40+ PCOS statistics, women’s health, and treatment methods

Did you know that PCOS affects up to 10% of women worldwide? Learn about PCOS's impact on women's health in this statistics article.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder characterised by irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, and ovarian cysts, is prevalent among women of reproductive age- affecting nearly 10% worldwide.

Unfortunately, due to its under-diagnosed nature for years, it can negatively impact both their physical and emotional well-being.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that adversely affects women's reproductive, metabolic, and mental well-being. According to Dr. Stephanie Faubion, M.D., MBA, from Mayo Clinic, “Treatment for PCOS revolves around handling specific issues such as infertility, acne, or obesity by making lifestyle adjustments like losing weight through exercising and medications to alleviate symptoms effectively. It's advisable to seek medical guidance while understanding the intricacies involved in this condition."

Key PCOS statistics

Approximately 5 to 6 million women in the U.S. are believed to have PCOS.¹
The market size for PCOS was estimated to be $2.8 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to increase from $2.93 billion in 2023 to reach a value of $4.26 billion by the end of 2032, displaying a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% during the forecast timeframe.⁵
PCOS has hindered career progression for one in every five individuals.³
Individuals affected by PCOS have a 41% elevated probability of experiencing miscarriage compared to those unaffected.⁴
Insulin resistance is estimated to be present in 30% to 80% of individuals with PCOS, according to scientists.²
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) has earned recognition as an effective secondary therapy for drug-resistant PCOS. Many individuals have asserted that LOD produced elevated rates of ovulation (80%) and pregnancy (60%) following the procedure.⁵
Approximately 90% of individuals who experience excessive hair growth due to PCOS also present with multiple cysts on their ovaries.⁴
Self-management of PCOS symptoms resulted in greater success for 56% of individuals compared to the authoritarian measures provided by GPs.³
PCOS carries a moderate chance of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which can be a possible side effect of fertility drugs that stimulate egg production. This may occur in up to 7.5% of individuals with PCOS who become pregnant following in vitro fertilisation (compared to just 2.7% among those without the condition).⁴
Although the genetic connection to PCOS is ambiguous, having close relatives with the disorder increases your likelihood of developing it. Roughly 20% - 40% of individuals who have PCOS also share this condition with their mother or sister. This could potentially be attributed to both genetics and comparable lifestyles alike.²

Worldwide PCOS statistics

Did you know that approximately 5 to 6 million women in the U.S. are believed to have PCOS?¹

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's report, 6 to 12% of women in America who can reproduce suffer from PCOS. This condition stands out as one of the leading causes of female infertility.⁵

PCOS is recognized as a top factor for female infertility worldwide. OB-GYN Dr. Clara Paik, affiliated with UC Davis Health, stresses that PCOS affects anywhere between 8 to 13% of women in their reproductive years and often goes unnoticed in up to 70% of patients who have it. This endocrine disorder results from elevated levels of androgens interfering with regular ovarian function, which triggers irregular menstrual cycles and causes reduced fertility rates.

This condition not only affects reproductive abilities but also raises the chances of developing diabetes and heart disease alongside other health problems, consequently posing considerable public health concerns.

Recent data shows that PCOS impacts more than 3 million individuals in the U.K. exclusively.³
In some individuals, PCOS is characterised by small fluid sacs called cysts on the ovaries. However, this name can be deceptive since many people with PCOS do not have these cysts and may even lack symptoms altogether. This contributes to an alarming statistic where up to 70% of those who possess it remain unaware they are afflicted with PCOS.²
Insulin resistance is estimated to be present in 30% to 80% of individuals with PCOS, according to scientists.²
Although the genetic connection to PCOS is ambiguous, having close relatives with the disorder increases your likelihood of developing it. Roughly 20% - 40% of individuals who have PCOS also share this condition with their mother or sister. This could potentially be attributed to both genetics and comparable lifestyles alike.²
The market size for PCOS was estimated to be $2.8 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to increase from $2.93 billion in 2023 to reach a value of $4.26 billion by the end of 2032, displaying a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% during the forecast timeframe.⁵
Diagnosed PCOS exhibited varying rates according to race or ethnicity, with prevalence at 1.6% in white women while ranging from as high as 3.5% in South Asian women down to as low as 1.1% among Chinese women.⁶
Hispanic women had a prevalence rate of 1.9%, while Black women had a rate of 1.7%.⁶
PCOS diagnosis was found to be more common in women aged 21-34 years (1.97%) compared to those between the ages of 35 and 44 (1.17%).⁶

Millions of women are still facing a significant health challenge worldwide known as PCOS. Aside from its impact on reproductive health, the condition poses broader concerns for metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental well-being.

