Why Are More Cases of PCOS Emerging?

One out of nine women is getting diagnosed  with PCOS today.Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is becoming increasingly prevalent, affecting millions of women worldwide. While PCOS has always existed, the number of diagnosed cases has surged in recent decades. This increase raises critical questions: Are more women developing PCOS, or are we simply better at diagnosing it? What lifestyle and environmental changes might be fueling this trend?

Understanding PCOS

PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries, metabolism, and overall health. It is primarily characterized by:

• Irregular or absent periods due to disrupted ovulation.
• Excess androgen levels, leading to acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and hair thinning.
• Polycystic ovaries, where multiple small follicles are seen on an ultrasound.
• Metabolic issues such as insulin resistance, weight gain, and increased risk of diabetes.

The exact cause of PCOS remains unclear, but it is widely recognized as a condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

Why Are More Cases of PCOS Being Reported?

The burning question is why more cases are being diagnosed as PCOS today more than ever?

Several factors contribute to the rising number of PCOS diagnoses , some of them are:

1. Increased Awareness and Better Diagnosis

Medical advancements have improved the detection of PCOS. In the past, many women with symptoms like irregular cycles and acne were either misdiagnosed or left undiagnosed. Today, more healthcare professionals recognize PCOS symptoms, leading to earlier and more frequent diagnoses. Increased awareness through social media and online health resources has also encouraged women to seek medical advice.Ultrasounds have been the most helpful tools in the diagnosis.

2. Sedentary Lifestyles and Poor Dietary Habits

Modern lifestyles have shifted dramatically in the last few decades. Many people now engage in less physical activity due to desk jobs, long commuting hours, and digital entertainment. At the same time, diets high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats have become the norm. These dietary and lifestyle changes contribute to insulin resistance, one of the primary drivers of PCOS.

3. Rising Rates of Obesity

Obesity is strongly linked to PCOS, and global obesity rates have been steadily climbing. Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, increases insulin resistance and disrupts hormonal balance, which can trigger or worsen PCOS symptoms. While not all women with PCOS are overweight, obesity can amplify the condition’s effects.

4. Environmental Endocrine Disruptors

Exposure to chemicals known as endocrine disruptors, found in plastics, pesticides, cosmetics, and processed foods, is believed to interfere with hormonal function. Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in many plastic products, has been linked to hormonal imbalances and may contribute to the development of PCOS. The modern environment exposes people to more of these chemicals than in previous generations.

5. Increased Stress and Mental Health Challenges

Chronic stress is a growing problem in modern society. Long work hours, financial pressures, and social stressors contribute to elevated cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which can disrupt reproductive hormones and worsen insulin resistance. Stress also influences lifestyle habits, leading to poor diet choices, lack of exercise, and sleep disturbances, all of which can contribute to PCOS.

6. Genetic Predisposition and Family History

PCOS often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. However, while genetics alone cannot explain the rise in cases, the combination of genetic susceptibility and changing environmental factors and lifestyles together may be increasing the number of women who develop PCOS symptoms.

7. Changes in Reproductive Patterns

At the risk of being called regressive, I still have to share this.There is evidence that delaying marriage, using birth control pills , choosing not to have children or having them late has a role to play in the emergence of PCOS. Furthermore, hormonal contraceptives pills can mask PCOS symptoms for years, leading to a delayed diagnosis when women stop birth control in an attempt to conceive.By then it is generally too late to conceive naturally.

Most Common Causes of PCOS

PCOS is a multifactorial disorder, meaning multiple factors contribute to its development. The most common causes and risk factors include:

1. Insulin Resistance – Approximately one to two-thirds of women with PCOS exhibit insulin resistance, leading to elevated insulin levels that can increase androgen production and disrupt ovarian function.
2. Genetics – A family history of PCOS or metabolic disorders increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
3. Hormonal Imbalances – Disruptions in levels of hormones such as Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and androgens contribute to irregular cycles and ovulatory dysfunction.
4. Inflammation – Chronic low-grade inflammation is often seen in women with PCOS and may play a role in insulin resistance and androgen production.Read more about anti-inflammatory diet –HERE
5. Obesity and Lifestyle Factors – While PCOS can occur in lean women, obesity exacerbates symptoms by increasing insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances. According to research, there is a direct relationship between excessive dairy intake and PCOS
6. Environmental Toxins – Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with normal hormonal signaling and metabolism.

Final Thoughts 

The increasing number of PCOS diagnoses can be attributed to better awareness, improved medical diagnosis, and significant lifestyle and environmental changes. While genetics play a role, modifiable factors such as diet, exercise, stress management, and minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals can help reduce the impact of PCOS. Addressing these underlying causes through a holistic approach can empower women to manage PCOS effectively and improve their overall well-being.

I am participating in #BlogchatterA2Z and you can stay tuned to this space to learn more about different aspects of PCOS.

If you have anything to ask or say about this post, feel free to leave a comment and I shall be happy to reply to them.