Why PCOS Is Becoming Common in Women: Causes, Risks, and Prevention
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age. According to global health estimates, between 8–13% of women suffer from PCOS, though many remain undiagnosed. The condition interferes with ovulation, increases androgen levels, and leads to symptoms like irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and fertility issues.
But why has PCOS become so common among women in recent years? Experts point to a mix of lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors. This article explores what’s causing the rise in PCOS cases, its long-term risks, and what women can do to prevent or manage it effectively.
What Is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterised by:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Excess androgen (male hormone) levels
- Polycystic ovaries—multiple small follicles that don’t develop into mature eggs
These hormonal imbalances disrupt ovulation and may lead to infertility, insulin resistance, obesity, mood swings, and skin issues. While there’s no cure, PCOS can be managed with early diagnosis and lifestyle adjustments.
1. Sedentary Lifestyle and Poor Diet
One of the leading contributors to the increasing prevalence of PCOS is modern sedentary lifestyles. With more women working desk jobs and relying on processed foods, weight gain and insulin resistance have become widespread.
Insulin resistance not only contributes to obesity but also stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens, exacerbating PCOS symptoms.
- High sugar and carbohydrate intake spikes insulin
- Low physical activity reduces metabolic function
- Excess abdominal fat worsens hormonal imbalances
Women leading sedentary lives with high-stress diets are at greater risk of developing PCOS over time.
2. Hormonal Imbalances Triggered by Stress
Chronic stress impacts the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which regulate female reproductive hormones. When the body produces high levels of cortisol, it disrupts the balance of oestrogen and progesterone—two hormones critical for ovulation.
Furthermore, stress leads to emotional eating, poor sleep, and inflammation, which all contribute to the hormonal chaos that fuels PCOS.
3. Environmental Toxins and Endocrine Disruptors
Increased exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics, pesticides, beauty products, and even drinking water may contribute to hormonal imbalances.
- Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in plastic containers and water bottles
- Phthalates: Common in cosmetics and personal care products
- Persistent organic pollutants: Present in non-organic food sources
These toxins mimic or interfere with natural hormones, particularly oestrogen and insulin, increasing the risk of PCOS and reproductive disorders.
4. Early Puberty and Menstrual Irregularities
Many girls today experience puberty earlier than previous generations, often due to poor diet and lifestyle habits. Early onset of menstruation and irregular cycles may point to hormonal instability and increase the risk of developing PCOS in adolescence or early adulthood.
Early screening and intervention in girls with irregular periods, acne, or excess body hair can help catch PCOS early before complications arise.
5. Genetic Predisposition
Although lifestyle plays a significant role, genetics cannot be overlooked. PCOS often runs in families, and daughters or sisters of affected women are at higher risk.
If you have a family history of PCOS, it’s crucial to monitor your menstrual health and adopt preventive lifestyle measures early on. While you cannot change your genes, you can influence how they express through diet and activity.
6. Increased Awareness and Diagnosis
The rise in PCOS cases may also be partly attributed to improved awareness and diagnostic tools. In the past, many women lived with PCOS symptoms without knowing the cause. Now, more gynaecologists are trained to recognise and treat it, and women are more proactive about their reproductive health.
This increase in diagnoses doesn’t necessarily mean more women have PCOS than before—but that more women are finally being identified and supported.
Symptoms of PCOS
Women with PCOS may experience a wide range of symptoms, which can vary in severity. These include:
- Irregular, missed, or prolonged periods
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
- Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
- Acne or oily skin
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Fertility issues
- Dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)
Not every woman with PCOS will have cysts on her ovaries. Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms, hormone levels, and ultrasound findings.
Long-Term Risks of PCOS
If left unmanaged, PCOS can lead to several serious health complications:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Endometrial cancer (due to irregular menstruation)
- Depression and anxiety
- Heart disease
- Sleep apnoea
This makes early detection and lifestyle intervention critical for long-term health and quality of life.
How to Prevent or Manage PCOS
While PCOS cannot be cured, it can be successfully managed—and in some cases prevented—through lifestyle changes and medical treatment.
1. Adopt a Healthy Diet
- Focus on low-GI foods (e.g., whole grains, legumes, vegetables)
- Limit sugar, refined carbs, and processed snacks
- Eat balanced meals with protein, fibre, and healthy fats
2. Exercise Regularly
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days
- Combine cardio with strength training for better results
- Yoga and pilates can help reduce stress and improve hormonal health
3. Manage Stress
- Practice deep breathing, meditation, or journaling
- Set boundaries in work and relationships
- Prioritise rest and hobbies
4. Consult a Gynaecologist
- Get hormone levels and blood sugar tested
- Track your menstrual cycles regularly
- Discuss birth control options to regulate periods
Real-Life Example
Case Study: Anjali, 28, gained weight, had irregular periods, and severe acne. Diagnosed with PCOS, she started a low-carb diet, joined a fitness class, and consulted a gynaecologist. Within six months, her periods regulated, and her skin cleared up. She now manages PCOS through lifestyle rather than medication.
FAQs About PCOS
Can I get pregnant if I have PCOS?
Yes. While PCOS can make ovulation irregular, many women conceive naturally or with fertility treatment. Lifestyle changes improve success rates.
Is PCOS a lifelong condition?
Yes, but symptoms can be managed and even reversed through consistent diet, exercise, and medical support. Many women lead healthy lives with PCOS.
Can thin women have PCOS?
Yes. Though more common in overweight women, lean women can also develop PCOS due to hormonal or genetic factors.
Are birth control pills safe for PCOS?
Birth control pills help regulate periods and reduce androgen symptoms. However, they don’t treat the root cause. Consult a doctor for personalised advice.
Is there a cure for PCOS?
There is no permanent cure, but it is a highly manageable condition with the right interventions and lifestyle choices.