Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is increasingly common among Asian women, with genetics, lifestyle, and stress all playing a part.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal condition that affects up to 15% of women who are in their reproductive years.
And if you have no idea what this condition means, you might want to get familiar, because it’s not only one of the most common endocrine disorders impacting women, it is also becoming an escalating problem across Asia.
What is PCOS?
PCOS occurs when there is a hormonal imbalance in the ovaries, where they produce excessive levels of androgens, or “male hormones,” disrupting ovulation and metabolism.
It is characterised by a combination of symptoms, including:
- Irregular or absent menses
- Infertility
- Excessive growth of hair on the face and body (hirsutism)
- Hair thinning or loss on the scalp
- Oilier skin or acne breakouts
- Weight gain
- Mood disorders
However, these symptoms do not always present in an obvious way. For an accurate diagnosis, one would usually require to undergo a pelvic ultrasound or blood tests.
“The ultrasound will show small cysts in one or both ovaries, also known as polycystic ovaries. Blood tests will show hormonal imbalance and high anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels,” clarified Dr Tan Thiam Chye, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, in The Straits Times.
PCOS in Asia
Research has shown that PCOS is increasingly becoming a public health concern in Asian regions. Part of the reason could be a genetic predisposition to it, and the mounting pervasiveness of obesity.
The Genetic Component
Caption: The incidence of PCOS is high in Asia, and its symptoms can vary depending on ethnicity.
Original Image Source: Shutterstock
Interestingly, PCOS is more likely to occur in South Asian countries, possibly due to inherited polymorphisms or higher levels of stress.
The way PCOS is presented can also differ across ethnicities. For instance, signs of PCOS that show up in Chinese Singaporean women tend towards irregular periods, and they may not experience weight gain. This is unlike women of Indian origin, who are more likely to undergo the latter.
Lifestyle and the Modern Asian Diet
For years, authorities have emphasised the rising tide of obesity in Asia, such that it has become an epidemic. This is due to our shift towards an increasingly Westernised diet, comprising extensive quantities of fast food and other processed foods, as well as sugary drinks. This epidemic is further aided by our lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle.
Combined, these factors can have a strong influence on our development of PCOS.
How PCOS Develops – And Its Consequences
Obesity, in particular its associated component of insulin resistance, causes ovaries to produce more androgen than is needed. The higher androgen levels suppress ovulation, naturally leading to the other symptoms of PCOS, and, potentially, endometrial cancer.
Furthermore, this condition means that the body is unable to correctly process insulin, which is supposed to help regulate our blood glucose. This leads to higher levels of glucose, which can result in diabetes and metabolic syndromes.
Beyond its physiological impacts, PCOS can also have an adverse influence on our mental health. For instance, the weight gain, hair loss and excess sebum can have a demoralising effect, which is intensified by the fact that we live in a society preoccupied with a certain standard for beauty. It can lead to shame and social withdrawal, and even anxiety and depression.
Managing PCOS
Even though PCOS can be an inherited complication, external factors still hold very strong sway over whether we develop it. Considering how profoundly this condition affects both physical and psychological well-being, it is thus important to find ways to manage it, and one thing that can make a difference is a dramatic change to our lifestyle.
Eating For Hormone Health
Cut down on fare that is high in sugar, salt and fat.
Instead, eat more foods that are high in fibre, including broccoli, beans and lentils, as well as lean proteins, such as fish and chicken. This can help prevent insulin resistance, and promote healthier weight and metabolism.
Engaging in Physical Activity
Another way we can manage our weight and metabolism?
Exercise.
It is recommended that we get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, and include some muscle-strengthening sessions. Remember to follow through on regular workouts not just to achieve a desirable weight, but to help overcome the symptoms of PCOS.
Managing Stress and Sleep
Practicing stress-reducing techniques like breathing exercises and yoga, and ensuring you catch enough sleep are also key. They can help you regulate your stress, hormone and metabolism levels, all of which shapes your development of PCOS.
Seek Medical Help
For those who display the symptoms of PCOS more severely, you may need medical intervention.
“Key-hole surgery (laparoscopy) and ovarian drilling (removal of the ovarian cysts) can help to rectify the polycystic ovaries. This has been shown to improve ovulation in 80 per cent after surgery,” explained Dr Tan.
“Ovulation medications can also improve fertility, as can hormonal medications. There are also pills to regulate menses. Metformin helps to reduce insulin resistance and improve menstrual cycles and ovulation,” he added.
Whether small or large, these changes can help us break free from PCOS. Ultimately, the goal is to regain control over our body, and uphold our quality of life.
The Takeaway
PCOS is a lifelong metabolic and hormonal condition that affects physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. While genetics may set the stage, lifestyle factors play a starring role.
By taking small, consistent steps — from eating better to staying active and seeking timely medical care — women can take charge of their health and mitigate the long-term effects of PCOS.
Read More
- Understanding PCOS on International Women’s Day: Symptoms, Solutions, and Hope
- How Gut Health Affects Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Why Spearmint Tea is the Buzz for Hormonal Regulation & PCOS
External References
- Chen, Q., Zhao, J., Wu, X., Xie, X., & Liu, M. (2025). Temporal Trends of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Burden in the East and Southeast Asia from 1990 to 2021: An Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. International Journal of Women’s Health, 17, 2097–2108. Retrieved from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12275927/
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 15). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8316-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, September 8). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
- Rahman, I. H. A. (2024, June 12). Polycystic ovary syndrome: Irregular periods, infertility, excessive hair growth – here’s what you should know. CNA. Retrieved from: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/women/pcos-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-symptoms-treatment-391471
- Santora, E. (2023, April 25). What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? Health. Retrieved from: https://www.health.com/pcos-overview-7110992
- SingHealth. (n.d.). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Retrieved from: https://www.singhealth.com.sg/symptoms-treatments/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
- The Straits Times. (2023, July 5). Polycystic ovary syndrome: How losing weight can help with irregular periods, acne and infertility. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/how-losing-weight-can-help-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-novo-nordisk
- Whelan, C. (2025, March 25). Effects of Diet on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/pcos-diet
- Yeo, S. (2025, May 9). ‘PCOS made me feel out of control’: How women with this common disease take charge of their health. The Straits Times. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/life/pcos-made-me-feel-out-of-control-how-women-with-this-common-disease-take-charge-of-their-health
