Why PCOS Diagnoses Are on the Rise

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormone-related conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. Over the past few decades, diagnoses have been rising steadily. But what’s behind the numbers? Are more people actually developing PCOS, or are we simply recognizing it more often? The answer is: both.

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a condition that affects hormone balance and ovulation. It often shows up in a few key ways:

• Irregular periods or not ovulating regularly
  
  

• High androgen levels (sometimes called “male hormones”), can cause acne, excess hair growth, or hair thinning
  
  

• Polycystic ovaries are seen on an ultrasound (many small follicles on the ovaries)
  
  

Not everyone with PCOS will have all three features, and symptoms can vary a lot. Some people may mainly notice skin or hair changes, while others may first learn about PCOS when trying to conceive. PCOS is also closely linked to insulin resistance, which is why lifestyle and nutrition strategies are so important.

Increased awareness and better screening

Just a generation ago, many people living with PCOS went undiagnosed (and still do today - it takes 2+ years to get diagnosed). Symptoms like irregular periods, acne, hair growth, or challenges with fertility were often brushed aside as “normal.”

Today, things look slightly different. Increased awareness—both among healthcare professionals and within the general public—means more people are being diagnosed. Doctors now have clearer diagnostic guidelines, and patients are more likely to speak up if they notice changes in their cycle or hormone health. This shift toward education and advocacy has helped ensure that fewer people fall through the cracks.  While things have improved, there is still a long way to go, and we need more research to better understand PCOS and its different types.

Lifestyle and daily habits

Modern lifestyles can influence PCOS symptoms and may partly explain why more cases are being identified:

• Sedentary work environments: Sitting for long periods and not getting enough movement can affect metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
  
  

• Diet patterns: Highly processed foods, low fiber intake, and high sugar diets can worsen insulin resistance.
  
  

• Sleep habits: Poor or irregular sleep disrupts hormone balance and can increase stress hormones, impacting cycles and metabolic health.
  
  

• Stress: Chronic stress influences cortisol, insulin, and reproductive hormones, which can make PCOS symptoms more noticeable or harder to manage.
  
  

While lifestyle does not cause PCOS, these factors can amplify symptoms and make them more noticeable, which may increase the likelihood of diagnosis. The encouraging part is that making targeted lifestyle changes—balanced nutrition, regular movement, stress management, and better sleep—can help support hormone health and overall well-being.

Environmental factors

Research also points to environmental contributors:

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs): Found in plastics, personal care products, and pesticides, EDCs can interfere with hormone signaling. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates, has been associated with PCOS features in some studies.
  
  

A worldwide trend

PCOS is now recognized as a growing global health concern. Data from large-scale studies show increases in both diagnosis and prevalence:

Sources: Global Burden of Disease studies and systematic reviews

What this means?

For those living with PCOS—or wondering if they might have it—these trends carry an important message: you’re not alone, and your symptoms deserve attention.

The rise in diagnoses highlights the value of listening to your body, learning about your hormone health, and seeking support. With the right nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and medical care, PCOS can be managed. Simple habits like regular movement, balanced meals, adequate sleep, and stress management can all make a real difference.

Lifestyle Tips for PCOS

Here are some actionable steps to help support hormone balance and manage PCOS symptoms:

1. Balanced nutrition: Focus on whole foods with plenty of fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats. Limit highly processed foods and refined sugars to support blood sugar balance.
   
   

2. Regular movement: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (walking, cycling, yoga, or strength training). Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation.
   
   

3. Stress management: Try practices like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling. Reducing stress supports cortisol balance, which can positively impact menstrual cycles.
   
   

4. Consistent sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours per night. Adequate sleep supports hormone regulation and metabolic health.
   
   

5. Seed cycling: Incorporate seed cycling into your routine by rotating flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle. This may help naturally support estrogen and progesterone balance.
   
   

6. Mindful environmental choices: Reduce exposure to plastics with BPA, limit pesticide residues by washing produce thoroughly, and choose natural personal care products when possible.
   
   

Even small, consistent changes in these areas can make a noticeable difference in hormone health and PCOS management.

 

References

• Wolf WM, Wattick RA, Kinkade ON, Olfert MD. Geographic prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome as determined by region and race/ethnicity. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018.
  

• Lizneva D, Suturina L, Walker W, Brakta S, Gavrilova-Jordan L, Azziz R. Criteria, prevalence, and phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2016.
  

• Ganie MA, Kalra S. Polycystic ovary syndrome—A metabolic malady, the mother of all lifestyle disorders in women—Can Indian health budget tackle it in future? Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2011.

• Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Bourguignon J-P, Giudice LC, et al. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocr Rev. 2009.