Changing the PCOS story: Women’s health beyond pregnancy

Many women’s digital health solutions focus on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) solely through the lens of fertility and pregnancy. This narrow scope overlooks the broader health risks women face—like metabolic and cardiovascular complications—that can arise long before or after reproductive milestones.

Ovia Health by Labcorp takes a different approach. Our programs are designed to support women across their entire lifespan.

A common condition and hidden cost driver

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects how the ovaries function. It impacts up to 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, yet 70% of cases remain undiagnosed.¹ Symptoms like weight gain, irregular periods, acne, or anxiety are often attributed to other causes. Without a single diagnostic test, many women spend years seeking answers.² 

Delays in diagnosis lead to unmanaged symptoms and higher medical costs. In the U.S., PCOS contributes to an annual economic burden exceeding $15 billion, including over $4 billion tied to mental health conditions.3 4 Left untreated, PCOS drives costly complications—including infertility, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety.4 5 

Much of this cost could be reduced through earlier detection and whole-person care. By addressing PCOS holistically, our solution helps women identify and manage symptoms, seek appropriate care, reduce long-term health risks, and improve overall quality of life—while helping health plans and employers control avoidable costs.

Comprehensive PCOS support across all life stages

Ovia is designed to support earlier interventions and care decisions, and reduce long-term costs.

With Ovia, members benefit from:

  • Unlimited 1:1 support: Health coaches, including those with backgrounds as registered dietitian-nutritionists, can assist with weight, metabolic health, and other key PCOS concerns. Available by phone, video, or in-app messaging 365 days a year at no cost to members.
  • Daily symptom logs and real-time feedback: In-app tracking helps surface potential PCOS concerns early, enabling timely interventions before complications develop.
  • Condition-specific health programs: Clinically-backed PCOS education and management tools to help members with symptoms and drive improved health outcomes.
  • CareFinder service: Personalized navigation connecting members to in-network providers and resources tailored to their individual health needs.

The business case for PCOS solutions

PCOS is more than a reproductive condition—it’s a lifelong health challenge with significant cost implications. By shifting the focus beyond pregnancy and delivering continuous support, Ovia Health by Labcorp helps organizations close critical gaps in women’s health, driving:

  • Better outcomes: Improved quality of life and reduced risk of complications
  • Lower costs: Early detection and holistic support that prevent costly chronic and mental health conditions
  • Stronger engagement: A solution that supports women across their full health journey

By addressing PCOS with comprehensive support across all life stages, organizations can deliver meaningful value to their populations while reducing avoidable spend.

References

  1. Teede HJ, Misso ML, Costello MF, et al. Recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod. 2018;33(9):1602-1618. doi:10.1093/humrep/dey256
  2. Azziz R, Marin C, Hoq L, Badamgarav E, Song P. Health care–related economic burden of the polycystic ovary syndrome during the reproductive life span. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005;90(8):4650-4658. doi:10.1210/jc.2005-0628
  3. Riestenberg C, Jagasia A, Markham S, et al. Economic burden of mental health conditions in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. Endocr Rev. 2023;44(5):763-779. doi:10.1210/endrev/bnad019
  4. March WA, Moore VM, Willson KJ, Phillips DI, Norman RJ, Davies MJ. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in a community sample assessed under contrasting diagnostic criteria. Hum Reprod. 2010;25(2):544-551. doi:10.1093/humrep/dep399
  5. Azziz R, Woods KS, Reyna R, Key TJ, Knochenhauer ES, Yildiz BO. The prevalence and features of the polycystic ovary syndrome in an unselected population. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(6):2745-2749. doi:10.1210/jc.2003-032046