San Francisco-based healthcare platform Allara Health has released a study shedding light on the significant productivity loss experienced by individuals with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Led by Dr. Heather Huddleston, MD, Director of the University of California San Francisco PCOS Clinic, the research aims to understand the professional impact of this chronic hormonal condition on women of reproductive age.
Titled “Productivity loss due to polycystic ovary syndrome and its relationship to race, mental health, and healthcare delivery indices,” the study delves into how PCOS affects women’s professional lives. With PCOS symptoms often surfacing or exacerbating during crucial career-building stages, the study highlights the need for tailored care solutions to support affected individuals in maintaining their professional aspirations.
The study, which included over 1,000 American women diagnosed with PCOS, reveals insights into the challenges faced by this patient population:
- More than 50% of women with PCOS reported missing work due to their condition.
- A significant 72% noted that PCOS negatively impacts the quality of their work, with over half feeling hindered in their career progression.
- Factors such as race, mental health status, and healthcare access significantly influence work absenteeism among PCOS patients. Particularly, black women, those lacking health insurance, and individuals dissatisfied with their PCOS care are more likely to experience work-related impairments.
“Productivity loss due to polycystic ovary syndrome and its relationship to race, mental health and healthcare delivery indices. offers unprecedented insights into how PCOS affects women’s professional lives. PCOS symptoms often emerge or worsen just as women are launching their professional lives, and disruptions at such crucial times could inevitably impact career trajectory. We need to do better meeting the needs of this patient population so they can get back to participating fully in their lives,” said Dr. Huddleston.
Rachel Blank, Founder and CEO of Allara Health, emphasizes the platform’s commitment to personalized, holistic care approaches: “We consider the patient’s lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, and medical status to treat the whole person. Every employed individual has a lifestyle variation that is unique to them. Ensuring we are factoring their schedule for taking care of themselves and their symptoms is a critical piece of a patient’s care plan.”
Moving forward, the study advocates for further research to deepen understanding and develop more effective strategies for managing PCOS in the workplace.
