New women's health guidelines that will result in better diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been announced by Nicola Roxon.
Launching the Jean Hailes for Women's Health education campaign earlier this month, the minister for health and aging noted that the guidelines represent an important milestone in helping Australian women manage the condition.
"These guidelines are the result of groundbreaking work by Australian experts that will lead to better health outcomes for the one in seven Australian women that suffer from PCOS," she said.
However, she recognised that the guidelines will be most effective when used alongside an education and awareness campaign to help doctors, nurses and endocrinologists diagnose and treat PCOS.
Roxon added: "PCOS is a poorly understood yet many women would know someone who suffers from PCOS – these guidelines will improve understanding and promote consistency of care for women."
The chronic condition, which affects women of reproductive age, can cause several related medical problems, including risk of infertility, obesity and contracting cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes.
The Polycistic Ovary Syndrome Association of Australia estimates that the disorder affects more than half a million women of childbearing age in Australia alone. It is best managed through medication and permanent lifestyle changes – such as maintaining a low-GI diet and exercising regularly.