Women's Health

PCOS–A Rising Condition Affecting 1 in 5 Women and the Missing Piece in Its Care

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for PCOS—especially when mental health is left out.
PCOS–A Rising Condition Affecting 1 in 5 Women and the Missing Piece in Its Care
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Zena le Roux
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The global rate of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been on the rise year after year, with up to 21 percent of women affected. This condition is accompanied by severe long-term complications as women age, including infertility, diabetes, heart disease, and mental health challenges.
Yet when PCOS is mentioned, it’s often reduced to acne, irregular periods, or weight gain. That narrow view can delay care. PCOS runs deeper than hormones and cycles—it’s a full-body condition that demands full-body care.

Links to Mood

PCOS has been associated with a higher risk of mental health and cognitive difficulties, including symptoms that overlap with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Zena le Roux
Zena le Roux
Author
Zena le Roux is a health journalist with a master’s in investigative health journalism and a certified health and wellness coach specializing in functional nutrition. She is trained in sports nutrition, mindful eating, internal family systems, and applied polyvagal theory. She works in private practice and serves as a nutrition educator for a UK-based health school.