POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME: ORIGINS AND IMPLICATIONS: Epidemiological aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome.

IN BRIEF: PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders in reproductive-aged women, causing diverse clinical manifestations with significant long-term health impacts. This review provides contemporary epidemiological evidence on PCOS outcomes while highlighting methodological limitations and research priorities.

ABSTRACT: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 10-13% of women worldwide and is characterized by metabolic, reproductive, dermatological and psychological manifestations with long-term health implications. The aetiology of PCOS is complex and multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition and environmentally driven increases in obesity, manifesting as hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. Research has been underfunded in this condition with significant remaining knowledge gaps, particularly in its pathophysiology, heterogeneity, and long-term natural history. Epidemiological research is essential for understanding the natural history of this chronic and complex condition with current insight gaps and future directions outlined herein.