Polycystic ovary syndrome in Latin American populations: What is known and what remains unresolved

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the main endocrine and reproductive disorders affecting women in their reproductive age. The syndrome is considered a multifactorial pathology. Therefore, genetic susceptibility and environmental factors contribute to PCOS development and phenotypic manifestation. Ethnicity and socioeconomic factors influence the development of PCOS and could affect the possibility of its diagnosis. Latin America is a unique case of study because of the heterogeneity within the region, complex socioeconomic status, and the mixed ancestry found in these populations. Up-to-date, most studies have focused on developed countries´ populations, and there is a lack of evidence regarding Latin-American countries. We propose to review the state of the art of PCOS knowledge regarding Latin American populations, including the metabolic and reproductive aspects of the syndrome and the different influencing factors, and suggest future directions to deepen the study of PCOS.