Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately one in eight women worldwide, making it one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age.
Despite its prevalence, PCOS is often misunderstood and diagnosed late. Many women experience symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, acne, and irregular or absent menstrual periods—even when maintaining healthy diets and regular exercise routines—without realizing these could be signs of an underlying hormonal imbalance.
The condition is primarily driven by an overproduction of androgens, or male hormones, which disrupt normal ovarian function and can lead to a range of metabolic and reproductive challenges. While the name “polycystic ovary syndrome” suggests the presence of multiple ovarian cysts, experts clarify that cysts are not required for diagnosis.
“The name is somewhat misleading, as PCOS can be diagnosed without the presence of many cysts,” said Sita Arjune, a physician in the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Preventive Medicine at University Hospital Cologne. “What matters more for diagnosis is a hormonal imbalance, particularly elevated androgen levels.”
Nicole Reisch, head of endocrinology at LMU Klinikum in Munich, emphasized that PCOS remains under-recognized despite its widespread impact. “It’s the most common hormonal disorder in women of childbearing age,” she noted.
Beyond physical symptoms, PCOS significantly affects quality of life. A study by PCOS Selbsthilfe Deutschland e.V. Found that women with the condition reported lower quality of life compared to healthy controls, frequently citing emotional distress related to infertility and fears of remaining childless.
Researchers surveyed 120 women with PCOS who had not yet begun treatment and 50 healthy women using standardized questionnaires on well-being, satisfaction, and sexual health. The results highlighted the need for greater attention to the psychological and social dimensions of the condition.
Although PCOS is associated with long-term health risks such as metabolic syndrome, public awareness and medical understanding remain limited. Experts suggest that renaming the condition could help reduce confusion and improve recognition, as the current focus on ovarian cysts does not fully reflect its systemic nature.
PCOS can influence multiple aspects of health, including skin, hair, metabolism, and mental well-being. Early recognition and comprehensive care are essential to managing symptoms and improving outcomes for affected women.