Effects of PCOS statistics

A predominant issue in PCOS, affecting around 60-80% of females, is the surplus production of male hormones known as Androgens. Most commonly, this originates from ovaries within women's bodies.¹

This is a compelling fact, considering the percentage of women affected by PCOS. Dr. Andrea Dunaif, Chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Disease at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, reiterates, "The impact of PCOS on women's health is profound and extends beyond reproductive health, affecting their overall well-being and quality of life."

One of the most frequent reasons for infertility is attributable to it. Its effects may include:

Cease your menstrual cycle or render its predictability difficult.
Trigger the appearance of acne and undesired hair on both face and body.
Elevating the chances of experiencing other health complications, such as diabetes and hypertension.²

PCOS increases the likelihood of experiencing a variety of other health issues, including:

Having difficulty conceiving may be caused by hormonal imbalances, which can inhibit ovulation. In the absence of a viable egg to fertilise with sperm, becoming pregnant is not possible. Nonetheless, it's feasible to conceive even if diagnosed with PCOS; this might entail taking medication and collaborating closely with an infertility expert.²
Although individuals with PCOS can generally experience a successful pregnancy, the condition heightens their susceptibility to diabetes (gestational diabetes) and high blood pressure (preeclampsia). Moreover, it amplifies the possibility of preterm delivery or miscarriage while increasing chances for caesarean section deliveries.²
Diabetes and concerns with insulin arise when the cells in your muscles, organs, and tissues cannot absorb blood sugar effectively due to insulin resistance. This results in an accumulation of excess sugar in your bloodstream, which may not exhibit any symptoms until it leads to diabetes at high glucose levels. Individuals diagnosed with PCOS have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes by age 40, as more than half fall prey to this condition.²
Having Metabolic Syndrome puts you at a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease since it is characterised by symptoms such as elevated triglyceride levels and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) ApoB, hypertension, and hyperglycemia.²

Actually, "Weight gain in individuals with PCOS is largely attributed to insulin resistance, which is a common feature of the condition," explains Dr. Anuja Dokras, Director of the Penn Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Center. "Insulin resistance causes higher levels of insulin to circulate in the bloodstream, which can lead to increased fat storage and weight gain, particularly around the abdomen."

PCOS has hindered career progression for one in every five individuals.³
One-third of individuals claim that PCOS has influenced their romantic connections, while an additional one-fifth report effects on their family relationships.³
One out of every five individuals perceives their partner as lacking understanding in managing their PCOS symptoms.³
70% of individuals reported that their self-esteem was negatively affected by having PCOS.³
Approximately 90% of individuals who experience excessive hair growth due to PCOS also present with multiple cysts on their ovaries.⁴
PCOS is responsible for about 70% of cases where there is a lack or absence of ovulation, known as anovulation.⁴
Individuals affected by PCOS have a 41% elevated probability of experiencing miscarriage compared to those unaffected.⁴

Experiencing miscarriage(s) may be due to several underlying factors, including hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation. But what sets a normal miscarriage apart from one experienced by someone with PCOS?

Dr. Zev Williams, Chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, says, "These factors can affect the uterine environment and embryo quality, leading to higher rates of pregnancy loss."

Treatment methods for PCOS statistics

PCOS is associated with a 50% higher risk of individuals developing type 2 diabetes before the age of 40, highlighting the importance of effective management. Despite its significant impact, many women remain unaware of the various treatment options available to manage its symptoms effectively.

“Women with PCOS have a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In our study, we found that the risk is four times greater, and diabetes is diagnosed four years earlier in women with PCOS compared to those without the condition,” explains Dr. Dorte Glintborg, M.D., Ph.D., of Odense University Hospital in Denmark.⁸

