The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association of Australia Inc (POSAA) was formed in 1998, by a group of Aussie women who found each other on an American-based PCOS website.
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 women with PCOS, promote understanding and awareness of the syndrome and encourage research into PCOS. POSAA is proud to have been instrumental in the formation of the PCOS Australia Alliance and the subsequent launch of world-first guidelines for the diagnosis and care of women with PCOS.
Membership is primarily for women with PCOS. We also encourage doctors and other health professionals who have an interest in treating PCOS to join the Association.
POSAA is a registered charity. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. We have no paid members of staff. We rely on the support of volunteers and members. All committee members and state delegates are volunteers, with full-time jobs – many with families. They’re passionate about helping women with PCOS and determined to raise the community awareness of the syndrome, which is a hidden epidemic.
Our aims:
1. To give women with PCOS the opportunity - with their families, friends and other interested parties - to come together for mutual support and friendship.
This will be achieved by:
- Holding regular support group meetings in every state and territory
- Hosting and updating a website on POSAA and PCOS, including the “Forum” for members to discuss their condition in a private and secure environment.
- Holding a national conference at least once every two years, for the latest research information on PCOS.
2. To raise awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and give our members information, to empower them against the feeling of helplessness.
We will achieve this through:
- Hosting and updating a website on POSAA and PCOS
- Publishing at least four newsletters every year
- Communicating with other PCOS groups overseas
- Communicating with other organisations in the medical field
- Providing a forum for physicians and others to educate members interested in the management of PCOS
3. To encourage research that will lead to a cure and more effective treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
This will be achieved by:
- Lobbying for research funds
- Encouraging a University to set up a “Centre for PCOS research”
4. To raise public awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and its effects on the lives of many women.
This will be achieved by:
- Distributing information about PCOS
- Talking to media organisations about PCOS, the short term and long term complications
5. To raise money to ensure the continuance of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association, and to allow it to achieve its aims.
This will be achieved by:
- Collecting membership fees annually
- Seeking sponsorship of the national conference, website and newsletter
- Submitting requests for funding to government, service organisations