PCOS: The hidden workplace challenge employers can’t afford to ignore

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common yet overlooked conditions -affecting up to 13% of reproductive-aged women worldwide, though most cases go undiagnosed. That means PCOS is almost certainly impacting your workforce-whether you know it or not.

Certain symptoms can be uncomfortably visible, such as acne, oily skin, excess facial hair, or weight gain. Behind the scenes, those with PCOS may also face heavy or irregular periods, infertility, and an increased risk of infertility as well as cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health disorders.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

PCOS is diagnosed when a patient presents at least two of the following symptoms, after other causes have been excluded:

• Signs of high androgen levels, such as unwanted facial hair, thinning scalp hair, acne, or elevated testosterone in the blood

• Irregular or absent periods

• Polycystic-appearing ovaries detected on ultrasound (which are different from ovarian cysts-polycystic ovaries demonstrate a high number of follicles which look like small 2-10mm diameter circles on ultrasound where the eggs are contained)

Because symptoms vary widely, women often seek care from multiple specialists-gynecologists, dermatologists, primary care providers, endocrinologists, psychiatrists-depending on what symptoms are most pressing. Nearly half report consulting three or more providers before receiving a diagnosis, and many continue to see multiple doctors after diagnosis to manage the condition.

How does PCOS affect quality of life?

The biological and psychological effects of PCOS are significant, particularly as they relate to body image and infertility. Research shows the condition can have a profound impact on mental health and self-esteem, while also carrying serious long-term health risks, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.

This combination of visible and invisible challenges often leaves women feeling frustrated with both diagnosis and ongoing care, adding to stress in their personal and professional lives. Studies have also shown that anxiety and depressive symptoms are more prevalent for those living with PCOS compared to those without PCOS.

Why should employers care about PCOS?

For employers, the impact of PCOS extends well beyond the individual. The condition is linked to more than $8 billion in healthcare costs annually in the U.S. alone, and many of those costs stem from prolonged diagnostic journeys, fertility needs, and ongoing management of metabolic and mental health issues.

Workplace impact is also clear:

• 72% of women with PCOS say their quality of work has been affected by their condition

• 50.4% report missing work due to PCOS

• 51.5% feel held back in their careers because of it

Fatigue, stress, and untreated symptoms often translate into absenteeism, presenteeism, and even turnover. Imagine juggling unpredictable symptoms, fertility challenges, and ongoing doctor visits-all while trying to focus on work.

But this is also where employers have an opportunity: supporting faster, more accurate diagnosis and better coordinated care not only improves employee well-being, but it also reduces downstream costs and builds loyalty.

How can employers support team members with PCOS?

Traditional healthcare systems are not designed for a condition as multifaceted as PCOS. As mentioned, care often requires multiple specialists, yet these specialists can be hard to find, especially within the limits of a standard health plan. As a result, employees may face lengthy delays, fragmented care, or even go without treatment altogether. Someone needs to connect the dots. That's where Progyny comes in.

Progyny's solutions provide:

• Personalized education and support, empowering members to recognize symptoms earlier and connect with appropriate care-leading to earlier detection of reproductive health issues

• Coordinated care across specialties so members aren't left navigating a complex system on their own

• Comprehensive support for fertility, mental health, and long-term wellness

This combination reduces costs for employers while delivering a better quality of life for employees.

By supporting early detection and coordinated care through Progyny, employers can reduce costs, improve productivity, and-most importantly-empower employees living with PCOS to thrive.