What is the prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in the general population?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects approximately 6–10% of women of reproductive age worldwide, though prevalence rates vary across populations and diagnostic criteria. This makes PCOS one of the most widespread endocrine conditions among women globally.

If you're experiencing symptoms like irregular periods, unexplained weight changes, acne, or excess hair growth, it's worth taking a closer look. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you better understand what may be going on and guide your next steps—whether that means monitoring at home or seeking care from a healthcare provider. Early awareness is one of the most important tools for managing PCOS effectively.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if PCOS could explain your symptoms Discover likely causes of PCOS-like symptoms See if your symptoms suggest PCOS Find OTC options for PCOS symptoms Find a doctor for PCOS care Discover home remedies for PCOS symptoms Understand whether PCOS needs care now

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Explanation

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a common condition that affects women. Based on available studies, the prevalence of PCOS in the general population ranges from about 6% to 10%.

Global Perspective: According to a study, PCOS affects approximately 6% to 10% of women globally. This shows that PCOS is a widespread condition that many women experience.
Variations in Prevalence: Different studies have shown that the prevalence of PCOS can vary depending on the population being studied. This means that in some places, more women might have PCOS than in others.

PCOS can cause a variety of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty with fertility. Understanding how common it is can help with awareness and management of the condition. If you're experiencing symptoms that concern you, you can start by taking a free AI symptom checker test to better understand your health, and then consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.

(References)

Yu O, Christ JP, Schulze-Rath R, Covey J, Kelley A, Grafton J, et al. (2023). Incidence, prevalence, and trends in polycystic ovary .... American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 37061077.
Salari N, Nankali A, Ghanbari A, Jafarpour S, Ghasemi H, Dokaneheifard S, & Mohammadi M. (2024). Global prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in women .... Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, 38922413.
March WA, Moore VM, Willson KJ, Phillips DI, Norman RJ, & Davies MJ. (2010). The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in a ... - PubMed. Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 19910321.

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