Clinical Scorecard: Assessment of the Global, Regional, and National Impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Trends from 1990 to 2021 and Future Projections to 2035
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age characterized by irregular menstruation and hyperandrogenism.
Key Mechanisms
Genetic and environmental factors contribute to PCOS; associated with insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and psychological impacts.
Target Population
Women of reproductive age, especially those aged 10–49 years.
Care Setting
Global healthcare systems with emphasis on regions varying by Socio-demographic Index (SDI), including low-resource settings.
Key Highlights
Global burden of PCOS is increasing, with highest onset in ages 10–19 and majority cases in ages 15–49.
Higher SDI countries bear heavier PCOS burden but have better control over growth trends; low SDI countries face underdiagnosis and limited resources.
By 2035, PCOS burden is projected to continue rising due to population growth and epidemiological changes.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Use established diagnostic criteria including NIH, Rotterdam, and Androgen Excess Society guidelines.
Rule out other diseases with similar symptoms to avoid misdiagnosis.
Increase diagnostic capacity especially in low SDI regions to reduce underdiagnosis.
Management
Address associated metabolic and cardiovascular risks alongside PCOS treatment.
Incorporate psychological support to manage anxiety, depression, and quality of life impacts.
Promote lifestyle and dietary interventions as contributory factors.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Track epidemiological trends globally and regionally to inform resource allocation.
Monitor age-specific incidence and prevalence to target interventions.
Evaluate healthcare expenditures related to PCOS complications.
Risks
High risk of infertility, insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
Psychological risks including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Economic burden on healthcare systems due to complications and underdiagnosis.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Women of reproductive age diagnosed with PCOS globally, with emphasis on high-burden and underdiagnosed populations.
Treatment approaches should consider comorbid metabolic and psychological conditions; early diagnosis and management can reduce long-term complications and healthcare costs.
Clinical Best Practices
Standardize diagnostic criteria application globally to improve diagnosis accuracy.
Enhance public health awareness campaigns, especially in low SDI regions.
Allocate healthcare resources effectively based on regional burden and population growth projections.
Integrate multidisciplinary care addressing endocrine, metabolic, and psychological aspects.
Conduct ongoing epidemiological surveillance to adapt policies and interventions.
