Many people are getting PCOS due to a complex mix of genetics, hormones (like insulin resistance and high androgens), inflammation, lifestyle factors (diet, weight, pollution), and gut health, with increased awareness and better diagnosis also making it seem more common, as it's a very common condition affecting 5-10% of reproductive-aged women. The exact cause isn't known, but these factors often interact, leading to hormonal disruption, irregular ovulation, and metabolic issues.
Despite being known for her glamorous public image and private nature, Victoria Beckham has been open about her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis, irregular periods, and struggles with infertility.
The exact reason why these hormonal changes occur is not known. It's been suggested that the problem may start in the ovary itself, in other glands that produce these hormones, or in the part of the brain that controls their production. The changes may also be caused by the resistance to insulin.
Because there isn't one single diagnostic test to confirm PCOS—and because there are a number of conditions that can mimic it—the condition may be both over-diagnosed and misdiagnosed, some specialists say.
Research has shown that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of PCOS, but its exact cause remains unknown. The symptoms of PCOS tend to run in families, so genetics have long been a focus of PCOS research.
It is a genetic condition that some people are predisposed to have, and weight gain can make it worse. Thin patients can have PCOS, and their condition often goes undiagnosed because they aren't obese. There certainly are issues such as insulin resistance that are common in PCOS patients—even those of normal weight.
Which parent passes down PCOS? PCOS is related to multiple different genes, which can be inherited from either your mother or your father. Only people with ovaries can develop PCOS, which means your biological father can't have the condition.
PCOS shares symptoms with some other hormone-related conditions like hypothyroidism, so your healthcare provider may work to rule these out before making a PCOS diagnosis. Also, because PCOS often occurs alongside conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol, your provider may run additional tests and screenings.
What are possible complications of PCOS? Women with PCOS are more likely to develop certain serious health problems. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, problems with the heart and blood vessels, and uterine cancer. Women with PCOS often have problems with their ability to get pregnant (fertility).
Yes. Having PCOS does not mean you can't get pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common, but treatable, causes of infertility in women. In women with PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation).
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed. Treatment options can vary because someone with PCOS may experience a range of symptoms, or just 1. The main treatment options are discussed in more detail below.
Factors that might play a role include:
Ovarian cysts and PCOS are related conditions with many of the same symptoms, meaning that women often confuse the two, or wrongly believe that they have PCOS when they do not.
Progesterone Deficiency:
Progesterone, known as the "pregnancy hormone," is essential for preparing the uterus for implantation and supporting pregnancy. In PCOS, there is often a deficiency of progesterone due to irregular or absent ovulation.
Victoria Beckham has spoken openly about her self-diagnosed learning disabilities, dyslexia and dyscalculia, revealing she struggled academically and was bullied as a child for these conditions, which weren't recognized at the time, leading to her being called "thick" by peers. She shared this on the Call Her Daddy podcast while promoting her Netflix documentary, highlighting how these challenges, similar to other visible differences, helped her develop resilience for her public career.
The prevalence of PCOS in South Asia increased significantly, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 1.87 % (95 % CI: 1.85–1.88) from 1990 to 2021. India had the highest prevalence in 2021 (269.8 per 100,000), and the highest total percentage change (TPC) in prevalence (86.9 %).
While there isn't a cure for PCOS, your healthcare provider can help you manage your symptoms. The effects of PCOS may change over time so that you become less aware of the condition. However, there isn't a treatment that permanently cures it.
Women with PCOS appear to be at increased risk for developing cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) later in life. From your teens through menopause, all women experience a monthly buildup of the endometrial lining in the uterus, as the body prepares itself for the potential of a fertilized egg.
Stage 4: Advanced PCOS with Associated Complications. In the final stage, PCOS may lead to more severe complications, often requiring more intensive medical management. Long-term risks associated with advanced PCOS include: Endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining)
PCOS treatment in Korea integrates Western medicine (like Metformin, birth control, anti-androgens) with Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) herbal remedies (e.g., Changbudodam-tang, Chokyung-san, Gamuigibitang), acupuncture, and significant lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stress management) to address hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, fertility, and symptoms like acne and irregular periods, often using a personalized approach.
Your doctor may diagnose PCOS if you have at least two of these symptoms: Irregular periods. Higher levels of androgens (male hormones), seen in blood tests or through symptoms such as acne, male-pattern balding, or extra hair growth on your face, chin, or body.
For PCOS , you may see a specialist in female reproductive medicine (gynecologist), a specialist in hormone disorders (endocrinologist) or an infertility specialist (reproductive endocrinologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
As with many health conditions, adopting healthier lifestyles can improve the symptoms of PCOS. There is good evidence to support adding in whole plant-based foods, such as those suggested on a Mediterranean diet plan or DASH diet. These diets balance fiber-rich foods, healthy fats and foods rich in antioxidants.
You are born with PCOS, but symptoms often start during puberty although for some people this can be later, up to their early twenties. There are lots of different symptoms that can be caused by PCOS.
PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion and is a multiorgan disease affecting most endocrine organs including ovaries, adrenals, pituitary, fat cells, and endocrine pancreas. The manifestations of PCOS are diverse, and up to 50% patients are normal weight.