Global PCOS Burden Doubles Since 1990, With Sharpest Rise Among Young Women: Study

PCOS, a common endocrine disorder and a major cause of anovulatory infertility, has long been underrepresented in global health discourse despite its wide-ranging effects. According to the study, cases of PCOS increased substantially, with incident cases rising from approximately 1.5 million in 1990 to 2.3 million by 2019. The condition also contributed to a marked rise in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), reflecting the ongoing health challenges associated with this disorder.

Bengui Jiang, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ningbo University’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, People’s Republic of China, looked at how the rates of PCOS and its related health impact (measured in DALYs) have changed between 1990 and 2019. It also compares trends across different countries and population groups to provide useful information that can help shape future health policies focused on women's hormonal and metabolic health.

Key Findings:

• The age-standardized incidence rate and DALYs due to PCOS both showed consistent growth, with estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) of 0.56 and 0.83, respectively.
• The greatest burden of PCOS was observed among women aged 20 to 29 years, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and intervention during these reproductive years.
• The highest PCOS incidence rates were found in the High-income Asia Pacific region, particularly in Japan and New Zealand, suggesting that greater awareness and better diagnostic infrastructure may affect case detection.
• Central and Eastern Europe reported lower PCOS burdens, likely due to underdiagnosis and limited healthcare access.
• Countries like Italy, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia had the highest overall burden of PCOS, attributed to advanced medical systems and improved screening efforts.
• Equatorial Guinea and Qatar experienced the fastest-growing incidence and DALY rates, influenced by rapid urbanization and healthcare development.
• Middle-socio-demographic index (SDI) countries had the greatest overall burden of PCOS.
• Adolescents aged 15–19 years showed the steepest rise in new PCOS cases.

These findings emphasize the urgent need to prioritize women's metabolic and reproductive health within public health frameworks, particularly in regions undergoing socioeconomic transitions.

The study's author stress, "addressing PCOS effectively will require enhanced global awareness, standardization of diagnostic protocols, and equitable healthcare access. Policymakers are urged to develop tailored strategies focusing on early detection, education, and resource allocation to mitigate the long-term effects of PCOS on women’s health and well-being."

"As projections indicate continued growth in PCOS cases through 2045—especially in middle-SDI regions—the study highlights the importance of long-term planning and international cooperation to tackle this often-overlooked but impactful condition," the author concluded.

Reference:

Jiang B. The Global Burden of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women of Reproductive Age: Findings from the GBD 2019 Study. Int J Womens Health. 2025;17:153-165 https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S490836