ABSTRACT
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a varied and complicated illness affecting the reproductive and metabolic health of approximately 4%–20% of reproductive-aged women globally. It is a multifactorial complex endocrine syndrome attributed by persistent hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation, hyper-androgenicity, and polycystic ovaries resulting in infertility, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles, and hirsutism, usually starting in premenopausal years and continuing even after menopause. Over a couple of decades, various environmental toxins including endocrine-disrupting chemicals have been associated with the advancement of PCOS due to their direct interference with neuroendocrine- and metabolic-signaling pathways. Besides, dietary habits and lifestyle are imperative factors in PCOS development, especially ultra-processed foods that are rich in transfats and having high glycemic index, which subsequently results in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. In addition, the socioeconomic status and geographical variations also influence the incidence of PCOS. This chapter discusses these factors and their involvement in PCOS appearance and progression in detail. In conclusion, this chapter discusses probable imminent research perspectives which need immediate attention in order to categorize the responsible environmental factors and to explore their role in the etio-pathogenesis of this multifactorial complex health condition.
