Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide and also a major cause of infertility in women.

Despite PCOS being prevalent in our parts of the world it still remains a mystery to a lot of people which leads to misunderstandings and misconceptions about the disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines PCOS as a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It usually starts during adolescence, but symptoms may change over time.

It is a chronic disease that cannot be cured. However, some symptoms can be improved through lifestyle changes, medications and fertility treatment.

Some Statistics

According to WHO, PCOS affects an estimated 8 to 13 percent of women of reproductive age. Out of the figure, about 70 percent remain undiagnosed worldwide.

Globally, the prevalence rate of 5 to 10 percent and 17 to 22 percent of people between the ages of 9 and 19 have been reported to have been diagnosed with PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria.

In Africa, studies have shown that the prevalence of PCOS ranges from 16 to 32 percent.

Risk Factors

According to WHO, all females have a high risk of contracting PCOS, especially, those with a family history of Type Two diabetes.

One’s ethnicity can also be a risk factor for developing PCOS if such groups have a history of the disease.

Also, obesity could be another risk factor. PCOS is common in women who are obese although the relationship between obesity and PCOS is not yet established medically.

An individual’s lifestyle can also pose a risk factor in contracting PCOS. Someone who spends much time lying or sitting for long periods, while having an unhealthy diet may experience to increase in insulin resistance which increases their risk of contracting PCOS.

Signs and Symptoms

Some common signs and symptoms of the PCOS disorder include; irregular menstrual periods or amenorrhea (no periods), weight gain, or being obese.

Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, and back is also a symptom of PCOS.

Further, infertility or difficulty in getting pregnant, mood swings, depression, and anxiety are all symptoms associated with PCOS.

Risk Reduction

To reduce the risk of getting PCOS, experts advise that one must maintain a healthy weight. Managing your weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise helps to reduce insulin resistance and androgen levels.

Scientists say getting enough sleep helps to reduce the risk of getting the disorder. Sleeping for 7 to 8 hours per night regulates hormones and metabolism.

Again, staying hydrated and limiting your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and junk foods could reduce the risk of developing PCOS.

Lastly including Omega 3 supplements in one’s diet helps to reduce androgen levels and improves insulin sensitivity.

Some Recommendations

PCOS is very common in women, yet only a few know that such a disease exists.

Therefore, to prevent the disease, there is a need for stakeholders to intensify public health education about the disorder to improve awareness among women of the signs and symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Public Education also needs to be combined with health workers' education about the signs and symptoms of early symptoms of PCOS so that they can be referred for treatment when the need arises.

Lastly, we should encourage women to consult health professionals when they start noticing any of these signs and symptoms.

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