Women’s Health Queensland Wide providing support and awareness for PCOS
Women’s Health Queensland Wide Inc (Women’s Health) will provide additional information and support to sufferers of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Queensland following its appointment as the state delegate for the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association of Australia Inc (POSAA).
The appointment is the first time that an organisation has taken on the responsibility. The main task associated with the role is to provide education and information to women and health professionals about PCOS, which is estimated to affect 10% of women of reproductive age.
“Women’s Health has a long history of providing health information and education to women and health professionals across Queensland,” Bronwyn Buckley, health promotion officer at Women’s Health said.
“Our focus on health issues that affect women and the existing services we provide including the Health Information Line, fact sheets and health education programs, mean that we are perfectly positioned to supplement the already fantastic work that POSAA is undertaking in Queensland.”
PCOS is a complex condition that disrupts ovulation, making it difficult for sufferers to fall pregnant. Its symptoms can be embarrassing and distressing for women and include irregular periods, weight gain, excess body hair, acne and baldness. PCOS also places women at increased risk of complications including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and endometrial cancer.
POSAA was formed in 1998 as the national support and advocacy group for PCOS. The organisation offers women, their partners and families with information and support through their website at www.possa.asn.au as well as the opportunity to meet up with fellow ‘cysters’ at organised events.
“POSAA is delighted to have Women’s Health Queensland Wide supporting our mission of empowering women with PCOS through awareness, education, support and research,” Veryan McAllister, president of POSAA, said.
Women in Queensland seeking further information on PCOS can visit POSAA’s website or speak to a nurse on the Health Information Line on 3839 9988 (Brisbane) or 1800 017 676 (outside Brisbane). Women can also Ask A Health Question via the Women’s Health website .
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