents and diverse populations. "Too many women spend years searching for answers before anyone names their condition," a spokesperson for PCOS Challenge said. "Awareness Month is about turning that delay into early, effective care."