Updated Overview of the Geographical Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Diagnostic Criteria, Phenotypes, Race, and Ethnicity

Background: Newly named Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), affects women worldwide. The prevalence of PCOS is thought to range from 5 to 15% depending on the diagnostic criteria used. The 2023 International Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Assessment and Management of PCOS recognize the 2003 Rotterdam criteria as the gold standard diagnostic tool. The objective was to examine the global prevalence of PCOS across diagnostic criteria, phenotypes, geographical locations, races, and ethnicities by reviewing current research. Methods: Researchers searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. The study included 27 articles. Results: Prevalence varies globally, ranging from 1.6% to 28.5% in North America. In Brazil, the prevalence was 30.4%. Europe showed rates ranging from 5.9% to 19.9%. In Asia, the prevalence ranged from 4.21% in rural India to 35.3% in the Kashmir Valley. Oceania showed a prevalence of 6.8% among Samoan women and 12% in Australian women. The Middle East ranged from 1.6% in Dubai to 48.5% in Pakistan. In Africa, the prevalence was 32.5% in Sudan. Conclusions: The study’s findings highlight significant variations in the prevalence and phenotype distributions influenced by demographic factors and diagnostic criteria. Limitations include inconsistent diagnostic criteria, underrepresentation of geographical regions, and reliance on self-reported data, emphasizing the importance of using standardized diagnostic criteria and focused research.