PCOS Challenge and PCOS Diva Announce Confidence Grant to Help Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

As part of a multi-year endowment from PCOS Diva, the nonprofit organization PCOS Challenge, Inc. will be offering grants of up to $500 to help women and girls struggling with hair and skin issues related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The PCOS Diva/PCOS Challenge Confidence Grant assists with the costs associated with dermatology treatments, laser hair removal or electrolysis.

PCOS is a genetic, hormonal, metabolic and reproductive disorder that affects 10 percent of women. In addition to carrying higher risks for infertility, diabetes, cardiovascular disease endometrial cancer and other serious conditions, PCOS often has devastating effects on women’s and girls’ quality of life and self-esteem due to symptoms including excess facial and body hair growth, acne, hair loss, anxiety and depression.

“PCOS Diva’s mission is to empower women with PCOS to reclaim their fertility, femininity, health and happiness. One of the most difficult PCOS symptoms many women experience is hirsutism or unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women. I personally have struggled with this symptom, and laser hair removal was a lifesaver for me. It helped me regain my confidence and self-esteem. Because hair removal and other hair and skin treatments can be cost-prohibitive, I am thrilled to be able to help women who may not be able to afford the expense to reclaim their femininity through the Confidence Grant,” says Amy Medling, Founder of PCOS Diva.

“We are proud to partner with PCOS Diva to offer the Confidence Grant,” says Sasha Ottey, Executive Director of PCOS Challenge, Inc. “It is a significant step forward in addressing a neglected area of PCOS and women’s health that we hope others will follow and support. Unfortunately, many healthcare, insurance and granting organizations, as well as others who are in a position to help, are unaware of the pervasiveness, severity and impact of the problem. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in women and too often the serious hair and skin issues of women with PCOS are being dismissed as merely cosmetic, instead of being treated as medical problems. As such, the calls for help by millions of girls and women affected by PCOS are largely going ignored by major institutions and necessary treatments such as electrolysis and laser hair removal are not being covered by insurance, making them difficult to afford. The hair and skin issues that many girls and women with PCOS face can be scarring to their social development, and contribute to some dropping out of school, leaving their careers and withdrawing from society. More needs to be done, and we are happy that with the assistance of PCOS Diva, we are able to help address this major gap in healthcare.”

Grant Details
Applications for the PCOS Diva/PCOS Challenge Confidence Grant will be reviewed and selected twice per year – once in the spring and once in the fall. For more information about the PCOS Diva/PCOS Challenge Confidence Grant, deadlines, how to apply or make a contribution, visit https://www.pcoschallenge.org/confidence-grant.

About PCOS Diva
PCOS Diva’s mission is one of hope and transformation. The resources, guidance, and support offered through PCOSDiva.com have helped thousands of women take control of their PCOS and live their lives to the fullest while healing their bodies, minds and spirits. PCOS Diva offers all the tools you need to take control and thrive, from daily inspirations, to supplements, menus, online programs and the support of a community that understands.

About PCOS Challenge
PCOS Challenge, Inc. is the leading nonprofit support organization advancing the cause for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, serving nearly 35,000 members. The organization touches the lives of women with PCOS and their supporters each year through television and radio programming, online and offline support groups, and education and awareness initiatives. Since PCOS Challenge began its programs in 2009, the organization has helped many women find answers that have helped them overcome their struggles with infertility, weight gain, hirsutism, anxiety and depression and reduce their risk for numerous life-threatening related diseases.