Global, regional and national burden of polycystic ovary syndrome: historical trends from 1990 to 2021 and projections to 2035

Background This study aims to deepen the understanding and assessment of the global burden of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), providing a basis for policy-making and resource allocation to help achieve global health goals. Methods This study focused on analyzing the disease burden of PCOS at the global, regional, and national levels, considering age factors and predicting trends up to 2035. This study also involved cross-national inequality analysis, frontier analysis, and decomposition analysis. Results The burden of PCOS is increasing, with the age of onset concentrated in the 10–19 age group, while the number of cases and DALYs is predominantly in the 15–49 age group. Countries with a higher Socio-demographic Index (SDI) bear a heavier burden of PCOS, effectively controlling its growth trend. Inequality persists. Population growth and epidemiological changes are driving the increase in the burden of PCOS. By 2035, the burden of PCOS is projected to continue increasing. Conclusion The global burden of PCOS shows an overall increasing trend, with significant differences among different regions and countries. Greater support is needed for low SDI to standardize diagnostic criteria, raise public health awareness, and better protect women’s health.