39% of people (two in five) received no treatment following their first consultation.³
More than two-thirds of individuals had to wait for more than a year to receive their PCOS diagnosis.³
Out of 10 people, one had to wait over five years before receiving treatment. Additionally, 7% waited for more than ten years.³
Self-management of PCOS symptoms resulted in greater success for 56% of individuals compared to the authoritarian measures provided by GPs.³
PCOS patients can increase their chances of conceiving through the use of infertility drugs. Clomiphene citrate (CC) is often prescribed as an initial option to stimulate ovulation, and it has been shown to induce ovulation in 75-80% of those with PCOS. The medication also boasts a conception rate per cycle of approximately 22%.⁴
PCOS carries a moderate chance of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which can be a possible side effect of fertility drugs that stimulate egg production. This may occur in up to 7.5% of individuals with PCOS who become pregnant following in vitro fertilisation (compared to just 2.7% among those without the condition).⁴
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) has earned recognition as an effective secondary therapy for drug-resistant PCOS. Many individuals have asserted that LOD produced elevated rates of ovulation (80%) and pregnancy (60%) following the procedure.⁵

Case Study

Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling Case Study

A recent study titled "Laparoscopic ovarian drilling for ovulation induction in women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome," published in the Cochrane Library this July revealed that if medical ovulation induction alone yields a live birth chance of 42%, LOD can provide results ranging from 28% to 40%.

The research highlighted the high success rate and cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery, making it the preferred method among patients and instilling confidence in its potential to improve patient outcomes. With such advantages, analysts anticipate a significant adoption rate across multiple projection periods.5

PCOS treatment methods help enhance the quality of life and symptom management options. Women with PCOS can now choose from a range of effective strategies tailored to their individual needs - such as diet and exercise to more medical interventions like hormonal therapy or fertility treatments.

At the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center, Dr. Valerie Lynn Baker leads as Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, where she highlights a thorough and individualised strategy toward treating PCOS. To effectively manage PCOS, Dr. Baker notes that addressing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues is often necessary for success.

This approach customises treatments unique to each patient's health profile so fertility options like ovulation induction or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are achievable without complications due to associated ailments . Collaborative upkeep from optimal healthcare providers fulfils patient planning desires.

Receive a comprehensive fertility analysis by booking a free consultation with Cada.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. What is the process of diagnosing PCOS?

A single test is unavailable to diagnose PCOS and physicians rely on a clinical diagnosis that considers medical history rather than specific blood tests. To identify the syndrome, three factors are taken into account including,

irregular menstrual cycles starting from puberty (excluding hormone use),
symptoms of excess androgen such as excessive hair growth or acne, or
having an elevated testosterone level in your blood; together with appearance of polycystic appearing ovaries demonstrated through ultrasound imaging scans.

Meeting at least two out of these criteria will lead to being diagnosed with PCOS by doctors who may conduct various assessments like weight monitoring, assessing levels for diabetes screening test outcomes along with endometrial lining review among other procedures during treatment progression.⁹

Q2. What is the cause for PCOS?

The cause of PCOS remains uncertain at present. Nonetheless, some specialists believe that the condition could be inherited genetically due to its higher prevalence among women who have a family history involving their sister or mother with it. The majority think that women experiencing PCOS possess an insulin defect or malfunctioning insulin secretion mechanism which results in this affliction and increases diabetes likelihood amongst those afflicted by it.⁹

Q3. Do PCOS have any impact on the likelihood of conceiving children?

A hormonal imbalance, genetics and even your lifestyle can potentially hinder normal ovulation and lead to female infertility or sub-fertility.⁹

Q4. Can PCOS be cured?

There is no cure for PCOS, but symptoms can be managed with appropriate treatment at a fertility clinic. Weight loss may also benefit many women by improving their PCOS-related symptoms.⁹

Q5. Is it possible for a woman with PCOS to conceive using IVF or ICSI?

The use of both IVF and ICSI are beneficial for women with PCOS struggling to conceive. This hormonal disorder can cause irregular menstrual cycles and anovulation (a lack of ovulation), resulting in infertility. Here's how these treatments aid in overcoming such challenges:

IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation):

Ovarian stimulation protocols can be effective for women with PCOS, by administering fertility medications to stimulate the growth of multiple eggs.

After reaching maturity, the eggs are extracted from the ovaries and undergo fertilisation with sperm in a laboratory environment. This method avoids potential complications stemming from ovulation or blockages in the fallopian tubes.
After culturing the resulting embryos for several days, they are transferred into the uterus of a woman where implantation may take place. This procedure is called Embryo Transfer.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI):

ICSI can be utilised when conventional IVF encounters problems with fertilisation or in cases involving male infertility factors. It involves directly injecting a single sperm into an egg to promote successful fertilisation.

ICSI has the potential to enhance fertilisation rates, especially when there are apprehensions about sperm quality or function. This circumstance may be frequent in couples where PCOS affects the woman.¹⁰