Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Multifaceted Women’s Health Concern
Written by : Angela Zanetha Yoshe H
"PCOS does not define a woman's identity, understanding the condition can be
the first step toward reclaiming her health."
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in
women of reproductive age, affecting approximately 10–13% of women worldwide. PCOS is
not only an ovarian disorder but a complex condition that affects reproductive, metabolic,
psychological health, and overall quality of life. Many individuals experience delayed
diagnosis, limited access to appropriate care, and misunderstanding of their symptoms.
Therefore, effective management of PCOS requires a holistic, patient-centered approach.
PCOS is characterized by a combination of ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism,
and polycystic ovarian morphology. In adults, diagnosis is generally established when at least
two of these three criteria are present, after excluding other conditions. Ovulatory dysfunction
may manifest as irregular, infrequent, or absent menstrual cycles. Hyperandrogenism refers to
elevated levels or effects of androgen hormones, clinically causing hirsutism, acne, or female-
pattern hair loss. Biochemical hyperandrogenism can be assessed through blood tests
measuring total and free testosterone.
Polycystic ovarian morphology can be identified via ultrasonography. However, the
presence of multiple ovarian follicles alone is not sufficient for diagnosis. The 2023
international guideline states that anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) may be used as an alternative
marker for polycystic ovarian morphology in adults, but should not be the sole diagnostic test.
In adolescents, diagnosis is more challenging because irregular cycles and acne can be part of
normal pubertal development, requiring evaluation of persistent ovulatory dysfunction and
hyperandrogenism.
The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood but is believed to involve interactions
between genetic, hormonal, metabolic, and environmental factors. Insulin resistance is
commonly found in PCOS; elevated insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to produce more
androgens, disrupting follicle development and ovulation. Although obesity can worsen insulin
resistance, PCOS can also occur in individuals with normal body mass index, so weight should
not be the only indicator of metabolic risk. A family history of PCOS or type 2 diabetes also
increases risk.
Social and environmental factors such as limited healthcare access, low health literacy,
weight stigma, and normalization of irregular menstruation can delay diagnosis. Analysis from
the Global Burden of Disease Study shows an increase in PCOS cases and incidence between
1990–2019, with adolescents and young women identified as key populations for early
intervention.
PCOS is a leading cause of anovulatory infertility, although many individuals can still
conceive naturally or with fertility treatment. PCOS is also associated with increased metabolic
risks, including impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and
cardiovascular disease. The 2023 guideline recommends blood glucose screening at diagnosis,
with oral glucose tolerance testing as the most accurate method.
Endometrial health is another concern, prolonged anovulation leads to unopposed
estrogen exposure, increasing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. Cycle regulation
and progestogen therapy can reduce this risk. Psychological impacts of PCOS should not be
overlooked. Symptoms such as acne, hirsutism, weight changes, and infertility can negatively
affect body image and self-esteem. Depression and anxiety are common among individuals
with PCOS, making mental health screening and referral essential.
Diagnosis involves detailed medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and
ultrasonography when needed. Other conditions such as thyroid disease, hyperprolactinemia,
non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's syndrome, and androgen-producing
tumors must be excluded.
Management should be individualized based on symptoms, goals, age, metabolic risk,
reproductive plans, and patient preferences. Lifestyle management, balanced diet, regular
physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management is the foundation of care. The goal is
to support overall health and quality of life, not solely weight loss.
Medications may be used to address specific symptoms. Combined oral contraceptive
pills help regulate cycles and reduce androgen-related symptoms in those not seeking
pregnancy. Metformin may be considered when metabolic abnormalities or insulin resistance
are present. For those seeking pregnancy, ovulation induction therapy may be required. All
treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
"Early awareness, compassionate care, and informed choices can transform PCOS
management from a struggle into a journey of empowerment."
Patient education and shared decision-making are essential. Individuals with PCOS
need clear information about their condition, potential complications, treatment options, and
the importance of long-term follow-up. Health services should reduce stigma and ensure
respectful, culturally appropriate, and accessible care.
Through all this information, it can be concluded that PCOS is a lifelong, multifaceted
condition affecting multiple aspects of health. Variable symptoms among individuals can lead
to delayed diagnosis and inconsistent management. Early recognition, accurate diagnosis,
metabolic and psychological screening, and individualized treatment are crucial for improving
health outcomes.
A comprehensive approach to PCOS should combine lifestyle support, medical care,
mental health services, reproductive counseling, and patient education. By strengthening health
literacy and reducing stigma, healthcare providers can help individuals with PCOS understand
their condition and actively participate in health decisions.
References
International PCOS Network. (2023). Recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-
based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Human
Reproduction, 38(9), 1655–1679. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dead156
Teede, H. J., Tay, C. T., Laven, J. J. E., Dokras, A., Moran, L. J., Piltonen, T. T., Costello, M.
F., Boivin, J., Redman, L. M., Boyle, J. A., Norman, R. J., Mousa, A., & Joham, A. E. (2023).
Recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment
and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &
Metabolism, 108(10), 2447–2469. https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgad463
World Health Organization. (2026). Polycystic ovary syndrome. https://www.who.int/news-
room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
Zhang, J., Zhu, Y., Wang, J., Hu, H., Jin, Y., Mao, X., et al. (2024). Global burden and
epidemiological prediction of polycystic ovary syndrome from 1990 to 2019: A systematic
analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. PLOS ONE, 19(7), e0306991.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0306991
Zhao, Y. (2024). Prevalence and accurate diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome in
adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Endocrinology,
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