President Milanović Receives Delegation of Symposium on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis Organizing Committee
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović held a meeting today with a delegation from the Organizing Committee of the Symposium on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis. This symposium, held in Zagreb on 9-10 March, united experts from various medical fields to spotlight polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. The initiative emphasized a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating these conditions, particularly pertinent as March marks endometriosis awareness month.
During the meeting, delegation members informed President Milanović that the initiative to organize the symposium originated from collaborative efforts among student sections of the University of Zagreb School of Medicine. Specifically, these sections include the Student Section for Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Student Section for Dermatovenerology, the Student Section for Psychiatry, and the Student Section for the Promotion of Proper Nutrition and Health. They emphasized the significance of involving young people in promoting public health through education and engagement. Additionally, they highlighted the symposium’s objective of increasing public awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach to treating these conditions.
The delegation members underscored a troubling reality: approximately 70 percent of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome are not identified at the primary healthcare level. They further noted that establishing the correct diagnosis often takes around two years, during which the quality of life for many patients significantly deteriorates. This highlights the urgent need for early recognition and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Apart from representatives from the academic community, the symposium also convened associations dedicated to advocating for the rights and support of women affected by endometriosis, such as the Association of Women Suffering from Endometriosis “I am 1 of 10.” Their efforts are pivotal in raising awareness and offering assistance to patients grappling with this intricate disease.
Throughout the discussion, the delegation stressed the importance of support from the public, healthcare institutions, and the academic community in addressing issues surrounding polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. They underscored that only through collaborative efforts can we guarantee improved care and quality of life for women navigating these challenges.
Polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis pose substantial challenges in the realm of female reproductive health. Polycystic ovary syndrome, acknowledged as a primary hormonal and metabolic disorder among women of reproductive age, demands meticulous diagnosis and treatment due to its link to infertility and other health issues. Conversely, endometriosis is marked by chronic pain and can profoundly impact the quality of life for affected women.
The meeting in the Office of the President was attended by Professor Hrvoje Vrčić from the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zorica Martić, who heads the Association “I am 1 of 10,” Lara Pavlica, Sara Bedeniković, Aurora Vareško, Marija Doronjga and Krunoslav Budimir from the Student Section for Gynecology and Obstetrics of the University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Dora Herceg from the Student Section for Psychiatry, Ana Romac and Laura Rudelj from the Student Section for Dermatovenerology, Josipa Vlahović and Ana Pavić from the Student Section for Endocrinology and Diabetology, and Ana Bilić-Pavlinović from the Student Section for the Promotion of Proper Nutrition and Health.
President Milanović was accompanied by Jadranka Žarković, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Education.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan