PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder found in women. PCOS is a set of symptoms caused by elevated androgens (male hormones) in females, leading to several health complications, including menstrual dysfunction, infertility, hirsutism, acne, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. PCOS is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular disease risk, collectively called ‘cardiometabolic disease’ (CMD).
The aetiology of PCOS is not completely understood, and there is no known cause, although a genetic component and diet/lifestyle factors such as insulin resistance and obesity have been identified. A woman’s risk of PCOS increases by nearly 50% if a family member, such as her mother, sister, or aunt, has PCOS.