Patient Info Sheet on PCOS & Endometriosis

🌸 Endometriosis & PCOS in Young Asian Women: Why It Matters for Future Fertility

Why are Endometriosis and PCOS common in Asian women?

🔬 1. Genetics & Ethnicity

• Studies show Asian women have a higher risk of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to other ethnic groups.
• This may be linked to hereditary factors, hormonal profiles, and how the body processes inflammation.

🍜 2. Diet & Lifestyle Patterns

• High intake of refined carbs and low physical activity—common in urban lifestyles—can increase insulin resistance, which worsens PCOS symptoms.
• Some traditional diets may also contribute to hormonal imbalance or inflammation.

💊 3. Cultural Barriers & Delayed Diagnosis

• In many Asian cultures, women may delay seeking care for menstrual pain or irregular cycles.
• This often leads to late diagnosis when the condition has already impacted fertility.

How Do These Conditions Affect Future Fertility?

🌼 Endometriosis

• Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing scarring, inflammation, and blockage of the fallopian tubes.
• Up to 30-50% of women with endometriosis may face challenges getting pregnant.

🌼 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Hormonal imbalance causes irregular ovulation or no ovulation at all.
• This leads to delayed or difficult conception without treatment.

Early Awareness = Better Fertility Outcomes

✅ Early detection and treatment (like hormonal therapy, lifestyle changes, or surgery if needed) can help protect future fertility.
✅ If you experience painful periods, irregular cycles, or difficulty conceiving, speak to your doctor early.

🧠 Your reproductive health matters. Early action can make a big difference for your future.
📍Talk to your healthcare provider for screening and management options.

Here is a concise Clinician Information Sheet on Endometriosis and PCOS in Young Asian Women with a focus on prevalence, pathophysiology, and fertility implications:

🩺 Clinician Information Sheet

Endometriosis & PCOS in Young Asian Women: Implications for Reproductive Health

1. Epidemiology & Ethnic Predisposition

Endometriosis

• Higher prevalence reported among East and Southeast Asian women (e.g., Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian) compared to Caucasians.
• Studies suggest 1.5–2x higher risk for Asian women, potentially due to genetic susceptibility, immune response differences, or diagnostic bias.

PCOS

• PCOS is underdiagnosed in Asian populations, yet emerging data suggest comparable or higher prevalence (up to 15–18% depending on criteria).
• Asian women with PCOS often present with less hirsutism but more pronounced metabolic dysfunction (e.g., insulin resistance, central obesity).

2. Pathophysiology & Contributing Factors

• Genetic factors: Shared familial risk and polymorphisms affecting steroidogenesis, inflammation, and insulin signaling.
• Environmental influences: Urbanization, high-glycemic diets, sedentary lifestyles.
• Cultural barriers: Menstrual pain and irregularity often normalized; delayed diagnosis is common.

3. Impact on Fertility

✅ Endometriosis

• Infertility mechanisms:
  • Anatomical distortion (adhesions, tubal blockage)
  • Inflammatory peritoneal environment impairs gamete transport and implantation
  • Ovarian endometriomas may reduce ovarian reserve
• Up to 50% of women with endometriosis experience infertility.
• Severity (Stage III/IV) correlates with lower fecundity.

✅ PCOS

• Anovulation and irregular cycles are hallmark features.
• Insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism impair folliculogenesis.
• Obesity compounds ovulatory dysfunction and reduces ART success.
• Long-term risk of subfertility without early ovulation induction or metabolic control.

4. Clinical Considerations in Asian Populations

5. Management Recommendations

🔍 Early screening in high-risk patients with:

• Severe dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain
• Irregular cycles, acne, or weight gain
• Family history of PCOS or infertility

💊 First-line treatment:

• OCPs for cycle regulation & endometriosis suppression
• Metformin + lifestyle change in PCOS with insulin resistance
• Fertility preservation discussion (AMH testing, egg freezing in select cases)

🤰 Preconception care:

• Timely referral for ovulation induction, ART as needed
• Manage BMI, glycemic control, and comorbidities

6. Key Takeaways for Clinicians

• Be vigilant: Symptoms in Asian women may be subtle or dismissed.
• Diagnose early: Preserve fertility options and reduce long-term morbidity.
• Educate and support: Address cultural barriers and normalize conversations around reproductive health.

Dr Sharad ObGynae
+6010 7778901