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Review Article

Author(s): Khatun S, Ali MA, Akter AHMM, Rahman MA

PAH Med Col J. Jan 2026; 3(1): 30-37

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder with reproductive, metabolic, and psychosocial consequences. Evidence is dominated by high-income or urban settings; far less is known about PCOS in resource-limited, ecologically vulnerable contexts such as Bangladesh’s floodplain (haor) regions. This narrative review synthesized 21 peer-reviewed studies into six domains: prevalence/burden, determinants, psychosocial/cultural dimensions, comorbidities, treatment, and conceptual evidence. Globally, PCOS affects 6–15% of women of reproductive age, with higher estimates in South Asian cohorts, yet no population-based data exist for Bangladesh. Determinants include insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and genetic risk, compounded in floodplain settings by poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to diagnostics. Comorbidities span metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes, while treatment recommendations face feasibility barriers in rural Bangladesh due to cost and cultural constraints.

PCOS in Bangladesh — particularly in floodplain regions — likely represents an underrecognized multisystem burden. Priority actions include integrating symptom screening into reproductive and NCD services, task-sharing with community health workers, culturally adapted lifestyle programs, mental-health screening, stronger referral pathways, and targeted research on community prevalence and health-system readiness.

Keywords

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Reproductive Health, Metabolic Syndrome, Mental Health, Resource-Limited Settings, Bangladesh Floodplain

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How to cite: Khatun S, Ali MA, Akter AHMM, Rahman MA. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Women’s Health in Resource-Limited Settings: A Narrative Review with Insights from Floodplain Regions of Bangladesh. PAH Med Col J. Jan 2026; 3(1): 30-37.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.70945/pahmc.v03i01.06