POSAA - *PCOS Support Group Welcomes New Alliance*

v writes "The formation of the PCOS Alliance and decision to fund it by the Federal Government, have been welcomed by Australia's only support group for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, POSAA Inc.

For more than four years POSAA - the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association of Australia Inc - has led a campaign for national guidelines on diagnosing PCOS and managing the syndrome.

PCOS affects about one in ten Australian women of child-bearing age. It is the leading cause of female infertility and women with the syndrome are at much higher risk of diabetes and heart disease by their mid 40s, than other women. Many women with PCOS symptoms are unaware that they could be at risk of serious long-term complications.

"The tragedy is these complications are preventable, yet as PCOS is under-recognised and a poorly understood condition opportunities for prevention are lost," said Veryan McAllister, the president of POSAA Inc.

"We're delighted that the country's best researchers and PCOS specialists have decided to form one group, to devise national guidelines on diagnosing the syndrome and treating it," said Mrs McAllister.

"The association is also pleased to be part of the alliance, we believe that it's essential that PCOS women have input into devising these guidelines.

"Diagnosing the syndrome can be difficult, for some women it takes too long and too many visits to doctors to get a diagnosis for this," said Mrs McAllister.

The association believes devising a set of guidelines on diagnosing and managing the disease will lead to a better understanding among doctors and the wider community about this serious condition.

Symptoms include; periods that are irregular or heavy, difficulty in becoming pregnant, weight gain - especially around the tummy area, excess facial or body hair, acne on the face and body, pre-Diabetes or Diabetes.

For more information or interviews with women who have PCOS: please contact Veryan McAllister on 0448 752 516

For more information about PCOS, please visit: www.posaa.asn.au

BACKGROUND

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):

Polycystic Ovarian (Ovary) Syndrome is a hormonal disorder affecting 11% of reproductive-aged women . Each woman presents with a number of symptoms and together they make PCOS.

The following is a list of some of the possible symptoms; which are often embarrassing and deeply depressing for women who are experiencing them.
• Hirsuitism (excessive hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, etc.) Hair loss (androgenic alopecia, in a classic "male baldness" pattern) Acne
• Polycystic ovaries (seen on ultrasound)
• Obesity
• Infertility or reduced fertility
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods
In addition, women with PCOS appear to be at increased risk of developing the following health problems during their lives:
• Insulin resistance
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease, heart attacks and stroke)
A significant number of PCOS patients have insulin resistance as the underlying cause of their condition.
Insulin resistance is like pre-diabetes. It’s a warning, that if people make no chages to your lifestyle, they will get type two diabetes - and all the horrible complications that come with it.

The best way of managing the syndrome is through permanent lifestyle changes – like daily exercise and a low G.I. diet – as well as medication. For most patients, Insulin Resistance is the underlying cause of PCOS. Yet, many doctors are unaware of the link and fail to conduct tests to test their patients for this crucial information.

National Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Alliance

The “PCOS National Australian Alliance” is an amalgam of the leading research groups and Doctors in Australia, the Jean Hailes Foundation, together with POSAA, the leading consumer advocacy group. One of the alliances key objectives is the implementation of evidence based care of women with PCOS developed from evidence based guidelines in order to facilitate best practice, as well as improved GP education and improved education and resources for women with PCOS and their families.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association of Australia Inc (POSAA)

The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association of Australia Inc (POSAA) is a ‘self-help’ association for women with PCOS and those who suspect they have it. The Association brings together sufferers, their families and friends, and medical professionals interested in supporting the group and PCOS patients.
The Association’s overall purpose is to offer support to PCOS women, promote understanding and awareness of the syndrome and encourage research into PCOS. POSAA would also like to see national guidelines for diagnosing the syndrome and national standards for treatment or a national Taskforce on PCOS.
The Vision of POSAA is that “All women with PCOS have access to fast, appropriate care, support and treatment”
The Association is national and is based in Sydney, New South Wales.
"